How to Prevent Destructive Behaviour in Your Dog at Home

Chewed-up shoes, shredded pillows, dug-up garden beds—if you’ve come home to one of these surprise “home renovations,” you’re definitely not alone. Destructive behavior in dogs is one of the most common concerns I hear from dog owners, and it’s not just puppies! Adult dogs can be just as mischievous when left to their own devices. But here’s the good news: with the right understanding and a proactive approach, you can absolutely turn things around.

Why Do Dogs Destroy Things?

First, let’s clear something up. Your dog isn't being spiteful. They’re not angry that you went to work or plotting revenge for skipping their morning walk. Destructive behaviors are usually rooted in very normal, natural instincts. Here’s why it might be happening:

Chewing is a natural behaviour

Dogs of all ages have a deep need to chew. It exercises their jaws, relieves stress, and satisfies their instinct to rip things apart. If you don’t give them appropriate items to chew, they’ll find their own alternatives—like your shoes or furniture.

Boredom and lack of exercise

A bored dog is a destructive dog. Dogs are social, active creatures who need both mental and physical stimulation. If their day consists of sitting around alone with nothing to do, they’ll create their own fun… usually at the expense of your belongings.

Stress and separation anxiety

Dogs are pack animals. When left alone, they may become anxious or stressed, leading to repetitive behaviors like chewing, digging, or tearing things apart as a way to self-soothe.

How to Curb Destructive Behaviour

The key is to prevent mistakes and provide healthy outlets for your dog’s energy and instincts.

1. Set Your Dog Up for Success

Supervise when you're home

Keep tempting objects out of reach and your dog within eyesight. If they go for something they shouldn’t, redirect them gently to an appropriate toy or chew.

Manage their environment when you're away

Use a crate or dog-proofed room to limit access to off-limits areas. Think of it as setting safe boundaries, not punishment.

2. Provide Legal Alternatives

Dogs need to chew, dig, and explore. Give them things that are okay to destroy:

Inedible chew toys like Nylabones or sturdy rubber toys.

Edible chews like bully sticks or rawhide (always supervise to avoid choking).

Food puzzle toys, such as:

Kongs, which can be stuffed with kibble, peanut butter, or wet food (freeze them for a longer challenge).

Buster Cubes, which make dogs work for their kibble.

Tug-a-Jug, which combines tugging, chewing, and puzzle-solving in one toy.

Feeding meals through puzzle toys instead of bowls keeps your dog mentally engaged—and far too busy to chew your favorite slippers.

3. Increase Freedom Gradually

Once your dog has learned what’s theirs to chew and what’s not, you can slowly start giving them more freedom around the house. Continue supervising and redirecting as needed, and always leave engaging toys behind when you leave them alone.

Extra Tips for Success

Avoid punishment after the fact

If you come home to a mess, don’t scold your dog. They won’t connect your anger with what they did hours ago. It just causes fear and confusion.

Use deterrent sprays

Products like Bitter Apple can help make off-limits items less appealing.

Rotate toys

Keep things fresh by switching out toys regularly. Novelty keeps boredom at bay.

Offer appropriate digging outlets

If your dog loves to dig, give them a sandbox or designated area. Bury toys in it to encourage the behavior in the right spot.

Tire them out

Daily walks, playtime, training sessions, and enrichment activities will help burn off energy. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog.

Watch for signs of true separation anxiety

If your dog shows excessive drooling, pacing, vocalizing, or has accidents when left alone, they may need more support. Reach out to a professional for help—it’s treatable, and you're not alone.

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Final Thoughts

Destructive behaviour isn’t a sign that your dog is “bad”—it’s a sign that they’re trying to cope with a world that doesn’t always meet their natural needs. With patience, guidance, and the right tools, you can teach your dog better ways to use their energy and reduce stress.

If you're struggling with your dog's behaviour or just need a little advice, I'm here to help! Book a consultation or drop me a question through my website. Together, we’ll bring peace (and unchewed shoes) back to your home.

Destructive behaviour