Why Does My Dog Keep Chewing? Solutions Inside

Why Dogs Chew: Common Causes

Dogs chew for many reasons, especially during early life. Puppies chew because they’re teething—just like human babies—when their gums hurt and they need relief. This instinctive behavior helps ease discomfort through counterpressure. Even after teething ends, many dogs continue chewing due to habit, boredom, or a natural urge to explore their world with their mouths. Older dogs may chew out of anxiety, pent-up energy, or simply because it feels good. Some dogs chew to get attention, even if it’s negative. This behavior can lead to damage to furniture, shoes, and even dangerous ingestion of non-food items.

Teething and Exploration in Puppies

Puppies are born blind and deaf, so their sense of taste and touch in the mouth is their first way of exploring the world. This makes chewing a natural, instinctual behavior. During teething, which lasts about six months, puppies need a variety of safe chew toys with different textures—soft plush toys, hard bones, or even natural antlers. Providing these options helps satisfy their urge without damaging your belongings. It’s unrealistic to expect a teething puppy to understand what’s okay to chew, so the focus should be on offering appropriate alternatives.

Prevention: Dog-Proofing Your Home

The best way to stop destructive chewing is prevention. Keep shoes, remote controls, and other valuables out of reach—behind closed doors or in locked cabinets. Use toy boxes with lids and secure trash bins. If your dog is unsupervised, they’ll likely chew on whatever is accessible. Even older dogs who’ve developed bad habits can be helped by limiting their access to tempting items. The goal is to create a safe environment where only appropriate chew toys are available.

Training: Redirecting Chewing Behavior

Instead of punishing your dog for chewing, redirect the behavior. When you catch them chewing something they shouldn’t, calmly replace it with a safe, approved chew toy. As soon as they show interest in the correct toy, click (if using a clicker) and reward with a treat. Repeat this consistently to help your dog make the connection. Over time, add a cue like “chew” or “toy” to reinforce the desired behavior. Practice by placing forbidden items near acceptable ones and reward the correct choice. This method works for both puppies and adult dogs.

When Chewing Signals a Bigger Problem

If your dog chews when left alone or shows signs of panic, it may be due to separation anxiety. In such cases, chewing is a symptom of deeper stress. Chapter 17 of *Lucky Dog Lessons* offers specific strategies for addressing this. Also, if your dog chews dangerous items—like socks, hairbands, or rocks—they risk serious harm, including intestinal blockages or tooth damage. In these cases, immediate action is needed. A strong foundation in basic commands like “leave it” and “look at me” makes training more effective.