Why Does My Dog Chew Furniture & How to Stop It

Why Dogs Chew Furniture

Dogs chew for many reasons, especially during puppyhood. Puppies chew because their teeth are coming in, causing pain and itching. Gnawing provides relief through counterpressure, similar to how humans scratch an itch. Even after teething ends, many dogs continue chewing out of habit or to explore their environment—dogs use their mouths to investigate, as they’re born blind and deaf and rely on taste and touch first. Older dogs may chew due to boredom, pent-up energy, or anxiety, especially if they were never taught what’s acceptable to chew. Some dogs chew because they’re seeking attention, even if it’s negative. Left unchecked, this behavior can damage furniture, pose health risks (like intestinal blockages), or become a serious habit.

How to Stop Chewing: Prevention First

The best way to stop destructive chewing is prevention. Limit your dog’s access to tempting items like shoes, pillows, or cords when you’re not supervising. Store valuables in closed cabinets, use toy boxes with lids, and secure trash bins with locking lids. For puppies, dog-proofing your home is essential—what seems harmless to you may be a chewable treasure to them. Even older dogs benefit from controlled environments. Supervision is key: if your dog can’t reach your couch or favorite shoes, they can’t chew them. This simple step stops the behavior before it starts and gives you time to teach better choices.

Redirect with Training & Positive Reinforcement

When you catch your dog chewing something they shouldn’t, calmly replace it with an approved chew toy. As soon as they show interest in the toy, click and reward with a treat. This teaches them that chewing the right thing leads to rewards. Be consistent—timing is crucial for your dog to make the connection. Over time, add a cue like “chew” or “toy” so your dog learns to associate the word with the correct behavior. Practice this by placing tempting items (like a shoe) near a chew toy and using the cue. Click and reward when they choose the toy. This method turns redirection into a learned habit.

Choose the Right Chew Toys

Not all chew toys are equal. Offer a variety of safe, durable options—rubber toys, rawhides, antlers, or bones—so your dog can find what they like. Experiment with textures and shapes to see what engages them most. Keep toys fresh by rotating them regularly to maintain interest. Avoid items that can break into small pieces (a choking hazard) or are not vet-approved. The goal is to provide satisfying alternatives so your dog doesn’t feel the need to chew your belongings.

Address Underlying Causes Like Anxiety

If your dog chews only when left alone, it may be a sign of separation anxiety. This requires more than just training—addressing the root emotional cause is essential. If you suspect anxiety, consult a professional or refer to dedicated resources on the topic. Also, if your dog chews on dangerous items (like electrical cords or cleaning supplies), seek veterinary advice immediately. For deep-seated habits, consider using deterrents, but only after teaching what is acceptable to chew. Remember: you can’t stop chewing entirely—dogs need to chew—but you can redirect it safely.