Dogs are naturally curious and energetic, and sometimes this curiosity leads them to chew on furniture, shoes, and other household items. While this behavior is normal, it can be frustrating for owners who find their belongings damaged. The good news is that with proper training, environmental adjustments, and consistent reinforcement, you can teach your dog to stop destructive chewing.
In this guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind destructive chewing and provide practical solutions to help protect your home while keeping your dog happy and engaged.
1. Understand Why Your Dog is Destroying Furniture
Before addressing the issue, it’s important to understand why your dog is engaging in destructive behavior. Some common reasons include:
🐶 Teething (for Puppies): Puppies chew to relieve the discomfort of growing teeth.
🐶 Boredom: Dogs that lack mental and physical stimulation may chew to entertain themselves.
🐶 Separation Anxiety: Some dogs chew when they are anxious or stressed about being alone.
🐶 Lack of Training: Dogs may not understand what is acceptable to chew.
🐶 Hunger: If your dog isn’t getting enough food, they may chew on things in search of nutrition.
Identifying the root cause will help you choose the best strategy to stop destructive behavior.
2. Provide Appropriate Chewing Alternatives
One of the most effective ways to prevent your dog from destroying furniture is to give them something better to chew on.
✔️ Chew Toys: Durable rubber or nylon toys like KONGs can satisfy their chewing needs.
✔️ Edible Chews: Rawhide alternatives, bully sticks, and dental chews provide a safe way to redirect chewing.
✔️ Frozen Treats: Freezing a chew toy with peanut butter or yogurt inside makes it more enticing.
Whenever your dog starts chewing on furniture, calmly redirect them to a toy. Praise and reward them when they choose the right object to chew.
3. Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A tired dog is less likely to engage in destructive behavior. Many dogs chew because they have excess energy and don’t know how to release it.
🚶 Daily Walks: Ensure your dog gets enough physical exercise through regular walks.
🎾 Interactive Play: Games like fetch, tug-of-war, or agility training help burn energy.
🧩 Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys keep your dog’s mind engaged.
🐕 Socialization: Taking your dog to meet other dogs at a park can reduce boredom and anxiety.
By keeping your dog physically and mentally engaged, you reduce their urge to chew on inappropriate items.
4. Use Deterrent Sprays on Furniture
If your dog has a favorite piece of furniture to chew on, using a bitter-tasting deterrent spray can help. These sprays are harmless but taste bad, discouraging your dog from chewing.
How to use deterrent sprays effectively:
✔️ Choose a pet-safe deterrent spray (available at pet stores).
✔️ Apply it to furniture or objects your dog tends to chew.
✔️ Reapply as needed, especially after cleaning the area.
✔️ Provide an alternative chew toy to redirect their behavior.
Over time, your dog will associate chewing on furniture with a bad taste and lose interest.
5. Train Your Dog with Positive Reinforcement
Training is key to stopping destructive behavior. Instead of punishing your dog, focus on teaching them the right behavior.
Steps to train your dog to stop chewing furniture:
- Catch them in the act: If you see your dog chewing furniture, calmly interrupt them with a firm “No” or “Leave it.”
- Redirect immediately: Give them an appropriate chew toy and praise them when they use it.
- Reward good behavior: Offer treats and verbal praise when they choose the right items to chew.
- Be consistent: Training takes time, so always follow the same process.
With patience and consistency, your dog will learn what is acceptable to chew.
6. Manage Your Dog’s Environment
If your dog has a habit of destroying certain objects, managing their environment can help prevent access to things they shouldn’t chew.
🚪 Use Baby Gates: Block off areas with furniture or items you don’t want your dog to chew.
📦 Store Items Properly: Keep shoes, remote controls, and other tempting objects out of reach.
🏠 Provide a Safe Space: Create a designated space with appropriate toys where your dog can play safely.
The less access your dog has to chewable household items, the easier it will be to reinforce good behavior.
7. Address Separation Anxiety
If your dog chews furniture when left alone, they may have separation anxiety. Dogs with anxiety chew to relieve stress, and they need extra care to overcome their fears.
How to reduce separation anxiety chewing:
🐶 Practice short absences: Leave your dog alone for short periods and gradually increase the time.
🐶 Give comfort items: Provide a blanket, shirt with your scent, or a favorite toy.
🐶 Use calming aids: Try dog-calming sprays, diffusers, or anxiety wraps.
🐶 Hire a pet sitter: If your dog struggles with being alone for long hours, consider a dog walker or pet sitter.
If separation anxiety is severe, consult a dog trainer or veterinarian for additional support.
8. Avoid Punishment – Use Redirection Instead
It may be tempting to scold or punish your dog for chewing furniture, but punishment often leads to fear and confusion. Instead of stopping the behavior, it may make your dog more anxious, leading to even more destructive chewing.
Better alternatives to punishment:
✔️ Use redirection: Give your dog a toy instead of scolding them.
✔️ Be patient: Training takes time, so be consistent and positive.
✔️ Reward good behavior: Praise and treat your dog when they chew appropriate items.
By focusing on positive reinforcement, you build a strong bond with your dog while encouraging good habits.
9. Consider Crate Training for Supervision
If your dog chews when unsupervised, crate training can be a helpful solution. A crate provides a safe space where your dog can relax without access to furniture or other household items.
How to crate train effectively:
🐾 Choose a comfortable crate that allows your dog to stand and turn around.
🐾 Place soft bedding and safe chew toys inside.
🐾 Introduce the crate gradually with positive reinforcement (never use it as punishment).
🐾 Only crate your dog for short periods and gradually extend the time.
Crate training helps prevent destructive behavior while keeping your dog safe when you’re not home.
10. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If your dog continues to destroy furniture despite trying these methods, consider consulting a professional trainer or veterinarian. Persistent chewing may indicate behavioral issues, stress, or medical conditions that require expert intervention.
A professional can assess your dog’s specific needs and recommend tailored solutions for long-term success.
Final Thoughts
Destructive chewing is a common issue, but with the right approach, you can train your dog to stop damaging furniture and objects. By understanding the reasons behind their behavior, providing appropriate chew toys, increasing exercise, and using positive reinforcement, you can guide your dog toward better habits.
Remember, patience and consistency are key. With time, your dog will learn what is acceptable to chew, leading to a happier and stress-free home for both of you. 🐶✨