5 Easy Steps to Stop Inappropriate Chewing in Dogs & Puppies

Having a puppy or dog who chews everything can be a challenging issue faced by many pet owners. Chewing is a natural, important canine behaviour, especially in puppies who explore their world by mouthing objects. However, it is essential to teach your dog to differentiate between approved chew toys and your household items for their safety and your peace of mind.

Inappropriate chewing is most common during the puppy phase, usually up to around nine months old, and often diminishes as they mature. Nevertheless, the damage during this developmental stage can be significant, so early guidance is key. Teaching commands like "leave it" and "no" help your dog learn boundaries effectively.

Understanding Why Dogs Chew

Chewing satisfies natural urges and helps puppies manage teething discomfort, much like human babies. As puppy teeth fall out and adult teeth emerge, gums can be sore, prompting an increased need to chew. Providing safe chew toys designed to soothe growing gums is crucial to meet this need without resorting to household goods.

Why Inappropriate Chewing Is a Concern

Chewing unsuitable items can cause costly damage to your belongings such as shoes, furniture, or carpets. More importantly, it could harm your dog if they swallow toxic substances, splinters, or non-digestible materials, risking internal injuries or poisoning.

Five Essential Steps to Curb Inappropriate Chewing

Step 1: Check for Health or Wellbeing Issues

First, consider if health problems or anxiety might be driving the behaviour. Nutritional deficiencies or underlying illnesses can cause your dog to chew excessively. Always consult your vet to rule out medical causes. Stress and anxiety also manifest as destructive chewing; ensure your dog’s environment is safe and comforting.

Step 2: Puppy-Proof Your Home

Protect your belongings while training your dog by removing tempting objects such as shoes, children’s toys, and electrical cords from their reach. Restrict access to rooms where inappropriate chewing happens most when unsupervised. This helps reduce opportunities and reinforces learning.

Step 3: Keep Your Dog Stimulated and Engaged

Boredom is a common root of destructive chewing. Provide plenty of daily exercise, playtime, and social interaction. Variety in toys and activities keeps your dog mentally and physically occupied, reducing the urge to chew out of boredom.

Step 4: Promote Chewing Approved Items

Introduce a variety of durable, safe chew toys that appeal to your dog’s preferences in texture and flavour. Swap toys regularly to maintain interest. Keep toys in a special box or crate so your dog learns which items belong to them. Reward and praise your dog when they choose appropriate toys over household items.

Step 5: Discourage and Redirect Wrong Chewing

If your dog starts chewing something inappropriate, calmly intervene by using command cues like "leave it" and redirect to a suitable chew toy. Avoid physical struggles that may turn this into a game. When your dog relinquishes an item, reward them with praise or a treat. Prevent mixed messages by never allowing them to keep destroyed items as toys.

Why Responsible Training Matters

Patience and consistency are key. Remember, chewing is instinctive and giving your dog guidance instead of punishment encourages a healthy relationship and better behaviour long term. Early investment in training helps avoid costly damages and protects your dog's wellbeing.

By applying these five practical steps, you create a safe, enriching environment for your dog that respects their natural needs and promotes a happy home for all.