How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Furniture

Why Dogs Chew Furniture and Tables

Dogs chew for many reasons, including teething pain in puppies, boredom, anxiety, or simply exploring their environment with their mouths. As dogs are born blind and deaf, their sense of taste and touch develops early, making chewing a natural way to learn about the world. Older dogs may continue chewing due to habit or lack of proper training. Some dogs chew because they’re stressed or anxious, especially when left alone. If your dog is chewing dangerous items, it can lead to dental damage or intestinal blockages requiring surgery.

Prevent Access to Problem Items

The best way to stop destructive chewing is prevention. Keep shoes, clothes, and other tempting items out of reach—store them in closed cabinets or behind doors. Use toy boxes with lids to contain chew toys and keep trash bins locked. This limits your dog’s opportunities to chew on forbidden things. Even if your dog is older, you can still dog-proof your home by removing access to items they might damage. Supervision is crucial—your dog can’t chew your couch if you’re watching them.

Redirect with Appropriate Chew Toys

Instead of punishing your dog for chewing, redirect their behavior. When you catch them chewing something they shouldn’t, calmly replace it with a safe, approved chew toy. Use a cue like “chew” or “toy” and click and reward them when they switch to the correct item. This teaches them what’s acceptable. Offer a variety of durable toys—rubber, rawhide, antlers, or bones—to find what your dog prefers. Experiment with textures and shapes to keep them interested.

Use Positive Reinforcement and Training

Consistency is key. Every time your dog chooses a proper chew toy, reward them immediately with a treat and praise. Over time, they’ll learn to associate the cue with the correct behavior. You can also place tempting items (like a shoe) near a chew toy and use your cue to guide them to the right choice. This helps build the habit of choosing safe items. Avoid chasing your dog or grabbing their mouth—this can feel like play and encourage more chewing.

Deterrents and Special Cases

For persistent chewers, consider using deterrents. Rubbing wintergreen oil on furniture can discourage chewing due to its strong smell. This is an organic, non-toxic option. If your dog chews due to separation anxiety or fear, the root cause must be addressed separately—this requires more specialized training. For older dogs with long-standing habits, a combination of prevention, redirection, and deterrents may be needed. Remember, you can’t stop chewing entirely, but you can teach your dog what’s allowed.