How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Everything

Why Dogs Chew Everything

Dogs chew for many reasons—puppies chew due to teething pain, while older dogs may chew out of boredom, anxiety, or habit. Chewing is instinctual; dogs use their mouths to explore their world, just as human babies do. Some dogs chew to relieve stress or seek attention, even if it’s negative. If your dog chews on dangerous items like cords or toxic substances, it can lead to injury or medical emergencies. The key is not to stop chewing entirely, but to teach your dog what is safe to chew.

Prevent Access to Temptations

The best way to stop destructive chewing is to prevent your dog from getting into trouble in the first place. Dog-proof your home by keeping shoes, cords, books, and trash out of reach. Use baby gates, closed doors, or crates to limit your dog’s access when you can’t supervise. For puppies, this is especially important—prevention is far more effective than correction. Never leave your dog unsupervised in a house with tempting items, just as you wouldn’t leave a toddler unattended.

Provide Safe, Appealing Chew Alternatives

Dogs need something safe to chew, especially puppies going through teething. Offer a variety of durable, vet-approved chew toys, bones, antlers, or bully sticks. Experiment to find what your dog prefers—texture and taste matter. Always have safe chew options available, especially when your dog is unsupervised. This gives them a healthy outlet for their natural chewing instinct instead of your furniture or shoes.

Redirect with Positive Reinforcement

When you catch your dog chewing something forbidden, calmly replace it with a safe toy. As soon as they start chewing the correct item, click and reward with a treat. This teaches them that chewing the right thing leads to rewards. Over time, add a cue like “chew” or “toy” to help them associate the command with the correct behavior. Practice this with tempting items nearby to reinforce the choice. Consistency and timing are key—your dog learns through repetition and clear feedback.

Address Boredom and Anxiety

If your dog keeps chewing despite training, it may be due to lack of exercise, mental stimulation, or emotional stress. Older dogs who chew often do so out of boredom. Increase daily walks, play sessions, and training games like fetch to burn off energy. If chewing happens when you’re away, it could signal separation anxiety—address the root cause, not just the symptom. Training should focus on the underlying issue, such as fear or loneliness.