Is It Normal for Dogs to Chew Furniture?

Why Dogs Chew Furniture

Chewing on furniture like couches is a common behavior in dogs, particularly during puppyhood. According to Sue Brown, chewing on couch cushions is listed among typical behaviors that dogs engage in, often as a way to explore their environment or seek attention. Dr. Ian Dunbar’s guide explicitly states that chewing on couches, cushions, and other household items is something dogs should not do, highlighting how widespread the issue is.

Puppies often chew due to teething pain, which can be relieved by gnawing on appropriate items. Zak George explains that chewing is instinctual—dogs historically needed to chew bones and marrow to survive, and many still have this natural drive. Additionally, dogs use their mouths to explore the world, especially since they are born blind and deaf, making taste and touch in the mouth their first senses.

Common Triggers for Chewing

Several factors can lead a dog to chew furniture. Boredom, anxiety, and pent-up energy are frequent causes, as noted in *Click and Connect*. Dogs may also chew to get attention—even negative attention is still attention, which reinforces the behavior.

Other triggers include hunger, lack of mental stimulation, or simply curiosity. Colleen Pelar points out that behaviors like chewing, digging, and barking are normal for dogs but may not align with human expectations of good manners. This means that while chewing furniture is common, it’s not necessarily acceptable in a home setting.

How to Prevent and Redirect Chewing

The best way to stop furniture chewing is prevention and redirection. Grant suggests limiting access to valuables when unsupervised—keeping shoes behind closed doors, using toy boxes with lids, and securing trash bins.

When you catch your dog chewing something inappropriate, calmly replace it with a safe chew toy. Click and reward them when they switch to the appropriate item, as taught in *Click and Connect*. Over time, this helps them learn what’s acceptable to chew. Adding a cue like “chew” or “toy” strengthens the connection between the behavior and the reward.

Zak George emphasizes that supervision is key—dogs can’t chew your couch if you’re watching them. He also advises not to punish them but to redirect their focus using clapping or animated distraction.

Safe Chew Options and Training Tips

Provide your dog with a variety of safe, durable chew toys. These can include heavy-duty rubber toys, rawhides, antlers, or bones approved by your vet. Experiment to find what your dog prefers.

Dr. Dunbar notes that if a dog is busy chewing a toy, it’s less likely to dig or destroy furniture. Training can be enhanced by placing tempting items (like shoes or cords) near chew toys and using a cue like “toy” to guide the dog’s choice. Click and reward the correct selection to reinforce the desired behavior.

When to Seek Help

If chewing is linked to anxiety or fear, it may require addressing the underlying emotional cause. Zak George advises consulting a vet if your dog is chewing dangerous substances, as this can lead to serious health risks like intestinal blockages or tooth damage.

Remember, chewing is natural—but it can be managed with consistent training, proper supervision, and access to safe alternatives.