How to Train Your Dog to Stop Chewing on Furniture and Belongings

dog chewing behavior


Dogs are natural chewers, and chewing is an instinctive behavior that they use to explore their environment, relieve stress, and keep their teeth healthy. However, when your dog turns to chewing on your furniture, shoes, or other belongings, it can quickly become a frustrating problem. While this is common in puppies and young dogs, adult dogs can also develop destructive chewing habits if they’re not trained properly.

The good news is that destructive chewing can be controlled and redirected with the right training techniques. In this article, we’ll explore why dogs chew, the impacts of destructive chewing, and how to train your dog to stop chewing on your belongings.

 

Why Do Dogs Chew?

Before addressing the issue of destructive chewing, it’s essential to understand why dogs chew in the first place. Here are some common reasons:

  1. Teething (for Puppies): Just like babies, puppies experience discomfort when their teeth are growing. Chewing helps relieve this discomfort.
  2. Boredom: Dogs that aren’t mentally or physically stimulated enough will often chew on household items to entertain themselves.
  3. Exploration: Puppies and younger dogs chew to explore the world around them. For them, the world is full of interesting textures and tastes, and they learn through their mouths.
  4. Anxiety or Stress: Dogs may chew to relieve stress, such as separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, or a change in their environment. Chewing helps them cope with their nervousness.
  5. Attention-Seeking: Some dogs chew on items because they know it will get your attention whether positive or negative.


 

The Negative Impacts of Destructive Chewing

Destructive chewing is more than just an inconvenience; it can have a range of negative consequences, including:

  1. Damage to Property: Chewing on furniture, shoes, cables, or other items can be costly and damaging to your belongings.
  2. Harm to Your Dog: If your dog chews on harmful objects (like electrical cords, plastic, or furniture with dangerous materials), they could end up injuring themselves or ingesting something toxic.
  3. Behavioral Issues: If left unchecked, destructive chewing can become a habitual behavior. Your dog may learn to chew more frequently, making it harder to break the cycle.
  4. Frustration for You: Constantly replacing chewed items and dealing with a destructive dog can cause frustration and stress for owners, especially if they feel they’re not getting the message across to their dog.

 

How to Train Your Dog to Stop Chewing on Furniture and Belongings

Training your dog to stop chewing destructively involves providing alternatives, redirecting their behavior, and setting consistent boundaries. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you manage and stop your dog’s chewing habits:

 

1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

One of the easiest and most effective ways to stop destructive chewing is to give your dog appropriate chew toys. Chew toys allow them to engage in natural chewing behavior while protecting your furniture and belongings.

  • How to do it: Provide a variety of chew toys, such as rubber toys, rope toys, or dental chews. Make sure the toys are safe, durable, and suited to your dog’s size and chewing strength.
  • Why it works: Giving your dog something appropriate to chew on redirects their attention away from furniture or belongings. It satisfies their need to chew while keeping them entertained.

 

2. Use Positive Reinforcement

When your dog chooses to chew on their toys instead of your furniture, reward them with praise, treats, or playtime. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce the behavior you want to see.

  • How to do it: When your dog is chewing on their toy, give them a treat or verbal praise like “Good dog!” Repeat this whenever your dog makes the right choice.
  • Why it works: Dogs learn through positive reinforcement, so rewarding them for chewing on their toys helps them understand that chewing on the right items is more rewarding than chewing on your belongings.

 

3. Redirect Destructive Chewing

If you catch your dog chewing on furniture or an item they shouldn’t, immediately redirect their attention to a toy. This quick intervention will help break the pattern of chewing on inappropriate objects.

  • How to do it: If your dog starts chewing something they shouldn’t, say “no” in a firm but calm tone, then guide them to their chew toy. When they start chewing on the toy, reward them with praise or a treat.
  • Why it works: Redirecting your dog’s behavior in the moment teaches them what’s acceptable to chew on and helps stop the destructive behavior before it becomes a habit.

 

4. Use Deterrent Sprays

If your dog is fixated on chewing specific objects, you can use deterrent sprays to make those items less appealing. These sprays are safe for furniture and household items but have an unpleasant taste that discourages chewing.

  • How to do it: Apply a dog-safe deterrent spray to your furniture, shoes, or other items that your dog likes to chew on. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid using the spray on items that your dog might ingest.
  • Why it works: The bad taste or scent discourages your dog from chewing those items, encouraging them to seek out more acceptable objects to chew on instead.

 

5. Increase Physical and Mental Stimulation

Sometimes, dogs chew out of boredom or frustration. Providing your dog with enough physical exercise and mental stimulation can reduce the need for destructive chewing.

  • How to do it: Take your dog on regular walks, runs, or play sessions. Engage their mind with puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, or obedience training to keep them mentally stimulated.
  • Why it works: A dog that is mentally and physically tired is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors like chewing. Regular exercise and mental stimulation help prevent boredom, which is a common cause of chewing.

 

6. Crate Training for When You’re Away

Crate training can be an effective solution for preventing destructive chewing when you’re not around to supervise. Dogs that are left alone with access to household items may chew as a way of coping with boredom or anxiety.

  • How to do it: When you’re not home, place your dog in a crate with some chew toys. Make sure the crate is comfortable, and provide a safe space where your dog can relax without the temptation to chew on furniture.
  • Why it works: Crate training limits your dog’s access to things they can chew on when you’re not there to supervise. It also gives them a secure, comfortable space where they can feel safe when you’re away.

 

7. Be Consistent and Patient

Consistency is key when training your dog to stop chewing on furniture. Ensure that you’re consistently redirecting their behavior and rewarding good choices. It may take some time for your dog to understand what is and isn’t acceptable to chew, so patience is crucial.

  • What to do: Be consistent with your commands, redirection, and rewards. Make sure everyone in your household is on the same page regarding what’s acceptable for your dog to chew on.
  • Why it works: Dogs thrive on routine and consistency. By reinforcing the same rules and expectations every day, your dog will learn more quickly and develop better habits.

 

Troubleshooting Common Chewing Issues

If your dog continues to chew despite your best efforts, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

  • Increased anxiety or stress: If your dog is chewing out of anxiety, consider providing more mental stimulation, exercise, and comfort. You might also want to consult a professional trainer for additional techniques.
  • Teething puppies: If you have a teething puppy, be extra patient and provide appropriate teething toys. Puppies typically grow out of this phase by the time they’re 6 months old, but training should start early to minimize damage.

 

Conclusion

Destructive chewing is a common behavior problem, but it can be managed and corrected with the right training techniques. By providing appropriate chew toys, redirecting your dog’s behavior, and using positive reinforcement, you can stop your dog from chewing on furniture and belongings. Additionally, providing enough exercise, mental stimulation, and consistency in training will help your dog develop better habits and learn what’s acceptable to chew.

With time and patience, you’ll soon have a dog that chews only on their toys and not on your favorite pair of shoes!



References:

  • American Kennel Club (AKC). (2023). Managing Destructive Chewing in Dogs. Retrieved from www.akc.org
  • Journal of Veterinary Behavior, Volume 22. (2022). Canine Chewing Behavior and Management Techniques. Retrieved from www.journals.elsevier.com
  • International Journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science, Volume 140. (2021). Redirecting Destructive Chewing in Dogs: A Training Approach. Retrieved from www.elsevier.com

 

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