How to Stop Your Dog from Putting Everything in Its Mouth
Dogs chew to explore, relieve teething pain, or cope with boredom or anxiety. You can’t stop this instinct entirely, but you can redirect it. Use these proven steps: - Prevent access to forbidden items. - Offer safe chew toys and replace forbidden items with them. - Use clicker training to reinforce correct choices. - Avoid reacting with excitement—this rewards the behavior.
Why Dogs Put Everything in Their Mouths
Dogs explore their world primarily through their mouths. This instinct is natural—puppies are born blind and deaf, so taste and touch are their first senses. Chewing helps relieve teething pain, satisfies curiosity, and can be a way to get attention. Some dogs chew due to boredom, anxiety, or habit. If your dog chews on dangerous items like cords or shoes, it can lead to broken teeth, gum injuries, or even life-threatening intestinal blockages.
Prevent Access to Tempting Items
The best way to stop chewing is to prevent the opportunity. Keep shoes, remote controls, trash, and cords out of reach—use closed doors, toy boxes with lids, or cabinets. For puppies, dog-proofing your home is essential. Limit their freedom with baby gates or closed doors, especially when you can’t supervise. Unsupervised access gives dogs the chance to chew on things they shouldn’t.
Redirect with Safe Chew Toys
Instead of punishing your dog, offer acceptable alternatives. Provide durable, vet-approved chew toys like rubber toys, bully sticks, antlers, or rawhides. Rotate toys to keep them interesting. When you catch your dog chewing something forbidden, calmly replace it with a safe chew toy. Click and reward them when they switch to the correct item. This teaches them that chewing the right thing leads to rewards.
Train with Clicker and Cues
Use a clicker and treats to reinforce good choices. When your dog picks up a forbidden item, calmly offer a chew toy. Click and reward when they show interest in the safe toy. Repeat this consistently to build the connection. After several successes, add a cue like “chew” or “toy” to signal the correct behavior. Practice with multiple items—some allowed, some not—to help your dog learn to choose wisely.
Avoid Reinforcing the Behavior with Attention
Never chase, yell, or grab at your dog when they have something in their mouth. This can feel like play to them and actually reward the behavior. Instead, stay calm and redirect. If your dog drops the item, pick it up and offer a better alternative. Use high-value rewards—like a favorite treat or toy—to distract and redirect. Even if you don’t have a treat handy, lead your dog to the treat jar or fridge to create excitement and break the habit.
Frequently asked questions
Can older dogs learn not to chew?
Yes. While habits may be harder to break in older dogs, they can still learn what is and isn’t okay to chew with consistent training and redirection.
What if my dog swallows something dangerous?
Contact your vet immediately. Do not assume the item will pass safely—intestinal blockages can be fatal and require urgent treatment.
Sources
- Click and Connect A Real-World Guide to Clicker Training for You and Your Pup · Grant, Pete · Dealing with Common Behavior Issues
- Lucky Dog Lessons · McMillan, Brandon · in our world, where chomping down on anything that looks or smells interesting is a pretty big taboo
- Zak Georges dog training revolution the complete guide to raising the perfect pet with love · George, Zak, author, Port, Dina Roth, author · page 163
- Lucky Dog Lessons · McMillan, Brandon · as much as possible, especially if you’re bringing home a new puppy
- From Birdbrained to Brilliant Training the Sporting Dog to Be a Great Companion · (similarity=0.7016)
⚠️ 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.