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How to Train a Dog to Stop Chewing on Things

By Pawform Editorial Team · Updated September 8, 2026 · 5 min read

Introduction

Training your dog to stop chewing on things starts with understanding that chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. To effectively curb this behavior, you can implement positive reinforcement techniques and provide suitable alternatives. Here’s how to train a dog to stop chewing on things using kind and effective methods.

Understanding Chewing

Before we can train our dogs, it’s essential to know why they chew. Dogs may chew for various reasons, including:

• Exploration: Puppies, in particular, use their mouths to explore the world around them.
• Boredom or Anxiety: Dogs may chew to relieve boredom or stress.
• Teething: Young puppies often chew to soothe their sore gums.
• Learned Behavior: Sometimes, dogs learn that chewing on certain items gets attention.

Understanding these reasons can help you develop tailored strategies to manage and redirect your dog’s chewing.

Step 1: Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

The first step in training your dog to stop chewing on inappropriate things is to provide them with suitable chew toys. Here’s how:

1. Choose the Right Toys: Select a variety of durable toys suited to your dog’s size and chewing style. Rubber toys, rope toys, and chew bones are excellent choices.
2. Rotate Toys: Keep the toys fresh and interesting by rotating them every few days to maintain your dog’s interest.
3. Encourage Chewing: When you catch your dog chewing on their toys instead of your furniture, give them plenty of praise and rewards. Positive reinforcement is key!

Step 2: Manage the Environment

To prevent unwanted chewing, it’s essential to manage your dog’s environment effectively:

1. Supervise Your Dog: Keep a close eye on your dog when they are in areas where they may chew on inappropriate items. Use baby gates to limit access to particularly tempting areas.
2. Remove Temptations: Keep items you don’t want chewed out of reach. This includes shoes, remote controls, and furniture, especially during your dog’s training phase.
3. Use Deterrents: You can apply safe, bitter-tasting sprays to furniture and shoes if the chewing persists, discouraging your dog from chewing those items.

Step 3: Redirect Chewing Behavior

When you catch your dog chewing on the wrong item, redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy:

1. Immediate Intervention: Firmly but gently intervene when you see your dog chewing on something that’s off-limits. Say “No” calmly, and swap the item for one that is acceptable.
2. Praise the Switch: Once your dog switches to the appropriate toy, give them lots of praise. This reinforcement helps them learn that chewing approved items is desirable.
3. Teach a Command: Train your dog to respond to commands like “Leave it” or “Drop it,” which can help manage situations when they are chewing on something inappropriate.

Step 4: Increase Physical and Mental Stimulation

A well-exercised and mentally stimulated dog is less likely to engage in destructive chewing:

1. Daily Exercise: Ensure your dog gets enough physical activity. Vigorous playtime or daily walks can help relieve excess energy that might lead to chewing.
2. Brain Games: Engage your dog with puzzle toys or train them in new tricks to provide mental stimulation. Activities like these can reduce boredom and diminish the need to chew.
3. Structured Time: Consider incorporating structured playdates or doggy daycare for socialization and interaction with other dogs.

Step 5: Address Anxiety and Stress

If your dog’s chewing is related to anxiety or stress, it’s crucial to address these issues:

1. Identify Triggers: Observe what situations lead to chewing. Are there loud noises, changes in the household, or other stressors?
2. Provide Comfort: Create a calming space for your dog with their bed or crate, where they can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. A soothing blanket or a favorite toy can also help.
3. Consult Professionals: If anxiety is severe, consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who can assist with targeted behavioral training techniques.

Step 6: Reinforce Positive Behavior

Positive reinforcement is vital to your dog’s training success:

1. Use Treats and Praise: Whenever your dog chooses an appropriate item to chew, reward them immediately with a treat or praise. Over time, they’ll associate good behavior with positive experiences.
2. Consistency is Key: Be consistent in your training approach. All family members should adhere to the same rules regarding chewing to avoid confusion.
3. Track Progress: Keep track of when your dog chooses appropriate items to chew rather than inappropriate ones, so you can celebrate their progress.

Conclusion

Training a dog to stop chewing on things requires patience and consistency, but with the right approach, it’s entirely achievable. Focus on providing appropriate toys, managing your dog’s environment, and using positive reinforcement consistently. If you want to further your dog’s training and behavioral solutions, consider checking out Brain Training for Dogs, which offers brain games designed to boost obedience and reduce problematic behaviors, all from home. Remember, with love and encouragement, you will help your furry friend become a well-mannered companion!