Does your dog chew everything in sight – shoes, furniture, or even your favorite book? If so, you’re not alone. Many dog owners struggle with excessive chewing, especially when their pups are teething or feeling anxious. While chewing is a natural behavior, destructive chewing can become a real problem if not addressed early.

Understanding why your dog chews everything is the first step to stopping the behavior. With the right training, toys, and consistency, you can redirect your dog’s chewing habits toward safer alternatives. In this guide, we’ll explore the causes of excessive chewing and provide actionable solutions to help you protect your belongings while keeping your pup happy.

Why Do Dogs Chew Everything?

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. It helps relieve boredom, teething pain, and stress. Some dogs chew to explore their environment, while others do it for comfort. Puppies, in particular, use their mouths to learn about the world. However, when chewing becomes excessive or destructive, it’s essential to address the root cause.

Causes of Excessive Chewing in Dogs

Dogs chew for various reasons, but excessive or destructive chewing usually stems from deeper behavioral or environmental issues. Here are the top causes:

Puppy Teething

Puppies begin teething at around three to four weeks old. This process continues until they reach six months. During this phase, they chew on anything they can find to relieve gum discomfort.

Boredom and Lack of Exercise

Dogs need both mental and physical stimulation. When left alone for long periods without activities, they resort to chewing to release pent-up energy.

Separation Anxiety

Dogs that experience anxiety when left alone often resort to destructive chewing. Chewing provides comfort and helps them cope with stress.

Attention-Seeking Behavior

Some dogs chew to get their owner’s attention. If they realize that chewing makes you react, they may continue doing it to engage with you.

Hunger or Pica

A dog that isn’t getting enough food may chew objects to satisfy its hunger. Pica, a condition where dogs crave and eat non-food items, can also contribute to excessive chewing.

Medical Issues

Underlying medical problems, such as gastrointestinal discomfort, may lead to increased chewing. If you suspect a health issue, consult your vet for advice.

How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Everything?

If your dog is chewing excessively, it’s important to address the behavior in a positive and effective way. Here are five strategies to help:

Supervise and Set Boundaries

Always keep an eye on your dog, especially if they’re young or just moved into your home. If you can’t watch them closely, use baby gates or a crate to keep them away from places or things they shouldn’t chew on.

Provide Plenty of Chew Toys

A great way to prevent dogs from chewing on unwanted items is to provide them with fun alternatives. The best dog toys for dogs that chew should be durable, safe, and designed to satisfy their natural chewing instincts.

Use Bitter Sprays

You can make furniture, shoes, and other off-limits items less appealing by spraying them with a non-toxic bitter spray. This can help stop your dog from chewing on things they shouldn’t.

Exercise Your Dog Daily

An active dog is a happy dog. Going for walks, playing games, and throwing a ball help your dog burn off extra energy, which can prevent them from chewing destructively.

Keep Valuables Out of Reach

Help your dog succeed by moving tempting items out of their reach. Put away shoes, remote controls, and other chewable things to make it easier for your dog to follow the rules.

Train with Positive Reinforcement

When your dog chews on the right things, reward them! Give them treats and praise to motivate them, and gently redirect them if they start going for something they shouldn’t.

Smart Training Techniques to Redirect Chewing

To stop destructive chewing, use smart training techniques with consistency and patience. Teach the “leave it” command to discourage chewing on off-limit items. When your dog starts chewing something inappropriate, redirect them to a chew toy and reward them with praise or treats. Provide interactive dog chew toys to keep their mind engaged. If needed, use crate training to prevent chewing when unsupervised. Ensure your dog gets enough exercise and playtime to release pent-up energy. With positive reinforcement and engaging alternatives, your dog will develop healthy chewing habits and avoid destructive behavior.

What to Do If Your Dog Keeps Chewing Everything?

Even with training and preventive measures, some dogs take longer to break the habit. Here’s what you can do:

• Supervise closely – Keep an eye on your dog and redirect chewing immediately.
• Crate train when necessary – A properly introduced crate can provide a safe space when you’re away.
• Seek professional help – If chewing remains excessive, consult a dog trainer or veterinarian to rule out medical issues.

If your dog has persistent destructive habits, a veterinary check-up can ensure there are no underlying health concerns.

Conclusion

Stopping destructive chewing requires patience, training, and consistency. Dogs chew for many reasons, from teething and boredom to anxiety and hunger. Identifying the cause of their chewing is crucial to solving the issue.

Providing appropriate chew toys, increasing exercise, and using training techniques can significantly reduce destructive chewing. If problems persist, consulting a vet or professional trainer can help address deeper issues.

With the right approach, you can teach your dog what to chew and what to leave alone, leading to a happier, stress-free life for both you and your furry friend.