How to Stop Your Dog from Eating Drywall
Drywall chewing is a serious issue that can lead to injury or blockages. - Confine your dog when unsupervised to remove access to drywall. - Provide appropriate chew toys and redirect chewing behavior immediately. - Use positive reinforcement to teach acceptable chewing habits.
Why Dogs Eat Drywall
Dogs may chew on drywall due to boredom, anxiety, teething, or a natural instinct to explore with their mouths. Puppies, in particular, are driven by curiosity and need to chew as part of development. If your dog is ingesting non-food items like drywall, this behavior falls under a condition called pica—eating non-nutritive substances. This habit can be dangerous, leading to dental damage, gum injuries, or intestinal blockages requiring surgery.
Prevent Access to Drywall
The most effective way to stop drywall eating is to prevent access. When you cannot supervise your dog, confine them to a dog-proofed area—such as a crate, ex-pen, or secured room—free of chewable items. This includes removing or covering drywall edges, baseboards, or any accessible wall sections. Never leave your dog unsupervised in areas where they can reach drywall, even for a few minutes. Prevention is key to avoiding reinforcement of the behavior.
Redirect with Appropriate Chew Toys
Dogs chew because they need to chew—so give them safe, acceptable alternatives. Always keep a supply of durable chew toys available, such as rubber or rawhide chews approved by veterinarians. When you see your dog approaching drywall, interrupt the behavior with a firm “Ah!” and immediately redirect them to a chew toy. Reward them with a treat and praise when they engage with the toy. This teaches them that chewing on the right item leads to positive outcomes.
Use Positive Reinforcement Training
Consistent training with a clicker and treats can help your dog learn what is acceptable to chew. When your dog starts chewing drywall, calmly replace it with a toy. Click and reward the moment they show interest in the correct toy. Repeat this process multiple times to strengthen the association. Over time, introduce a cue like “chew” or “toy” to signal the desired behavior. Practice with tempting items nearby to reinforce choices in real-world situations.
Address Underlying Causes
If chewing persists, consider whether your dog is bored, anxious, or under-stimulated. Dogs chew to release energy or seek attention—even negative attention is attention. Increase mental and physical stimulation with walks, playtime, and puzzle toys. If chewing is tied to separation anxiety, consult a professional trainer or behaviorist. For older dogs with long-standing habits, additional deterrents or behavioral training may be needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can drywall eating harm my dog?
Yes. Ingesting drywall can damage teeth, cut gums, or cause intestinal blockages requiring surgery.
How long does it take to stop a dog from chewing drywall?
With consistent training and prevention, progress can be seen in weeks, but full habit change may take months depending on the dog’s age and behavior history.
Sources
- Dog Training 101 · Kyra Sundance · Chapter on Troubleshooting
- Lucky Dog Lessons · McMillan, Brandon · General Chewing Guidance
- Click and Connect A Real-World Guide to Clicker Training for You and Your Pup · Grant, Pete · Destructive Chewing Section
- Dogs Are From Neptune · 2nd Edition (Donaldson, Jean) · Puppy Behavior and Confinement
⚠️ 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.