Why Is My Dog Chewing Furniture?

Common Reasons Dogs Chew Furniture

Dogs chew furniture for several key reasons. 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, pent-up energy, or anxiety. If they were never taught as puppies what they can and cannot chew, this behavior can become a long-standing habit. Some dogs also chew to get attention—even negative attention is attention, which reinforces the behavior. In some cases, chewing may be a sign of separation anxiety, especially if it happens when you're not home.

How to Stop Furniture Chewing

The best way to stop your dog from chewing furniture is to prevent access and redirect the behavior. Start by limiting your dog’s access to tempting items. Keep shoes, pillows, and other valuables out of reach—behind closed doors or in locked cabinets. When your dog is unsupervised, confine them to a safe space or use baby gates.

If you catch your dog chewing something inappropriate, calmly intervene. Do not chase them or grab the item—this can feel like play. Instead, say “No, drop it” and replace the forbidden item with a chew toy. Praise and reward them when they switch to the appropriate toy. This teaches them what’s acceptable to chew.

Use Training to Teach Proper Chewing Habits

Use positive reinforcement training to teach your dog what they can chew. Carry a variety of safe chew toys—rubber, rawhide, or antlers—and offer them when your dog shows interest in furniture. When your dog chooses the toy, click and treat immediately. This builds a strong connection between the correct choice and reward.

Over time, add a cue like “chew” or “toy” to reinforce the behavior. Practice by placing tempting items (like a shoe) near a chew toy and prompting your dog to choose the toy. With consistent repetition, your dog will learn to avoid forbidden items and seek out approved ones.

Deterrents and Safety Tips

To discourage chewing on furniture, use natural deterrents. Rubbing wintergreen oil on furniture works well—it has a strong smell that dogs dislike, and it’s organic with no dangerous chemicals. Avoid harsh sprays or chemicals that could harm your dog.

Never allow your dog to chew on inedible or dangerous items. Chewing on things like plastic, fabric, or wood can lead to broken teeth, gum injuries, or intestinal blockages that may require surgery. If your dog is chewing on potentially harmful substances, consult your vet.

When to Seek Help for Anxiety or Habitual Chewing

If your dog chews only when left alone, it may be a sign of separation anxiety. In such cases, specialized training or professional help is needed. Chapter 17 of *Lucky Dog Lessons* offers detailed guidance on addressing this complex issue.

For dogs with deeply ingrained chewing habits, a combination of training, deterrents, and environmental management is essential. Be patient—behavior change takes time, but consistent effort leads to success.