How to Stop a Puppy (or Adult Dog) From Chewing Everything
**Understanding and Managing Destructive Chewing in Dogs**
One of the most common challenges new dog owners face is destructive chewing. Whether you have brought home a young puppy or adopted an adult dog, discovering chewed shoes, damaged furniture or shredded household items can quickly become frustrating.
The good news is that chewing is a completely natural behaviour. Dogs explore their world through their mouths, and puppies in particular use chewing to help relieve the discomfort associated with teething. With proper management, training and consistency, chewing can be redirected toward appropriate outlets.
Understanding why dogs chew is the first step toward preventing unwanted behaviour.
**Why Dogs Chew**
Chewing is a normal and healthy canine behaviour.
Puppies chew because:
* They are exploring their environment.
* They are teething.
* Chewing helps relieve sore gums.
* They are curious about new textures and objects.
Adult dogs may chew because:
* They were never taught appropriate chewing habits.
* They are bored.
* They lack physical exercise.
* They lack mental stimulation.
* They suffer from separation anxiety.
* They are seeking attention.
* They are experiencing stress or fear.
Understanding the reason behind the behaviour allows owners to address the cause rather than simply the symptom.
**Prevention Is Better Than Correction**
The easiest way to stop destructive chewing is to prevent opportunities for it to occur.
Until your dog has learned what is acceptable to chew, management is essential.
Remember:
If your dog cannot access it, your dog cannot destroy it.
**Supervise Your Puppy**
Young puppies should be supervised whenever possible.
Much like a human toddler, puppies will investigate almost everything with their mouths. Careful supervision allows you to redirect inappropriate chewing before it becomes a habit.
Pay close attention to:
* Shoes
* Furniture
* Electrical cords
* Children’s toys
* Clothing
* Household items
* Plants
* Remote controls
A few moments of prevention can save significant frustration later.
**Use Confinement When Necessary**
If you cannot actively supervise your puppy, provide a safe and secure area.
Options include:
* A properly sized crate
* Puppy pens
* Baby gates
* A puppy-proof room
The area should contain:
* Fresh water
* Safe chew toys
* Comfortable bedding
* Appropriate enrichment activities
The goal is not punishment. The goal is preventing mistakes while teaching good habits.
**Understand Puppy Crate Times**
As a general guideline:
A puppy’s age in months often approximates the number of hours they can comfortably remain crated.
Examples:
* 2-month-old puppy = approximately 2 hours
* 3-month-old puppy = approximately 3 hours
* 4-month-old puppy = approximately 4 hours
Always consider the individual puppy and provide regular opportunities for toilet breaks and exercise.
**Reduce Stress When Leaving Home**
Some puppies become anxious when left alone.
To help create a calm environment:
* Leave quietly without emotional goodbyes.
* Avoid dramatic departures.
* Leave safe chew toys available.
* Consider leaving soft background music playing.
* Place a familiar scented item nearby.
Many owners find that toys carrying the owner’s scent provide additional comfort.
**Remove Temptation**
Good management means putting away anything you do not want chewed.
Items commonly targeted include:
* Shoes
* Socks
* Children’s toys
* Clothing
* Handbags
* Wallets
* Remote controls
* Eyeglasses
* Books
* Electrical cables
Bathrooms should remain off limits when unsupervised, as they often contain dangerous products and attractive chewing targets.
A simple rule:
If it matters to you, put it away.
**Choose Safe Chew Toys**
Providing appropriate alternatives is essential.
Good chew toys should be:
* Durable
* Safe
* Appropriate for your dog’s age
* Appropriate for your dog’s chewing strength
Suitable options may include:
* Durable rubber toys
* Quality nylon chew toys
* Food-dispensing enrichment toys
* Puppy-specific teething toys
Regularly inspect all toys and replace any that become damaged or small enough to swallow.
**Avoid Unsafe Toys**
Discard toys that:
* Break into small pieces
* Have loose parts
* Expose internal stuffing
* Present choking hazards
Safety should always come first.
**Never Offer Old Household Items as Toys**
Avoid giving your dog:
* Old shoes
* Old socks
* Clothing
* Household objects
Dogs cannot reliably distinguish between an “old shoe” and your favourite new pair.
Teaching them that shoes are toys creates confusion and often results in expensive mistakes later.
**Redirect, Don’t Punish**
When you catch your dog chewing something inappropriate:
1. Calmly interrupt the behaviour.
2. Remove access to the object.
3. Immediately offer an approved chew toy.
4. Praise enthusiastically when your dog chooses the correct item.
Consistency is key.
Dogs learn faster when shown what to do rather than simply being told what not to do.
**Provide Daily Physical Exercise**
A tired dog is usually a well-behaved dog.
Many chewing problems stem from excess energy.
Ensure your dog receives:
* Daily walks
* Play sessions
* Training activities
* Social interaction
* Mental enrichment
Exercise should always be appropriate for the dog’s age, breed and physical development.
**Provide Daily Mental Stimulation**
Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise.
Ideas include:
* Food puzzles
* Training sessions
* Scent games
* Hide-and-seek games
* Problem-solving toys
* Enrichment feeding
A mentally stimulated dog is far less likely to invent destructive entertainment.
**Use Food Toys and Enrichment**
Food-dispensing toys can significantly reduce boredom.
Try:
* Stuffed rubber toys
* Frozen enrichment toys
* Puzzle feeders
* Slow feeders
Turning mealtime into an activity keeps your dog engaged and occupied.
**Helping Teething Puppies**
Teething puppies often experience sore gums.
Helpful options include:
* Puppy-safe chew toys
* Chilled teething toys
* Frozen wet washcloths under supervision
The cooling effect can provide temporary relief and encourage appropriate chewing.
**Teach the “Give” Command**
Teaching your puppy to willingly release objects is extremely valuable.
Begin by:
1. Offering a high-value treat.
2. Asking for the item.
3. Rewarding immediately when the puppy releases it.
4. Introducing the word “Give.”
Over time, your puppy learns that surrendering items results in positive outcomes.
**Do Not Chase Your Dog**
If your puppy grabs something and runs away:
Do not chase.
Chasing often becomes a fun game and unintentionally rewards the behaviour.
Instead:
* Call your puppy to you.
* Offer a trade.
* Use the “Give” command.
* Reward cooperation.
**Managing Separation Anxiety**
Some chewing behaviours are driven by anxiety rather than boredom.
Signs may include:
* Destruction only when alone
* Excessive barking
* Drooling
* Pacing
* Escape attempts
In these situations, professional assistance from a qualified trainer or behaviourist may be beneficial.
**Avoid Punishing After the Fact**
One of the biggest mistakes owners make is punishing a dog after discovering damage.
Dogs do not connect punishment with something they did minutes or hours earlier.
When you return home and find a chewed item:
Your dog does not understand why you are upset.
The so-called “guilty look” is usually a response to your body language, voice and emotions—not an admission of wrongdoing.
Punishment after the event creates confusion and can damage trust.
Instead:
* Manage the environment better.
* Increase supervision.
* Provide more enrichment.
* Reinforce desired behaviours.
**Be Patient**
Learning appropriate chewing habits takes time.
Puppies are not trying to be naughty. They are simply being puppies.
Consistency, supervision, management and positive reinforcement will gradually teach your dog what is acceptable and what is not.
Every dog learns at a different pace.
Stay calm, remain consistent and celebrate small successes.
**Final Thoughts**
Chewing is a natural part of canine behaviour and development. With the right guidance, dogs can learn to channel that behaviour into appropriate outlets while protecting your home and belongings.
Remember:
* Supervise closely.
* Manage the environment.
* Provide suitable chew toys.
* Exercise daily.
* Offer mental stimulation.
* Redirect rather than punish.
* Remain patient and consistent.
A well-managed puppy will grow into a well-mannered adult dog, and the effort you invest today will pay dividends throughout your dog’s lifetime.