Why Does My Dog Bite Laces & How to Stop It

Why Dogs Bite Laces

Dogs bite laces because they’re drawn to the texture, movement, and scent—especially if the laces smell like their owner. Puppies often chew as part of teething, which causes discomfort. Even older dogs may chew due to boredom, anxiety, or habit. Chewing is also instinctual—dogs naturally use their mouths to explore their environment, as their sense of taste develops early in life. Some dogs chew to get attention, even if it’s negative. If your dog keeps going for your laces, it’s likely because they’re a favorite target, not just a random habit.

Stop the Behavior with Supervision & Access Control

The first step to stopping lace-biting is controlling your dog’s access to the laces. Never leave your dog unsupervised in areas where laces are accessible. Keep shoes, socks, and other tempting items in closed cabinets or behind doors. Use toy boxes with lids to store chewable items. If your dog is not being directly supervised, ensure they only have access to safe, approved chew toys. This prevents them from developing bad habits and reduces the chance of injury from chewing on dangerous materials.

Redirect with Appropriate Chew Toys

Instead of punishing your dog for biting laces, redirect them to a proper chew toy. When you catch your dog going for a lace, calmly replace it with a durable, safe toy—like a rubber chew, antler, or rawhide. Use a clicker and treats to reward the moment they switch to the correct toy. This teaches them that chewing the right thing leads to rewards. Be consistent: repeat this process every time they go for a forbidden item. Over time, they’ll learn to choose the toy over the lace.

Use Positive Reinforcement & Training Cues

Train your dog to associate a cue like “chew” or “toy” with the correct behavior. Once they start chewing a safe toy, click and treat. Gradually introduce the cue before they begin chewing. Practice by placing tempting items (like laces) near safe toys and use the cue to guide your dog to the right choice. This helps them learn to make good decisions even when temptation is present. The goal is to build a strong habit of choosing appropriate chew items over forbidden ones.

Try the “Irresistible Thing” Method for Stubborn Cases

If your dog is obsessed with laces, try a technique called the “Irresistible Thing” method. Take the shoe or lace they love and tie it to their collar (use a flat collar, not a choke chain). Supervise closely to prevent tripping. The idea is that constant exposure to the object will eventually reduce its appeal—just like eating pizza every day makes you tired of it. Most dogs lose interest after a few hours. This method works best for dogs with one specific obsession.