How to Stop Puppy Chewing on Shoes and Socks

Why Puppies Chew on Shoes and Socks

Puppies chew for several reasons, including teething pain, boredom, curiosity, or anxiety. Their mouths are their primary way of exploring the world, especially since they’re born blind and deaf. Chewing helps relieve teething discomfort and satisfies their natural instinct to gnaw. Some dogs also chew to get attention—even negative attention is attention. If your puppy chews on shoes, socks, or furniture, it’s not defiance—it’s instinct or need. Left unchecked, this behavior can lead to injury, such as broken teeth or intestinal blockages from swallowing non-edible items.

Prevent Access to Problem Items

The most effective way to stop chewing is to manage your puppy’s environment. Keep shoes, socks, and other tempting items out of reach—behind closed doors, in locked cabinets, or in toy boxes with lids. Never give your dog old shoes or socks as chew toys, even if they’re no longer worn. This confuses them: if one shoe is okay to chew, why not all shoes? Instead, remove the temptation entirely. Supervision is crucial—your puppy can’t chew your favorite things if you’re watching them or they’re in a puppy-proofed space.

Offer Better Chew Alternatives

Your puppy needs safe, appealing chew toys that match their preferences. Rotate toys every few days to keep them interesting—just like children, dogs get bored with the same toys. Observe what your pup likes: soft plush, hard rubber, squeaky toys, or food puzzles like Kongs or Busy Buddy toys. Use food-filled toys to increase motivation. If your dog enjoys playing with objects, engage them with their toys instead of letting them steal yours. Always ensure toys are safe—no small parts that can be swallowed.

Train with Positive Reinforcement

When you catch your puppy chewing something they shouldn’t, calmly replace it with an approved chew toy. As soon as they show interest in the correct toy, click and treat. This teaches them that chewing the right thing leads to rewards. Repeat this consistently to build the connection. Over time, add a cue like “chew” or “toy” to signal the desired behavior. Practice by placing tempting items and the toy nearby—use the cue and reward the correct choice. This helps your puppy learn to choose wisely even when temptation is present.

Use Deterrents and Distractions

If your puppy keeps going for shoes or furniture, use a bitter-tasting spray like Bitter Apple on the item—never on the puppy. Apply it to areas they chew, and refresh daily until they stop. When you see chewing start, distract them with a toy and redirect their focus. Use a loud clap or excited voice to get their attention, then offer the toy. If biting occurs during petting or grooming, freeze and stop interaction for 10–15 seconds. This teaches them that biting ends the fun. Use a leash and baby gate or closed door to create a safe exit strategy during training.