🐶 Full Article: How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Everything in Sight
Chewing is a normal part of dog behavior — especially for puppies — but when it becomes destructive, it can wreck your home and your patience.
Here’s why dogs chew, and how to stop the chaos before your favorite sneakers become a chew toy.
🧠 Why Dogs Chew
- Puppy teething (2–6 months old)
- Exploring with their mouths (like babies!)
- Boredom or lack of stimulation
- Separation anxiety or stress
- Lack of chew training or redirection
🛠️ How to Stop Destructive Chewing
1. Provide the Right Chew Toys
Give your dog 2–3 high-quality chew toys. Rotate them every few days to keep interest high.
🧠 Avoid toys that resemble your belongings (e.g. old socks or shoes)
2. Use Positive Redirection
If your dog chews something they shouldn’t, calmly say “No”, then give them an appropriate chew toy. Praise them when they use it.
3. Limit Access
Use baby gates or crates to restrict access to areas with chewable items (like wires, furniture, or shoes).
4. Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A tired dog is less likely to chew. Add more playtime, sniff walks, or food puzzles to their daily routine.
5. Use Deterrent Sprays (Optional)
Some dogs are discouraged by bitter sprays on furniture or cords. Test on small surfaces first.
6. Supervise and Train
Always supervise new dogs or puppies. Reward when they chew the right thing. Catch bad habits early.
🚫 What NOT to Do
- ❌ Don’t yell or hit — it creates fear, not learning
- ❌ Don’t offer old shoes or socks — it sends mixed messages
- ❌ Don’t leave them unsupervised in a “chewable” room
❤️ Final Thoughts
Chewing is a natural instinct — but you can shape where and how it happens. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, your dog can go from destructive to disciplined in no time.
Train the habit, not the punishment. Your furniture will thank you.