How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing When Bored

Why Dogs Chew When Bored

Dogs chew when bored because they need to occupy their time and satisfy natural instincts. Puppies chew due to teething pain, while older dogs may chew out of habit or to relieve boredom. Chewing is also instinctual—dogs have evolved to explore and process objects with their mouths. If a dog lacks stimulation, they may turn to furniture, shoes, or household items as a way to pass time. Without proper outlets, chewing becomes a destructive habit.

Control the Environment to Prevent Chewing

The most effective way to stop chewing is to prevent your dog from accessing items they shouldn’t chew. Supervise your dog closely, or confine them to a safe, dog-proofed area like a crate, playpen, or gated room. Remove or secure valuables—shoes, trash, cords, and laundry—when you can’t watch them. This management strategy stops the behavior before it starts and reduces the chance of reinforcement through repeated access.

Provide Safe and Appealing Chew Alternatives

Instead of just stopping chewing, teach your dog what they *can* chew. Offer a variety of safe, durable toys—bones, antlers, rubber chew toys, or veterinarian-approved chews. Rotate these items regularly to keep them interesting. For bored dogs, interactive toys like Kong puzzles filled with treats can provide mental stimulation and make chewing more rewarding than destructive behavior. The goal is to make appropriate chew items more enticing than forbidden ones.

Use Training to Redirect Chewing Behavior

When you catch your dog chewing something inappropriate, calmly redirect them to a safe toy. Use a cue like “chew” or “toy” and click and reward them when they switch to the proper item. This teaches them that choosing the right toy leads to a treat. Practice this consistently, especially when they’re left alone. Over time, they’ll learn to choose the correct item on their own. You can also place tempting items near acceptable toys and reward them for choosing the right one.

Address Boredom with Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Boredom-driven chewing often stems from unspent energy. Increase your dog’s daily exercise with walks, play sessions, fetch, or training games. Mental challenges like food puzzles or hide-and-seek games help tire them out. Training sessions are especially effective because they involve working with you, which dogs love. If your dog is left alone, ensure they have activities to do—like puzzle toys or chewable treats—so they don’t resort to destruction.