How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Everything

Why Dogs Chew Everything

Dogs chew for many reasons—puppies chew due to teething pain, while older dogs may chew out of boredom, anxiety, or habit. Chewing is also instinctual; dogs use their mouths to explore their environment, just as they did thousands of years ago when they needed to gnaw on bones and marrow. Even if your dog is older, chewing can still be a learned behavior that needs correction. If your dog is chewing dangerous items like cords or toxic substances, it’s important to act quickly to prevent injury.

Prevent Access to Temptations

The best way to stop chewing is to stop the opportunity. Dog-proof your home by keeping shoes, remote controls, books, and cords out of reach. Use baby gates, closed doors, or secure cabinets to limit your dog’s access. For puppies, this is especially important since they’re naturally curious and destructive. Never leave your dog unsupervised in areas where they can chew on forbidden items. If you allow too much freedom without supervision, you’re inviting chewing behavior to continue.

Provide Safe, Acceptable Chew Toys

Dogs need something safe to chew on—especially puppies going through teething. Offer a variety of durable, veterinarian-approved chew toys, bones, antlers, or natural chews like bully sticks. Experiment to find what your dog prefers. Having multiple safe options available helps redirect their chewing instinct. Always keep these toys accessible, especially when you can’t supervise your dog. This gives them a positive outlet instead of your furniture or shoes.

Use Positive Reinforcement Training

When you catch your dog chewing something they shouldn’t, calmly replace it with a safe toy. As soon as they show interest in the correct toy, click (if using a clicker) and reward with a treat. This teaches them that chewing the right thing leads to rewards. Over time, add a cue like “chew” or “toy” to help them associate the word with the behavior. Practice this with tempting items nearby to build their ability to choose correctly. Consistency and timing are essential for success.

Address Boredom and Anxiety

If your dog is chewing out of boredom or anxiety, the solution isn’t just training—it’s lifestyle change. Older dogs who chew may simply need more exercise and mental stimulation. Activities like fetch, training sessions, or puzzle toys help burn off energy and reduce destructive behavior. If you suspect separation anxiety or fear-related chewing, address the root cause first. Training alone won’t work if the underlying emotional issue remains unmet.