Understanding why dogs chew and how to redirect this natural behavior
Chewing is a natural, necessary behavior for dogs. Puppies chew during teething to relieve discomfort, and adult dogs chew to maintain dental health, relieve stress, and satisfy natural instincts. The problem isn't chewing itself, but chewing inappropriate items.
Understanding the motivation behind chewing helps address the behavior effectively. Chewing can stem from teething pain, boredom, anxiety, attention-seeking, or lack of appropriate outlets. Identifying the cause allows for targeted intervention strategies.
Remove or secure items that could be chewed inappropriately. Keep shoes, books, electronics, and other valuable items out of reach. Use baby gates to limit access to areas with tempting items. The goal is to set your puppy up for success by making inappropriate items inaccessible.
Provide plenty of appropriate chew toys in areas where your puppy spends time. Rotate toys to maintain interest. When you catch your puppy chewing something inappropriate, calmly redirect to an appropriate toy and reward the switch.
Offer a variety of safe, appropriate chew toys that satisfy different chewing needs. Include hard rubber toys for heavy chewers, soft toys for gentle chewers, and puzzle toys that provide mental stimulation. Ensure toys are size-appropriate and made from safe materials.
Supervise initial toy use to ensure safety. Replace damaged toys immediately. Some dogs prefer certain textures or types of toys—experiment to find what your dog enjoys most. High-value chew items like bully sticks or appropriate bones can be especially effective for redirecting inappropriate chewing.
If chewing is driven by anxiety or stress, address the root cause. Separation anxiety often manifests as destructive chewing when pets are alone. Boredom-related chewing requires increased exercise and mental stimulation.
Ensure your dog receives adequate physical exercise and mental enrichment daily. A tired, mentally satisfied dog is less likely to engage in destructive chewing. Consider puzzle feeders, training sessions, and interactive play to meet mental stimulation needs.
When you catch your dog chewing inappropriately, calmly interrupt with a neutral sound, offer an appropriate chew toy, and reward when they take it. Never punish after the fact—pets cannot connect past actions with current consequences.
This command helps prevent inappropriate chewing. Start with low-value items, reward leaving them, and gradually work up to more tempting objects. This provides a tool for interrupting chewing before it starts.
When you cannot supervise, confine your dog to a safe area with appropriate chew toys. Crates or puppy-proofed rooms prevent access to inappropriate items while you're away. See our house training guide for crate training information.