Destructive Chewing in Dogs: Why It Happens and How to Stop It

You left the house for 20 minutes. You came back to shredded shoes, a gnawed table leg, or worse—chewed-up drywall. Sound familiar?

Destructive chewing is one of the most frustrating behaviors for dog owners. But the truth is, your dog isn't doing it to spite you. They're trying to cope—with boredom, anxiety, teething, or lack of boundaries.

Let’s break down the most common causes and how to redirect the behavior (without yelling or punishment).

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🐶 Why Dogs Chew Everything

Chewing is natural—but when it becomes destructive, it’s usually linked to:

• Puppy teething – Sore gums need relief

• Boredom – Not enough physical or mental stimulation

• Separation anxiety – Chewing to self-soothe while alone

• Lack of boundaries – No training on what’s “okay” to chew

• Exploration – Especially in young dogs, they explore with their mouths

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🛠️ How to Stop Destructive Chewing (For Good)

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1. Rule Out Medical or Anxiety Issues

If your dog is chewing obsessively, especially when alone, consult your vet. They may be dealing with stress, anxiety, or a health issue.

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2. Provide a Variety of Chew Toys

Offer safe chew items—rubber toys, frozen carrots, or long-lasting treats. Rotate them often to keep things interesting.

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3. Supervise and Redirect

Catch them in the act? Say a firm but calm “No” and immediately redirect to a toy. Praise them when they chew the right thing.

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4. Use Deterrents (the Right Way)

Apply bitter sprays or citrus-based deterrents to furniture legs or baseboards. Always pair with a positive chew option nearby.

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5. Crate Train or Use a Playpen When Unsupervised

If your dog is chewing while you’re out, give them a safe, enclosed space with approved chew toys. This prevents damage and builds good habits.

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6. Exercise. More Than You Think.

A tired dog is less likely to chew out of boredom. Add daily walks, fetch, training games, or food puzzles to burn energy.

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❗ What NOT to Do:

• Don’t punish after the fact—your dog won’t understand

• Don’t give old shoes or socks to chew—they can’t tell the difference

• Don’t assume they’ll “grow out of it” without training

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❤️ Final Thought

Destructive chewing isn’t about being a “bad dog.” It’s communication. Your dog is telling you something—and with the right outlets, they’ll learn that chewing doesn’t have to equal chaos.

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#DestructiveChewing #DogTrainingTips #StopChewing #PuppyHelp #AnxiousDog #PetParenting101 #PetfunoCare #HappyDogHappyHome