How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Furniture and Toys

Why Dogs Chew on Furniture and Toys

Dogs chew for many reasons, including boredom, teething, anxiety, hunger, or pent-up energy. Puppies often chew to relieve gum pain during teething, while older dogs may chew out of habit or to explore their environment. Dogs don’t understand the value of your belongings—they only see them as potential chew toys. They also don’t grasp right from wrong, only what’s safe or dangerous. Without guidance, they may learn that chewing furniture or shoes is acceptable, especially if they get attention—even negative attention.

Prevent Access to Forbidden Items

The best way to stop chewing is to prevent the opportunity. Keep shoes, toys, and trash out of reach—behind closed doors, in locked cabinets, or in toy boxes with lids. Never leave your dog unsupervised in areas with tempting items. This is especially important for puppies and dogs with a history of destructive chewing. Preventing access stops your dog from experimenting with things like leather shoes, carpets, or antique furniture. Once a dog discovers that something is a good chew toy, it becomes harder to stop the behavior.

Provide the Right Chew Alternatives

Always have safe, approved chew toys available—especially when your dog isn’t being watched. Choose durable rubber toys, rawhides, or veterinarian-approved options. These should be similar in texture to what your dog wants to chew (like a couch leg or shoe). If your dog starts to chew something forbidden, calmly replace it with a proper chew toy. This teaches them that acceptable chew items are always available and rewarding.

Redirect and Reward with Clicker Training

Use a clicker and treats to teach your dog what to chew. When you catch your dog chewing something they shouldn’t, calmly replace it with a toy. Click and treat the moment they show interest in the correct toy. Repeat this often to build the connection between the right choice and the reward. Over time, add a cue like “chew” or “toy” to signal the desired behavior. Practice this with multiple tempting items nearby to reinforce the habit of choosing the right toy.

Use Deterrents and Manage Behavior

If redirection isn’t enough, use a bitter-tasting spray like Bitter Apple on furniture or other forbidden items. Apply it discreetly and refresh daily until your dog stops chewing. Never spray the puppy—only the object. Also, teach your dog alternative ways to interact without biting. When petting or grooming, click and treat for gentle behaviors like licking or nuzzling. If they bite, pause interaction for 10–15 seconds. Use a leash or baby gate to help manage the dog during training, but never leave a dog tethered without supervision.