Destructive Chewing

Understanding Destructive Chewing

Healthy Habits for Puppies & Adult Dogs

It is perfectly normal for dogs to explore the world with their mouths. Chewing helps puppies relieve teething pain, keeps adult jaws strong and teeth clean, and even combats boredom or mild anxiety. However, when this behavior turns toward your furniture or shoes, it becomes "destructive chewing."

Rule Out Underlying Issues

Before beginning training, ensure the chewing isn't caused by one of these specific conditions:

Separation Anxiety

Does the chewing only happen when the dog is left alone? This often comes with whining, pacing, or accidents in the house.

Fabric Sucking

Licking or sucking fabrics can become compulsive, sometimes linked to being weaned too early (before 7-8 weeks).

Hunger

Dogs on calorie-restricted diets may chew on food-related items in an attempt to find nutrition.

How to Manage Chewing Behavior

Dog-Proof Your Space: Put away valuables, keep clothing in closed closets, and use hampers for laundry.
Provide Appropriate Outlets: Offer various chew toys and inedible bones. Rotate these every few days to prevent boredom.
Use Teething Aids: For puppies under 6 months, try ice cubes or frozen washcloths to numb gum pain.
Taste Deterrents: Use bitter sprays on furniture. "Taste test" it with your dog first so they associate the smell with the bad taste.
Active Supervision: If you catch them chewing the wrong thing, say "Uh-oh," swap it for a proper toy, and praise them happily.
Safe Confinement: When you can't supervise, use a crate or baby gate for up to six hours, ensuring they have safe toys inside.

The Importance of Stimulation

Boredom is a leading cause of destructive behavior. To keep your dog's mind and body busy, try these activities:

Daily Walks Tug & Fetch Puzzle Toys Clicker Training

Crucial Safety: What NOT to Do

Never Punish After the Fact: Dogs cannot connect a scolding to an action they did minutes or hours ago.
No Duct Tape or Rope: Never tie a dog's mouth shut; this is inhumane and dangerous.
Avoid Muzzles for Chewing: Muzzles prevent panting and drinking and should not be used for behavior control.
No Cooked Bones: Leftover chicken or T-bones splinter and cause serious injury. Use natural bones sold for chewing.
Don't Confuse Them: Never give old shoes or cushions to chew. They can't tell the difference between "old" shoes and your "new" ones.

If your dog shows aggression when you try to remove an item, or if chewing seems compulsive, seek help from a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) or a CPDT.

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