How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Paws

Why Dogs Chew Their Paws

Dogs chew their paws for several reasons, including teething in puppies, boredom, anxiety, or habit. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and chewing helps relieve pain during teething. Older dogs may chew due to pent-up energy, stress, or simply because they’ve never been taught what’s acceptable to chew. Some dogs chew out of instinct, as chewing was essential for survival in the wild. If chewing is excessive or self-inflicted, it may signal anxiety or a medical issue—consult your vet if you suspect harm.

Prevent Access to Problem Items

The best way to stop paw chewing is to prevent access to tempting items. Keep shoes, clothes, and other chewable objects out of reach—store them in closed cabinets or behind doors. Use toy boxes with lids to contain toys and secure trash bins with locking lids. This is especially important for puppies, who are naturally curious and exploratory. By dog-proofing your home, you reduce opportunities for destructive behavior and help your dog learn boundaries.

Redirect with Appropriate Chew Toys

Instead of stopping chewing entirely—impossible for most dogs—redirect the behavior to safe, acceptable items. Offer a variety of chew toys with different textures, such as durable rubber toys, antlers, or veterinarian-approved rawhides. Let your dog explore and find what they like. When you catch them chewing their paw or an inappropriate item, calmly replace it with a proper chew toy. This teaches them what’s allowed without punishment.

Use Positive Reinforcement Training

Train your dog using clicker training or treats to reinforce good choices. When your dog picks up a chew toy instead of a shoe or their paw, click and reward them immediately. This builds a strong connection between the correct behavior and the reward. Over time, add a cue like “chew” or “toy” to signal the desired action. Practice with tempting items nearby to strengthen the habit. Consistency and timing are key—your dog learns best when the reward follows the correct behavior right away.

Address Underlying Anxiety or Medical Issues

If your dog chews their paws when left alone or shows signs of stress, it may be linked to separation anxiety. In such cases, behavior training alone may not be enough. Chapter 17 of *Lucky Dog Lessons* offers specific strategies for managing anxiety-related chewing. Also, if your dog is ingesting non-food items (a condition called pica), consult your vet to rule out medical causes. Never use punishment—this can worsen anxiety and damage your bond.