Few things are as frustrating as coming home to a chewed couch corner or a ruined shoe. The good news is that destructive chewing is usually a solvable management and training problem. The key is working out why your dog is doing it, then setting things up so the right choice is easy.
Why dogs chew things they should not
| Likely cause | Clues | Best first move |
|---|---|---|
| Teething (puppies) | Under about 6–7 months; chews everything; sore gums. | Safe chews and chilled toys. See our teething timeline. |
| Boredom or too little exercise | Chewing happens when you are busy or out; restless in the evening. | More walks, sniffing time and puzzle feeders. See exercise needs. |
| Curiosity and exploring | Young or newly adopted dog; tests everything with the mouth. | Dog-proof, supervise and use a safe space. |
| Stress or separation anxiety | Damage near doors or windows, drooling, barking or panic when alone. | Read about separation anxiety; ask a vet or trainer. |
| Attention seeking | Grabs a shoe, then checks whether you react. | Stay calm, trade for a toy, and reward chewing the right thing. |
Step-by-step plan
- Manage the environment. Put shoes, kids’ toys and remote controls out of reach. Close doors, use baby gates or a pen, and keep a dog who is still learning in a space where damage is limited.
- Offer better options. Rotate a few durable chews so they stay interesting. Our chew toy guide compares types and how to match size and toughness to your dog.
- Use stuffable toys. A food-stuffed toy can keep a dog busy for a long time. See our KONG review for ideas and sizing.
- Teach a trade. When your dog picks up something off-limits, calmly offer a treat or a toy in exchange, then return the allowed item. Staying calm matters; a chase turns it into a game.
- Reward the right choice. When your dog picks up their own toy, give quiet praise or a small treat.
- Increase exercise and enrichment. A tired, mentally satisfied dog is less likely to look for entertainment. Try indoor activities on rainy days.
- Use deterrent sprays carefully. Bitter-tasting sprays can discourage some dogs, but they are not a cure and some dogs ignore them. Test a small hidden area first, never spray on your dog, and keep using the other steps.
How worried should you be? Four levels of chewing
Not all chewing is equal. Veterinarian Dr. Duncan Houston (Ask A Vet) groups it into four levels, which can help you decide whether this is a training job or a vet job.
| Level | What it looks like | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Normal | A puppy chewing suitable toys, or mild curiosity chewing. | Monitor and redirect. |
| 2. Mild problem | Occasional damage, mostly when unsupervised. | Add structure, supervision and enrichment. |
| 3. Concerning | Repeated damage despite your efforts, specific objects or spots targeted, or it happens when you are away. | Consider a behavior assessment. |
| 4. High risk | Eating non-food items, breaking teeth on hard objects, signs of distress, vomiting, lethargy or reduced appetite. | Needs veterinary input. |
The same vet suggests tracking when the behavior occurs. A simple phone note (time of day, what was chewed, whether you were home) can show a pattern. If you see no improvement after 2 to 4 weeks of consistent management, the vet advises getting professional input, and your notes will help that conversation.
Why management matters: dogs rehearse what works
Dr. Houston points out that every time a dog successfully chews something, the habit gets stronger. That is why controlling access comes first: remove shoes, remotes and loose items, restrict free roaming, and supervise or confine when you cannot watch. Freedom can be earned back gradually as chewing improves.
Make meals last longer
A bowl of kibble is gone in minutes. According to the same vet, feeding through puzzle feeders or stuffed toys can take 20 to 40 minutes and noticeably reduces destructive behavior in many dogs. If your dog chews in the evening or when you are busy, schedule a stuffed toy or puzzle meal at that time.
Safer and riskier chews
Redirecting to a chew only helps if the chew itself is safe. The vet’s rule of thumb: if an item is harder than your dog’s teeth, it can break them.
| Safer options | Higher-risk items |
|---|---|
| Durable, flexible rubber toys | Hard bones that can fracture teeth |
| Food-dispensing toys | Rawhide, which can cause choking or blockage |
| Vet-approved dental chews | Cheap plastic toys that splinter |
Rotating a few toys every couple of days, as Dogster suggests, keeps them interesting.
Shoe-specific tricks that work in real homes
- A lidded tub by each door. Dogster suggests keeping a tub with a lid where everyone drops shoes as they come in. It is easier than walking to a closet when you are tired or rushing.
- Close doors and use gates. If shoes live in bedrooms, keep the doors shut. If they pile up in the family room, put a baby gate across the entry.
- Reclaim shoes every time. If you catch your dog chewing, calmly take the shoe and move it out of reach. Everyone in the household has to do this consistently.
- Choose commercial, pet-safe deterrents. Dogster advises against homemade deterrents, which may irritate your dog’s mouth or stomach.
If chewing happens when you leave
Shoes smell like you, so chewing them can feel comforting when you are gone. Dogster suggests keeping departures and arrivals low-key, leaving a blanket that smells like you, and giving a puzzle toy as you head out. It also recommends speaking to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist if separation anxiety is suspected. Calming supplements are sometimes suggested, but Dogster notes that some lack strong scientific evidence, so ask your vet before trying one. Dogs with true separation anxiety may need a structured behavior plan and, in some cases, prescription medication.
What not to do
- Do not punish after the fact. Dogs do not link a scolding to chewing that happened earlier. It can add fear and make the problem worse.
- Do not give old shoes as toys. Dogs cannot tell old shoes from new ones.
- Do not leave a chewer unsupervised with unsafe items. Swallowed fabric, stuffing or hard chunks can cause blockages.
Crate or pen: a helpful tool, not a cure
A crate or pen can keep your dog and your belongings safe when you cannot supervise, but it should be introduced gradually and never used as punishment. See how to crate train a puppy for a step-by-step approach, and avoid long stretches of confinement.
When to call a vet or trainer
- Your dog has swallowed fabric, stuffing or other non-food items, or is vomiting, drooling heavily or has a painful belly. This can be an emergency.
- Chewing appears suddenly in an adult dog with no change in routine. Dental pain, digestive upset and other medical issues can be involved.
- Destruction happens mainly when you leave, which points to anxiety.
- Your dog chews compulsively or damages their own teeth or mouth.
Frequently asked questions
Will my dog grow out of chewing?
Puppies often chew less after teething, but adult dogs still chew. Good habits and plenty of appropriate outlets matter more than age.
Why does my dog chew shoes in particular?
Shoes smell strongly of you, and their texture is satisfying to chew. Keeping them out of reach is the simplest fix.
Are bitter sprays safe?
Pet-safe products exist, but results vary and they should not replace training. Check the label and test on a hidden area first.
Is destructive chewing a sign of a medical problem?
It can be, especially if it starts suddenly or involves eating non-food items. Mention it to your vet.
Sources and further reading
- Ask A Vet: How to Stop Destructive Chewing in Puppies and Dogs (by Dr. Duncan Houston, BVSc, a practising veterinarian)
- Dogster: How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing Shoes (reviewed by Dr. Marta Vidal-Abarca, veterinarian)
General educational information. For puppies, also see puppy biting and nipping.