Why Does My Dog Chew Baseboards & How to Stop It

Why Dogs Chew Baseboards

Dogs chew baseboards for several reasons. Puppies often chew due to teething pain, as new teeth grow in—just like human babies. Older dogs may chew out of boredom, habit, or anxiety. Since dogs explore their environment primarily through their mouths (they’re born blind and deaf), chewing is a natural way to learn about the world. This behavior is also instinctual—dogs once needed to chew bones and marrow to survive. If your dog chews baseboards, it may be because they’re seeking stimulation, relief, or attention—even negative attention is attention.

Common Triggers for Chewing

Chewing can be triggered by a lack of mental or physical stimulation. Dogs with pent-up energy, hunger, or separation anxiety may resort to chewing as a coping mechanism. Some dogs chew simply because they’ve never been taught what’s acceptable to chew on. If your dog is chewing baseboards, it’s likely not malicious—it’s a behavior that needs redirection. In some cases, chewing may be a sign of stress or fear, especially if it happens when you’re not home. Always consider the context: Is your dog alone? Are they active? Are they showing other signs of anxiety?

How to Stop Baseboard Chewing

The key to stopping baseboard chewing is prevention and redirection. First, limit your dog’s access to areas with baseboards by using baby gates, closed doors, or pet-proofing the space. Store shoes, cords, and other tempting items out of reach. Provide a variety of safe, durable chew toys—antlers, rubber toys, or rawhides—so your dog has acceptable options. When you catch your dog chewing something they shouldn’t, calmly redirect them to a proper toy. Use a cue like “chew” or “toy” and reward them with a treat when they switch to the right item. Consistency is crucial—repeat this process until your dog learns the connection between the cue and the correct behavior.

Use Positive Reinforcement Training

Clicker training is an effective method to teach your dog what’s allowed to chew. Gather your clicker and treats, and have several approved chew toys ready. When your dog starts chewing something inappropriate, calmly replace it with a safe toy. Click and reward the moment they show interest in the correct toy. Over time, they’ll associate the cue (e.g., “chew”) with the right behavior. For advanced training, place tempting items (like a shoe) near a chew toy and use the cue—click and reward when they choose the toy. This teaches them to make good choices even when temptation is present.

When to Seek Help

If your dog’s chewing is linked to anxiety—especially separation anxiety—standard training may not be enough. Chapter 17 of *Lucky Dog Lessons* addresses this issue in depth. If your dog is chewing dangerous items (like electrical cords or toxic substances), consult your vet immediately. Never rely only on deterrents like bitter sprays—these don’t fix the root cause. Instead, focus on understanding why your dog is chewing and address the underlying need, whether it’s boredom, stress, or lack of training.