Why Does My Dog Shred Toys & How to Stop It

Why Dogs Shred Toys

Dogs chew and shred toys for several reasons. Puppies often chew due to teething pain, as their teeth grow in—just like human babies. Older dogs may chew from boredom, pent-up energy, or anxiety, or simply because chewing is instinctual. Dogs use their mouths to explore the world, especially since they’re born blind and deaf, making taste and touch their first senses. Some dogs also chew because they’ve never been taught what’s acceptable to chew on, turning it into a bad habit.

In some cases, chewing may be a sign of deeper emotional distress, such as fear or separation anxiety. If your dog chews dangerous items, it could lead to tooth fractures, gum injuries, or intestinal blockages requiring surgery. It’s important to address the root cause—whether it’s physical discomfort, mental stimulation, or emotional stress—to effectively stop the behavior.

Stop Chewing with Smart Management

The first step to stopping destructive chewing is controlling your dog’s environment. Keep shoes, clothes, and other tempting items out of reach—behind closed doors, in cabinets, or in toy boxes with lids. Even if your dog is five years old, supervision and management are essential. If your dog can’t access forbidden items, they can’t chew them.

Also, avoid giving your dog old shoes or socks as toys, even if they’re no longer worn. Many dogs can’t distinguish between “your old shoe” and “your new shoe,” so they may assume all shoes are fair game. Instead, provide safe, durable alternatives like rawhides, antlers, or heavy-duty rubber toys. These are designed to withstand chewing and reduce the risk of choking or intestinal issues.

Train Your Dog to Choose the Right Toys

Use positive reinforcement training to teach your dog what’s acceptable to chew. When you catch your dog 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 and reward with a treat. This helps them make the connection between the right choice and a positive outcome.

Repeat this process consistently—timing is key. Over time, your dog will learn to choose the right toy on their own. You can also introduce a cue like “chew” or “toy” to reinforce the behavior. For extra training, place tempting items (like a shoe) near acceptable toys and use the cue. Click and reward when they pick the toy. This teaches them to make the right choice even in tempting situations.

Make Toys More Appealing & Rotate Them

Even with plenty of toys, your dog might ignore them if they’re boring or unappealing. Rotate toys every few days to keep them fresh and exciting—just like kids, dogs get bored with the same toys. Observe which types your dog prefers: soft plush, hard rubber, squeaky, or chew-resistant.

If your dog loves food, try interactive toys like the Kong or Busy Buddy, where they have to work to get treats out. This adds mental stimulation and makes playtime more rewarding. Some dogs also enjoy playing with a partner, so engage in play sessions using their toys instead of your personal items. This teaches them that toys are fun—and safe—to play with.

Use Edible Alternatives to Redirect Chewing

If your dog loves to destroy, give them a safe outlet. Try edible super chewer toys using dog-friendly vegetables like romaine lettuce, broccoli, or carrots. These can be shredded and eaten safely. Freeze them first to make them harder and more challenging—this increases mental and physical engagement.

Let your dog shred and eat the vegetables in a designated area, like a kiddie pool or blanket. This satisfies their urge to destroy without damaging your home. The activity also provides extra enrichment and can help tire them out. Remember: replacing destructive behavior with a safe, acceptable one doesn’t encourage more destruction—it redirects it.