Why Is My Dog Chewing on Drywall?

Common Reasons Dogs Chew Drywall

Dogs chew drywall for several reasons, many of which stem from natural instincts or unmet needs. Puppies often chew because they’re teething—just like human babies, their gums itch and hurt as new teeth come in. Chewing provides counterpressure that helps relieve discomfort. Even after teething ends, many dogs continue using their mouths to explore their environment, as their sense of taste and touch develops early in life.

Older dogs may chew due to boredom, anxiety, or habit. If a dog wasn’t taught early on what is acceptable to chew, it may resort to household items like drywall when unsupervised. Some dogs chew because they’re stressed or nervous—this can be linked to separation anxiety, housebreaking issues, or even undiagnosed health problems like parasites or infections. In some cases, dogs may chew when they’re unable to go to the bathroom, leading to fidgety, anxious behavior.

How to Stop Drywall Chewing

The first step is prevention. Limit your dog’s access to areas with drywall or other tempting surfaces when you can’t supervise them. Use baby gates, close doors, or secure rooms. Remove or store items like shoes, toys, and trash that might attract chewing.

Next, provide safe, durable chew toys. Try bones, antlers, or heavy-duty rubber toys. Experiment with different textures and types to find what your dog prefers. The goal is to teach your dog that chewing is okay—but only on approved items.

When you catch your dog chewing on drywall, calmly redirect them. Replace the drywall with a proper chew toy, then click and reward them with a treat. This teaches the dog that choosing the right item leads to positive outcomes. Use a cue like “chew” or “toy” to reinforce the behavior over time.

Addressing Underlying Causes

If chewing persists, consider deeper causes. Dogs with separation anxiety may chew when left alone. Chapter 17 of *Lucky Dog Lessons* offers targeted solutions for this issue. Also, check your dog’s diet and bathroom schedule. If your dog is forced to hold their bladder, they may become anxious and fidgety—leading to destructive chewing.

Health issues like parasites or low-grade infections can also cause nervousness and chewing. If you suspect a medical cause, consult your vet. In one case, a dog’s destructive chewing stopped after she went into heat—highlighting how hormonal changes can influence behavior.

Training and Consistency Are Key

You can’t stop a dog from chewing entirely—chewing is instinctual and natural. But you can redirect it. The goal is to teach your dog what is and isn’t acceptable to chew. This requires patience and consistency.

Use positive reinforcement: reward your dog every time they choose a proper chew toy. Over time, they’ll associate the cue (like “chew”) with the correct behavior. Practice by placing tempting items (like a shoe or pillow) near their toy and using the cue to guide their choice.

Even adult dogs with long-standing habits can learn new behaviors. The key is managing their environment and reinforcing good choices consistently.

When to Seek Help

If your dog is chewing dangerous materials or showing signs of anxiety, it’s time to seek professional help. A vet can rule out medical causes. A certified trainer can help address behavioral issues like separation anxiety or habit-based chewing.

Remember: you’re not training your dog to stop chewing—it’s about teaching them to chew the right things. With the right tools and patience, you can protect your home and your dog’s well-being.