Let’s be real—if you’ve ever come home to find your favorite shoes shredded, the couch arm torn apart, or random bits of paper scattered like confetti, you’ve probably asked yourself: “How do I stop this chewing madness?” Chewing behavior is one of the most common struggles for pet owners, especially when it comes to dogs and even some mischievous cats. The good news? It’s completely manageable once you understand why it happens and how to stop chewing behavior the right way.
Understanding Why Pets Chew
Before diving into how to stop chewing behavior, you’ve got to know what’s behind it. Chewing isn’t just random destruction—it’s communication, comfort, or sometimes even boredom in action. Puppies, for example, chew because they’re teething. It helps relieve gum pain and explore their environment. Adult dogs might chew because they’re anxious, under-stimulated, or just plain curious.
Think of it like this: for pets, the mouth is their way of discovering the world. What hands are to humans, teeth are to them. So when your pet sinks its teeth into your sneakers, it’s not trying to make you mad—it’s trying to tell you something.
Identifying the Root Cause
Here’s the thing—there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to how to stop chewing behavior. What works for a teething puppy might not help an anxious rescue dog. So the first step is to figure out what’s fueling the behavior.
Is it boredom? Maybe your dog isn’t getting enough physical or mental exercise. Is it separation anxiety? Perhaps the chewing happens when you leave the house. Or is it teething discomfort? For puppies, that’s the usual suspect.
Once you identify why it’s happening, you can tailor the solution to fit your pet’s specific needs.
Provide Chew-Approved Alternatives
Now that you know what’s driving the behavior, let’s talk solutions. One of the easiest ways to stop destructive chewing is to redirect it toward appropriate items. Chew toys are your best friend here—literally.
Pick safe, durable toys designed for your pet’s size and chewing strength. For dogs, rubber toys like KONGs filled with treats or peanut butter can work wonders. If you’ve got a teething puppy, freeze a wet washcloth for them to gnaw on—it’ll soothe sore gums and keep them occupied.
The trick is to make the right chewing option more rewarding than the wrong one. Every time your pet chooses the toy instead of your slippers, praise them. Positive reinforcement works better than punishment, always.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation Matter
You know how restless you get when you’ve got too much energy and nothing to do? Pets feel that too. Many chewing issues stem from pent-up energy or boredom. So if you’re wondering how to stop chewing behavior, start with daily activity.
Long walks, play sessions, fetch games, or even puzzle toys can drain that extra energy in a healthy way. Tired pets are happy pets—and less likely to turn your living room into a chew-fest.
And don’t underestimate mental stimulation. Try rotating toys every few days to keep things interesting or teach your dog new tricks. Mental exercise can be just as powerful as physical play.
Manage the Environment
Sometimes, the easiest fix is managing your pet’s environment. If your dog has a habit of chewing your shoes, don’t leave shoes lying around. Seems obvious, right? But many pet owners overlook this.
Keep tempting items—like remote controls, socks, or phone chargers—out of reach. Crate training can also help, especially for younger dogs. A crate isn’t punishment; it’s a safe zone where they can relax and stay out of trouble when unsupervised.
Think of it as pet-proofing your home, similar to baby-proofing for toddlers. You’re setting them up for success by removing temptation.
Address Anxiety or Stress
Chewing can sometimes be a coping mechanism. Pets experiencing separation anxiety or stress may chew as a way to self-soothe. If that’s the case, punishing them won’t help—it’ll only make things worse.
Instead, focus on calming their anxiety. Start by leaving them alone for short periods and gradually increasing the time. Leave something that smells like you—a shirt, maybe—to comfort them. White noise or soft background music can also help reduce loneliness.
If the anxiety seems intense or ongoing, it might be worth consulting a vet or animal behaviorist. Sometimes, professional guidance makes all the difference in understanding how to stop chewing behavior linked to emotional distress.
Use Deterrents (When Necessary)
When redirection and prevention don’t fully solve the issue, deterrents can help. There are safe, pet-friendly sprays with bitter flavors that discourage chewing. Spray them on furniture legs, shoes, or anything your pet can’t resist.
But here’s a small warning: deterrents should be your backup plan, not your main strategy. They work best when combined with positive reinforcement and consistent training.
Stay Consistent and Patient
Patience is key. Chewing habits don’t disappear overnight. Whether it’s a teething puppy or an adult dog breaking an old habit, it takes time and consistency.
Whenever your pet chews something inappropriate, calmly redirect them to the right item. Don’t yell—it only creates fear and confusion. Over time, they’ll start to associate chewing the right thing with praise and satisfaction.
The thing is, your pet doesn’t automatically know the rules of your home. You’ve got to teach them—and be patient while they learn.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When figuring out how to stop chewing behavior, it’s easy to fall into a few traps. Don’t rely solely on punishment—it might stop the behavior temporarily but usually creates anxiety. Also, don’t assume your pet will “grow out of it.” Habits can become long-term if ignored.
And never take it personally. Your dog isn’t trying to get back at you for being late from work—they’re just acting on instinct. The goal is to guide, not scold.
When To Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried everything and your pet is still destroying half the house, it might be time to seek expert help. A professional trainer or behaviorist can observe patterns and give personalized advice. Sometimes, underlying medical issues—like dental pain—can trigger chewing, so a vet check-up is also worth considering.
Final Thoughts on How To Stop Chewing Behavior
At the end of the day, learning how to stop chewing behavior is all about understanding your pet’s needs, providing the right outlets, and staying consistent. Chewing isn’t bad—it’s natural. It just needs direction.
Remember, your pet isn’t being “bad.” They’re communicating, coping, or exploring. With patience, training, and a bit of creativity, you can turn destructive chewing into calm, happy habits that make life better for both of you.
Because honestly, nothing beats coming home to a relaxed pet—and intact furniture.
