How to Stop a Dog from Chewing: Causes, Prevention and Effective Solutions
- puppiestopawprints
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
How to Stop a Dog from Chewing
Chewing is a natural dog behaviour, but when your dog starts destroying furniture, shoes, carpets or household items, it can quickly become frustrating and expensive. Understanding why dogs chew is the first step towards solving the problem.
Whether you have a young puppy, an energetic adult dog or a senior companion, there are several reasons behind excessive chewing and effective ways to manage it.
In this guide, we'll explore why dogs chew, the differences between puppy, adult, and senior dog chewing, and practical methods to stop destructive chewing behaviour.
Why Do Dogs Chew?
Dogs use their mouths to explore the world around them.
Chewing serves several important purposes, including:
Relieving discomfort
Reducing boredom
Releasing excess energy
Managing stress and anxiety
Keeping teeth and gums healthy
Exploring unfamiliar objects
While chewing itself is normal, destructive chewing occurs when a dog targets inappropriate items such as furniture, clothing, electrical cables or household decorations.
Why Puppies Chew
Teething Pain
One of the most common reasons puppies chew is teething.
Much like human babies, puppies experience discomfort when their adult teeth begin to emerge.
During teething, puppies often chew to relieve sore gums and reduce irritation.
Curiosity and Exploration
Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and new textures, scents, and objects are especially intriguing as they grow.
Lack of Training
Young puppies have not yet learned which items belong to them and which do not. Without guidance, they may view your favourite trainers as the perfect chew toy.
How to Stop Puppy Chewing
Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
Offer a variety of puppy-safe chew toys with different textures. Rotate them regularly to maintain interest.
Puppy-Proof Your Home
Remove tempting items such as:
Shoes
Children's toys
Remote controls
Electrical cords
Clothing
Redirect the Behaviour
If you catch your puppy chewing an inappropriate object, calmly replace it with an approved chew toy.
Reward Good Choices
Praise and reward your puppy whenever they choose their own toys over household items.
Ensure Adequate Exercise
A tired puppy is often less likely to engage in destructive chewing.
Why Adult Dogs Chew
Boredom
Many adult dogs chew because they are under-stimulated. Dogs left alone for long periods without mental enrichment may create their own entertainment.
Excess Energy
High-energy breeds often require significant daily exercise. Without enough physical activity, chewing can become a way to release pent-up energy.
Separation Anxiety
Dogs with separation anxiety may chew on doors, furniture, or other household items when left alone.
Stress or Fear
Changes in routine, moving house, new family members or loud noises can trigger stress-related chewing.
Habit Formation
Some dogs continue chewing because the behaviour has become rewarding and self-reinforcing over time.
How to Stop an Adult Dog from Chewing
Increase Physical Exercise
Regular walks, games and training sessions help burn excess energy and reduce destructive behaviours.
Provide Mental Stimulation
Keep your dog occupied with:
Puzzle toys
Food-dispensing toys
Training exercises
Scent games
Interactive play
Create a Safe Space
A comfortable area with approved chew toys can help prevent access to inappropriate items.
Address Anxiety
If separation anxiety is suspected, gradual desensitisation training and professional guidance from a qualified dog behaviourist may help.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward calm behaviour and appropriate chewing rather than punishing unwanted behaviour.
Why Senior Dogs Chew
Many owners are surprised when an older dog suddenly develops a chewing habit.
Dental Discomfort
Senior dogs may chew more frequently due to gum disease, tooth pain or oral discomfort.
Cognitive Changes
Older dogs can experience cognitive decline, also known as canine cognitive dysfunction. This may lead to unusual behaviours, including increased chewing.
Anxiety in Older Dogs
Age-related anxiety can trigger destructive behaviours similar to those seen in younger dogs.
Medical Conditions
Certain health conditions may alter behaviour and increase chewing tendencies.
How to Stop Senior Dog Chewing
Schedule a Veterinary Examination
Sudden chewing behaviour in a senior dog should always be discussed with a veterinarian to rule out medical causes.
Provide Senior-Friendly Chew Toys
Choose softer chew toys designed for ageing teeth and sensitive gums.
Maintain Mental Enrichment
Gentle training sessions, puzzle toys and scent-based games can help keep an older dog's mind active.
Keep a Consistent Routine
Senior dogs often benefit from predictable daily schedules, which can reduce anxiety and stress.
Common Mistakes When Trying to Stop a Dog from Chewing
Many well-meaning owners accidentally reinforce chewing behaviours.
Avoid:
Physical punishment
Yelling at your dog
Chasing your dog for stolen items
Leaving tempting objects within reach
Inconsistent rules
Punishment rarely teaches a dog what they should chew. Instead, focus on management, training and redirection.
Best Chew Toys for Dogs
Choosing the right chew toy can significantly reduce destructive chewing.
Look for:
Durable rubber toys
Veterinary-approved dental chews
Interactive treat toys
Age-appropriate chew products
Breed-size appropriate toys
When introducing new chew items, always supervise your dog and replace any damaged toys right away.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog's chewing behaviour suddenly worsens, causes injury, or appears linked to anxiety or medical issues, seek advice from a veterinarian or qualified dog behaviour professional.
Professional guidance can identify underlying causes and create a personalised behaviour modification plan.
Final Thoughts
Chewing is a normal and healthy behaviour for dogs of all ages. Puppies chew while teething and exploring; adult dogs often chew due to boredom, stress, or excess energy; and senior dogs may chew because of medical issues or age-related changes.
The key to stopping destructive chewing is understanding the root cause.
Provide appropriate chew toys, increase mental and physical stimulation, maintain a consistent routine, and address any underlying health concerns so that most dogs can learn what is acceptable to chew and what should be left alone.
With positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience, you can safeguard your belongings while helping your dog build healthier chewing habits. If the behaviour continues or gets worse, seek professional guidance to ensure your dog gets the support they need.
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