How to Stop Destructive Chewing in Dogs: Understanding the Cause and Rebuilding Calm Behaviour
- Apr 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 15
Coming home to find your favourite shoes shredded or your sofa corner mysteriously missing can feel both frustrating and heart-b
reaking. Destructive chewing is one of the most common problems dog owners face—but it’s not just about damage. It’s communication.
Every torn cushion, gnawed table leg, or ripped blanket is a message from your dog saying something is missing—comfort, stimulation, confidence, or clarity. Once you understand why it happens, you can redirect that behaviour calmly and effectively.
The good news? With patience, structure, and the right training approach, your dog can learn what’s appropriate to chew—and you’ll both end up more connected and confident than before.
Why Dogs Chew
Chewing is natural. It’s how dogs explore the world, relieve tension, clean their teeth, and satisfy instinctual needs. The goal isn’t to stop chewing—it’s to guide it.
Normal Chewing Instincts
Dogs have chewed for thousands of years, and it serves real biological purposes:
Keeps teeth clean and jaws strong
Relieves stress or anxiety
Provides mental stimulation and comfort
Chewing itself isn’t the problem—it’s the target of that chewing that needs redirecting.
Age-Related Chewing Patterns
Puppies (3–6 months): Teething pain drives them to chew everything within reach.
Seniors: May chew more due to anxiety or cognitive decline.
Recognising these age-based motivations helps you meet your dog’s real needs instead of only managing symptoms.
The Main Causes of Destructive Chewing
1. Boredom and Unmet Energy Needs
Dogs are built to move, think, and explore. When they don’t get enough physical and mental stimulation, they invent their own “fun. ”High-energy breeds like Collies, Shepherds, and Terriers are especially prone to this. If your dog needs two hours of activity but only gets a 15-minute walk, your furniture might become their playground.
2. Separation Anxiety
Some dogs panic when left alone, chewing objects that smell like you—shoes, cushions, even remote controls. Other signs include pacing, whining, or destructive behaviour that happens only when you’re away. These cases need gentle, structured desensitisation—not punishment.
3. Attention-Seeking
If chewing brings instant attention (even scolding), your dog learns that it works. To change that, ignore unwanted chewing and reward calm, appropriate behaviour instead.
4. Stress or Environmental Changes
A house move, new baby, or change in schedule can all trigger stress-chewing. For many dogs, chewing is self-soothing—it helps them cope when life feels uncertain.
How to Stop Destructive Chewing
1. Dog-Proof the Environment
Prevention is easier than correction. Remove temptation: store shoes, tidy cords, block off risky areas with baby gates. Think like a dog—if they can reach it, they’ll probably try it.
Create “safe zones” where your dog can relax unsupervised: a calm area or crate with safe toys, bedding, and no hazards.
2. Provide the Right Chew Toys
Dogs have preferences. Some love soft plush toys, others prefer hard chews like antlers, natural rubber, or frozen Kongs. Rotate toys weekly—too many at once can be overwhelming, but new textures keep things exciting.
3. Increase Exercise and Mental Enrichment
A tired mind is as important as a tired body. Mix physical walks with puzzle feeders, scent games, or short training sessions. Even 10 minutes of focused training can burn more energy than a long walk.
Try:
Hide-and-seek with treats
Snuffle mats or cardboard search games
Trick training or obedience practice
4. Train Using Positive Reinforcement
Reward what you want. When your dog chews their toy instead of your furniture, praise and reward immediately. They’ll learn, “This gets me what I want.”
Avoid shouting or physical correction—it may increase anxiety and drive more chewing.
5. Redirect, Don’t Punish
Catch them in the act—say “Leave it,” then offer an approved toy instead. Reward when they switch to the correct item. Timing is everything: dogs can’t connect discipline to something that happened 10 minutes ago.
6. Teach “Leave It”
Start with a treat in your closed hand. Say “Leave it. ”When your dog stops pawing or sniffing, say “Good” and reward with a different treat. Gradually progress to real-life items—this command can literally save your sofa (and sometimes your dog’s life).
Creating a Chew-Friendly Environment
Designate a Chew Zone
Set up a specific area—perhaps a cosy mat or bed—where your dog can chew freely. Encourage them to spend time there with treats, toys, and calm attention.
Add Enrichment
You don’t need expensive gadgets. Try frozen broth cubes, cardboard boxes filled with treats, or paper rolls stuffed with kibble. Dogs need outlets for curiosity—give them safe, creative options.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog chews obsessively, injures themselves, eats non-food items, or shows signs of severe separation anxiety, it’s time for professional guidance. These cases usually improve fastest with a structured behaviour plan.
👉 If you’d like personalised help for destructive chewing, separation anxiety, or other behavioural issues, contact me directly here: www.dogbehaviouristonline.co.uk/contact
Long-Term Success: Building a Balanced Dog
Celebrate Small Wins
Behaviour change is gradual. If your dog chose their toy over your shoes today—celebrate it! Progress happens in inches, not leaps.
Maintain Routine
Once you see improvement, keep the structure going. Dogs thrive on predictability, and consistency prevents relapse.
Accept Setbacks
Regression isn’t failure—it’s feedback. It means your dog needs more support, stimulation, or calm structure.
Final Thoughts
Destructive chewing isn’t about “bad behaviour.” It’s about unmet needs, stress, or communication gaps—and those can all be fixed with understanding, structure, and compassion.
Every time you guide your dog toward the right choice, you’re not just saving your belongings—you’re building trust.
A dog who learns to chew appropriately isn’t only better behaved; they’re calmer, happier, and more confident in your shared world. And that’s worth every bit of patience you invest.
👉 Need expert help with your dog’s chewing or behaviour problems? Visit dogbehaviouristonline.co.uk/contact to get tailored guidance for your dog’s unique situation.
Comments