How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Toys Too Aggressively

Use the Trade Game to Redirect Chewing

When your dog chews too aggressively, use a simple training game called "Trade." This teaches your dog to willingly give up a chew toy when asked. Start by offering a treat when your dog is chewing. If they don’t release the toy, place treats on the floor in a trail leading to your hand. While they follow the trail, use your other hand to pick up the toy. Repeat this until your dog learns to drop the toy on command.

If your dog growls, stiffens, or shows signs of guarding, stop the exercise immediately and consult a positive reinforcement trainer. Aggressive guarding can be dangerous and should not be ignored. Always supervise your dog during training to prevent injury.

Rotate Toys to Keep Interest High

Dogs can get bored with the same toys over time, just like people. To keep your dog engaged, rotate their toys every few days. Leave out only a few at a time, and store the rest. This makes each toy feel new and exciting again.

Pay attention to your dog’s preferences—do they like soft plush toys, hard rubber toys, or squeaky ones? Make sure they have access to at least a few of their favorite types. Also, consider interactive toys like the Kong or Busy Buddy, which hold treats and encourage mental engagement, reducing destructive chewing.

Choose Safe, Durable Chew Toys

Not all chew toys are safe for every dog. Aggressive chewers can break toys into dangerous pieces that cause choking or intestinal blockages. Always pick toys that are:

• Attractive – Your dog must want to chew it.
• Durable – It should last longer than 30 seconds.
• Safe – No toxins, and it shouldn’t splinter or break into swallowable pieces.

For aggressive chewers, avoid rawhides or soft toys. Instead, opt for heavy-duty rubber or natural antlers. Always supervise your dog when they’re chewing, especially if they’ve destroyed toys before or ingest parts.

Prevent Access to Problem Items

Even the best training won’t work if your dog has access to forbidden items. Keep shoes, clothes, and other tempting objects out of reach. Use closed doors, toy boxes with lids, or locked cabinets. Never give your dog old shoes or socks to chew, even if they’re no longer worn—this can confuse them into thinking all shoes are fair game.

If your dog is obsessed with one specific item (like your shoes), try the “Irresistible Thing” method: tie the shoe to their collar for a short time under supervision. After a few hours, the novelty wears off, and the dog loses interest. This works best for dogs with a single fixation.

Teach What’s Appropriate to Chew

Instead of just stopping bad chewing, teach your dog what’s okay. When you catch them chewing something inappropriate, calmly replace it with a safe, approved chew toy. Click and reward them when they switch to the right toy. Use a cue like “chew” or “toy” to help them learn the behavior.

Be consistent—timing is key. Over time, your dog will learn to choose the right toy on command. Supervision is essential, especially for older dogs who may have developed habits over years.