Why Does My Dog Chew Everything? Fix It Now

Why Dogs Chew Everything

Dogs chew for many reasons, especially puppies who are teething. Their gums hurt as new teeth grow in, and chewing helps relieve that pain—just like human babies. Even after teething ends, many dogs keep chewing because they explore the world with their mouths. This instinct comes from thousands of years of survival, where dogs needed to chew bones and marrow. Older dogs may chew due to boredom, pent-up energy, or anxiety. Some chew to get attention—even negative attention is attention. If your dog chews dangerous items, it can lead to broken teeth, gum injuries, or intestinal blockages requiring surgery.

Stop Chewing with Prevention and Supervision

The best way to stop destructive chewing is prevention. Supervise your dog at all times, especially when they’re not trained to resist temptation. If you can’t watch them, confine them to a dog-proofed area. Remove or lock away shoes, furniture, cords, and other tempting items. Use closed doors, toy boxes with lids, and trash bins with locks. This stops your dog from practicing bad habits. Even older dogs can learn new behaviors if you control their environment and prevent access to forbidden items.

Redirect Chewing with Training and Rewards

Instead of punishing chewing, teach your dog what they *can* chew. Offer a variety of safe, durable toys—like rubber bones, antlers, or vet-approved chews—and let them explore. When you catch your dog chewing something wrong, calmly replace it with a proper toy. Click and reward them when they switch to the right item. This teaches them that chewing the right thing leads to treats. Repeat this often to build the connection. Over time, add a cue like “chew” or “toy” so they learn to choose the right item on command.

Handle Anxiety and Deep-Rooted Habits

If your dog chews when left alone, it may be a sign of separation anxiety. This requires more than just toy swaps—it needs targeted training and behavior management. Chapter 17 of *Lucky Dog Lessons* covers this in detail. For deeply ingrained habits, combine redirection with deterrents. Use bitter sprays on forbidden items, but only as a backup. The real fix is consistent training and meeting your dog’s mental and physical needs. A dog with no outlet for energy or boredom will chew to fill the void.

Keep Training Consistent and Patient

Consistency is key. If you sometimes allow chewing and sometimes stop it, your dog won’t learn. Everyone in the household must follow the same rules. Use the same cues, rewards, and boundaries. Training takes time, especially for older dogs with long habits. But every dog can learn—no matter their age. The goal isn’t to stop chewing entirely (it’s natural), but to redirect it to safe, acceptable items.