How to Stop Your Dog from Destroying Toys

Why Dogs Chew (And Why It’s Hard to Stop)

Dogs chew for many reasons: teething puppies find relief in gnawing, older dogs may chew out of boredom, anxiety, or habit. Some dogs explore their world through their mouths, as taste and touch are their primary senses early in life. Chewing is also instinctual—dogs evolved to chew on bones and marrow. While it’s natural, chewing on shoes, furniture, or plants can be dangerous, leading to broken teeth, gum injuries, or intestinal blockages. The key isn’t to stop chewing entirely, but to teach your dog what is safe and acceptable to chew.

Prevent Access to Problem Items

The best way to stop chewing is to stop the opportunity. When your dog isn’t under direct supervision, remove tempting items like shoes, socks, and trash. Store them behind closed doors, in locked cabinets, or in toy boxes with lids. Never give your dog old shoes or personal items as toys—this confuses the message and may teach them that all shoes are fair game. Even if your dog seems to understand the difference, they may not make that connection. Prevention is more effective than punishment, especially since dogs don’t understand “right” or “wrong”—only what’s safe or dangerous.

Offer the Right Chew Toys

Not all toys are equal. Your dog may ignore toys if they don’t like the texture, smell, or type. Provide a variety: hard rubber toys, rawhides, antlers, or chew bones. Rotate toys every few days to keep them interesting—just like children, dogs can get bored with the same toys. Pay attention to what your dog prefers: squeaky toys, soft plush, or food-dispensing toys like Kongs or Busy Buddies. Use food puzzles to make toys more appealing, especially if your dog is more motivated by treats than play. Always ensure toys are safe—avoid anything that can be easily torn apart and swallowed.

Redirect and Train with Consistency

When you catch your dog chewing something they shouldn’t, calmly replace it with a safe chew toy. Use a clicker and treats to reward the switch—click and treat the moment they show interest in the correct toy. This teaches them that choosing the right toy leads to a reward. Over time, add a cue like “chew” or “toy” to help them associate the word with the behavior. Practice “sting operations”—set up situations where your dog might chew the wrong thing, then redirect them immediately. Timing is crucial: redirecting after a minute of chewing is too late. Consistency builds the habit.

Supervise and Build Good Habits

Supervision is key. If you’re not watching, your dog may chew something dangerous. Even if they’ve been well-trained, a dog can regress and test new items—like antique tables or rugs. Keep them confined or in a dog-proofed space when unsupervised. Once your dog consistently chooses safe toys, gradually increase their freedom under close supervision. The goal is to redirect, not punish. Punishment doesn’t teach what to do—it only teaches when not to do it. Focus on positive reinforcement and prevention to build lasting habits.