Why Dogs Chew Shoes & How to Stop It
Dogs chew shoes because theyâre teething, bored, anxious, or exploring through their mouths. To stop it: - Supervise closely and manage access to shoes. - Provide safe, appealing chew toys and rotate them. - Redirect chewing with a "drop it" command and reward with better options. - Use positive reinforcement and avoid punishment.
Why Dogs Chew Shoes
Dogs chew shoes for several reasons. Puppies often chew due to teething pain, as their teeth come inâjust like human babies. Even older dogs may chew out of boredom, anxiety, or because theyâve never been taught whatâs appropriate to chew. The mouth is a dogâs primary sense for exploring the world, especially when theyâre young and blind and deaf at birth. Chewing is also instinctualâdogs evolved to chew bone and marrow, so the urge remains strong. Some dogs are drawn to shoes because they smell like their owners, making them especially tempting.
Stop the Behavior with Smart Management
The first step to stopping shoe chewing is preventing access. Never leave shoes out where your dog can reach them. If your dog has a shoe, donât chase themâthis can feel like a game. Instead, calmly say âNo, drop itâ (as taught in basic obedience) and replace the shoe with a chew toy. Reward your dog with a treat when they switch to the toy. This teaches them that giving up the shoe leads to something better.
Offer Better Alternatives
Dogs need safe, engaging chew toys. Provide a varietyârubber, rawhide, antlers, or bonesâso your dog can find one they like. Rotate toys every few days to keep them interesting, just like kids get bored with the same toys. Some dogs prefer soft plush toys, others like squeaky or hard rubber ones. Find out what your dog likes and give them plenty of their favorites. For dogs motivated by food, use interactive toys like a Kong filled with treats to make chewing more rewarding.
Use Positive Reinforcement Training
When you catch your dog chewing something they shouldnât, calmly replace it with a proper chew toy. Click and treat the moment they start chewing the right item. This builds a strong mental link between the correct behavior and reward. Over time, add a cue like âchewâ or âtoyâ to signal what you want. Practice this with tempting items nearbyâlet your dog choose the toy and reward the correct choice. Consistency and timing are key.
Advanced Trick: The Shoe-on-Collar Method
If your dog is obsessed with one specific shoe, try the âshoe-on-collarâ method. Tie the shoe to your dogâs flat collar (not a choke chain) and supervise closely. The idea is that too much of a good thing loses its appeal. After a few hours, your dog may grow tired of the shoe and stop wanting it. This works best when combined with offering better alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give my dog old shoes to chew?
Noâdonât give old shoes as chew toys. Dogs canât tell the difference between old and new shoes, so they may think all shoes are fair game.
What if my dog chews when Iâm not home?
Keep shoes in closed cabinets or drawers. Use a toy box with a lid, and provide safe chew toys. Supervision is keyânever leave your dog unsupervised with tempting items.
Sources
- Zak Georges Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love · George, Zak · Chapter on Chewing
- Dog Training 101 · Kyra Sundance · Chapter on Troubleshooting
- Juvenile Delinquent Dogs: The Complete Guide to Saving Your Sanity and Successfully Living With Your Adolescent Dog · Sue Brown · Chapter on Chewing Behavior
- Lucky Dog Lessons · McMillan, Brandon · Chapter on Chewing Habits
- Click and Connect: A Real-World Guide to Clicker Training for You and Your Pup · Grant, Pete · Chapter on Destructive Chewing
â ïž Important: this article is a literature summary, not a case diagnosis. Every dog is different â breed, age, and history all affect the plan. For severe anxiety or aggressive barking, contact a certified behavior trainer or veterinary behaviorist.