What to Do When Your Dog Chews Household Items

Why Dogs Chew on Household Items

Dogs chew for many reasons. Puppies often chew because they’re teething—new teeth coming in can cause pain and itching, and chewing provides relief. Even after teething ends, many dogs keep chewing due to habit, boredom, or anxiety. Some dogs explore their world with their mouths, as their sense of taste and touch develops early. Others chew out of pent-up energy or to get attention, even negative attention. Chewing inedible items can lead to broken teeth, gum injuries, or dangerous intestinal blockages. Understanding the root cause helps you choose the right solution.

Prevent Access to Problem Items

The best way to stop chewing is to stop the opportunity. Keep shoes, remote controls, cords, and other tempting items out of reach—behind closed doors, in cabinets, or in toy boxes with lids. Never leave your dog unsupervised in areas with chewable valuables. If your dog has access to trash, use bins with locking lids. For furniture, consider using deterrents like wintergreen oil, which has a strong smell dogs dislike. Prevention is key, especially for puppies who are naturally curious and still learning what’s acceptable.

Redirect with Appropriate Chew Toys

Dogs need safe, satisfying things to chew on. Offer a variety of durable, veterinarian-approved chew toys—rubber toys, rawhides, antlers, or bones. Rotate them to keep interest high. When you catch your dog chewing something inappropriate, calmly replace it with a proper chew toy. Say “good” or use a cue like “chew” as you hand it over. This teaches them that chewing the right thing leads to rewards. Be consistent—timing is crucial for the dog to make the connection between the correct behavior and the treat.

Use Positive Reinforcement Training

Use a clicker and treats to train your dog to choose the right chew. When your dog picks up a safe toy, click and reward. Repeat this often so they learn that chewing the right thing is rewarded. Gradually add distractions—place forbidden items near chew toys—and use your cue (“chew”) to guide them to the correct choice. Over time, they’ll associate the cue with the desired behavior. This method works for puppies and adult dogs, even those with long-standing habits.

Address Underlying Causes Like Anxiety

If chewing happens when you’re away, your dog may have separation anxiety. This is a deeper issue that requires specific strategies beyond basic training. If chewing is linked to fear or stress, addressing the emotional root is essential. Always consult your vet if your dog is swallowing non-food items—this could be a sign of pica, a condition that needs medical attention. Never punish your dog after the fact; they won’t connect the punishment to the behavior. Instead, focus on supervision and redirection.