Chewing is a completely natural behavior for dogs — but when your dog’s chewing habits destroy your furniture, shoes, or personal belongings, it becomes a problem. Whether you’re dealing with a teething puppy or an adult dog acting out of boredom, frustration, or anxiety, it’s possible to redirect this behavior and protect your home.
In this article, you’ll learn why dogs chew, how to prevent destructive chewing, and what to do if your dog has already made a habit of gnawing on furniture.
Why dogs chew
Understanding why your dog chews is the first step to solving the issue. Dogs chew for many reasons, including:
- Exploration – Puppies use their mouths to discover the world.
- Teething – Just like human babies, puppies chew to relieve gum pain.
- Boredom – A dog left alone with no mental stimulation may chew to stay entertained.
- Anxiety or stress – Dogs may chew to soothe themselves when they’re nervous or alone.
- Attention-seeking – If chewing gets a reaction from you, your dog might repeat the behavior.
- Lack of training – Some dogs never learned what is and isn’t okay to chew.
Each of these causes requires a slightly different approach, but all benefit from a mix of prevention, redirection, and consistency.
Provide appropriate chewing alternatives
If your dog can’t chew furniture, they need something else to chew — and it needs to be appealing.
- Offer a variety of toys: Include durable rubber toys (like Kongs), rope toys, and toys with different textures.
- Use chew treats: Natural chews like bully sticks, dental chews, or frozen carrots can be satisfying.
- Rotate toys regularly: Keep your dog interested by switching toys every few days.
- Match the toy to your dog’s size and chewing strength: A toy too soft can be destroyed quickly; too hard can cause dental damage.
Observe which toys your dog prefers and keep those within easy reach.
Keep furniture off-limits
Dogs learn through consistency and repetition. To discourage them from chewing furniture:
- Supervise closely during the training phase.
- Use baby gates or playpens to block access to rooms with chewable items when you’re not watching.
- Cover the furniture: Use blankets or protective covers that are less appealing to chew.
- Apply deterrent sprays: Dog-safe sprays (like bitter apple or citrus scents) make furniture taste unpleasant. Test on a small area first.
Avoid physical punishment. Instead, calmly redirect your dog to a toy and praise them when they chew the correct object.
Tire out your dog mentally and physically
One of the top reasons dogs chew furniture is boredom or excess energy. Chewing becomes an outlet when your dog isn’t getting enough exercise or stimulation.
To prevent that:
- Walk your dog daily, and make walks interesting with varied routes and sniffing opportunities.
- Play games like fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek.
- Teach tricks or practice obedience commands to tire out their brain.
- Use puzzle feeders or snuffle mats to make mealtime a challenge.
- Schedule regular playtime throughout the day, especially before leaving them alone.
A tired dog is far less likely to chew destructively.
Crate training and safe confinement
If your dog chews when left alone, crate training can help prevent damage and teach calm behavior. Crates should be:
- The right size (big enough to turn around and lie down comfortably)
- Associated with positive things (toys, meals, rest)
- Never used for punishment
If your dog isn’t crate-trained, consider using a gated room with chew-proof flooring and safe toys while you’re away.
Address teething needs in puppies
For puppies between 3 and 6 months old, chewing is a teething necessity.
- Give frozen chew toys: A frozen wet washcloth, frozen carrots, or puppy-safe teething rings help soothe gums.
- Massage their gums gently with your fingers or a soft toothbrush.
- Don’t punish for chewing — instead, redirect and praise correct choices consistently.
Teething doesn’t last forever, but good habits formed now will carry into adulthood.
Watch for signs of anxiety or stress
If your dog chews only when left alone, it may be a sign of separation anxiety. In these cases:
- Avoid dramatic exits and returns.
- Give a puzzle toy or stuffed Kong when you leave.
- Use calming aids (like Adaptil diffusers or calming music).
- Gradually increase alone time through training.
- In severe cases, consult a behaviorist or vet.
Chewing is often your dog’s way of saying, “I need help managing my feelings.”
Don’t reinforce the behavior
Many dogs chew furniture to get attention. If your dog starts chewing in front of you and you yell, chase them, or get visibly upset, that may become a game or reward.
Instead:
- Stay calm.
- Interrupt the behavior with a clap or command like “leave it.”
- Redirect to a chew toy.
- Praise when they engage with the correct item.
Consistency teaches that chewing furniture isn’t rewarding — but chewing toys is.
Repair and replace damaged items
Dogs often return to previously chewed spots due to lingering scents. To prevent this:
- Clean furniture thoroughly using enzymatic cleaners to remove scent trails.
- Sand or patch wooden surfaces where bite marks remain.
- Spray deterrents on cleaned areas as a second line of defense.
Remove destroyed toys and replace them quickly so your dog doesn’t look for alternatives — like your furniture.
Be patient and consistent
Changing behavior takes time. Some dogs need a few days; others take weeks. Stay consistent in your response, and don’t give up after one or two slip-ups.
Celebrate progress, and always reward the behavior you want to see repeated.
A dog who chews right is a dog who thrives
Chewing is a lifelong behavior for dogs — it’s not about stopping it, but guiding it. With patience, the right tools, and a proactive approach, your dog can learn exactly what’s okay to chew and what’s off-limits.
Your furniture will thank you — and so will your happier, more balanced dog.