How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Furniture and Shoes

Why Dogs Chew Furniture and Shoes

Dogs chew for many reasons. Puppies often chew due to teething pain, which can be relieved by gnawing on safe items. Older dogs may chew out of boredom, habit, or anxiety. Some dogs also use their mouths to explore their environment, as their sense of taste and touch develops early in life. Chewing is also instinctual—dogs evolved to chew on bones and marrow, so the urge remains strong. If your dog is chewing dangerous items, they risk tooth damage, gum injuries, or intestinal blockages. Understanding the root cause is the first step in solving the behavior.

Prevent Access to Problem Items

The best way to stop chewing is to stop the opportunity. Keep shoes in closed cabinets, put toys in covered boxes, and secure trash bins with locking lids. Never leave tempting items out where your dog can reach them. If you don’t want your dog to chew your new shoes, don’t give them old shoes as chew toys. This prevents confusion and sets clear boundaries. For furniture, use deterrents like wintergreen oil—its strong smell naturally repels dogs and is safe, organic, and chemical-free. These steps reduce temptation and help your dog learn what’s off-limits.

Provide Safe and Appealing Alternatives

Dogs need something safe to chew. Offer a variety of durable, veterinarian-approved chew toys—such as rubber toys, rawhides, antlers, or bones. Experiment to find what your dog likes best. If your dog is teething, chew toys can soothe sore gums. For older dogs with chewing habits, having appealing alternatives reduces the urge to chew inappropriate items. Always keep a few chew toys available, especially when your dog is unsupervised. The goal is to make the right choice more attractive than the wrong one.

Redirect and Train with Positive Reinforcement

When you catch your dog chewing something they shouldn’t, calmly replace it with a proper chew toy. As soon as they show interest in the toy, click (if using a clicker) and reward with a treat. This teaches them that chewing the right thing leads to rewards. Repeat this often to build the connection. Over time, add a cue like “chew” or “toy” to signal the desired behavior. Practice by placing tempting items and the toy nearby, then cue and reward the correct choice. This training helps your dog learn what’s acceptable through trial and positive feedback.

Address Underlying Causes Like Anxiety or Boredom

If chewing is linked to anxiety—especially separation anxiety—basic training alone won’t fix it. These dogs chew out of stress, not curiosity. In such cases, professional help or targeted strategies (like those in Chapter 17 of *Lucky Dog Lessons*) may be needed. For bored dogs, increasing mental and physical stimulation can reduce destructive chewing. Supervision is key: if you’re not watching, your dog can’t chew something wrong. Control their environment and provide enrichment to prevent bad habits from forming.