How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Drywall
Drywall eating is a form of pica—ingesting non-food items. - Restrict access to walls and chewable materials. - Offer safe, durable chew toys to redirect behavior. - Use positive reinforcement to teach appropriate chewing.
Why Dogs Eat Drywall
Dogs may chew or eat drywall due to pica, a condition where they ingest non-nutritive items like paper, plastic, or fabric. This behavior is often linked to boredom, anxiety, or a need to explore their environment. Some dogs, especially those with a scavenging history, are naturally inclined to investigate and consume unusual objects. Drywall, being accessible and sometimes textured, can become a target when a dog lacks appropriate outlets for chewing.
Prevent Access to Problem Areas
The most effective way to stop drywall chewing is to limit your dog’s access. Keep your dog out of rooms with exposed drywall, especially when unsupervised. Use baby gates or closed doors to block off areas. If your dog has a habit of chewing on walls, remove tempting materials like loose drywall scraps or exposed edges. Preventing access is key—no matter how well-trained your dog is, they will act on opportunity.
Provide Appropriate Chew Alternatives
Dogs chew for a reason—boredom, teething, or instinct. Offer safe, durable chew toys such as heavy-duty rubber toys, rawhides, or veterinarian-approved chews. These should be available at all times, especially when your dog is not directly supervised. Providing acceptable alternatives helps redirect their chewing instinct away from walls and toward appropriate items.
Use Positive Reinforcement Training
When you catch your dog chewing on drywall, calmly replace the item with a proper chew toy. Click and reward them when they switch to the toy. This teaches them that chewing on the right thing leads to a treat. Over time, pair this with a cue like “chew” or “toy” to help them associate the command with the correct behavior. Consistency and timing are essential for this method to work.
Address Underlying Causes
If chewing is linked to anxiety or separation distress, consider additional training or behavioral support. Dogs with separation anxiety may chew out of stress, and this requires targeted strategies beyond simple redirection. For dogs with a scavenging past, like rescue dogs, providing structured problem-solving activities can help burn off the energy they once used for foraging. Enrichment activities can reduce the urge to chew on inappropriate items.
Frequently asked questions
Is eating drywall dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Ingesting drywall can cause intestinal blockages, tooth damage, or gum injuries. It’s a serious health risk and should be prevented.
Can I use bitter sprays on drywall?
Not recommended. Bitter sprays only work if the taste reaches the back of the tongue, and dogs may still swallow the material. They’re unreliable and not consistently effective.
Sources
- Dogs Are From Neptune · 2nd Edition · Donaldson, Jean
- Dog Training 101 · Kyra Sundance · page 138
- Click and Connect A Real-World Guide to Clicker Training for You and Your Pup · Grant, Pete
- Lucky Dog Lessons · McMillan, Brandon
- Train Your Dog Positively · [Author not specified]
⚠️ Important: this article is a literature summary, not a case diagnosis. Every dog is different — breed, age, and history all affect the plan. For severe anxiety or aggressive barking, contact a certified behavior trainer or veterinary behaviorist.