Dog Chews Everything? (Try These Tips)

Key Takeaways

• Why dogs chew: Puppies explore the world with their mouths, teething makes their gums itchy, and boredom, stress, or health issues can all play a role.
• How to help: Offer quality chew toys, reward good behavior with positive reinforcement, and keep dangerous items out of reach.
• Specific situations: Address separation anxiety step by step, make sure your dog gets regular exercise and mental stimulation, and don't hesitate to call in a pro if needed.

These are just 3 possible reasons to get you started. More causes and tips below!

What's Really Going On?

Every dog owner knows the drill: You look away for one second, and your pup has already sunk their teeth into the latest magazine, your kid's favorite toy, or that expensive sofa.

Chewing, gnawing, biting — why does my dog do this, and what can I do about it? Let's dig into the world of chewing together and find real solutions. First, let's figure out the possible reasons behind the chewing. Is your dog still a puppy? Or are they already an adult? That distinction makes a big difference when it comes to pinpointing the cause.

There are plenty of reasons why dogs chew. It can signal boredom, stress, teething pain in puppies, or even an underlying health problem. The key is finding the cause so you can tackle it head-on.

5 Common Reasons:

• Puppy stage: Puppies explore the world with their mouths. On top of that, teething makes their gums itchy, which drives them to chew on anything they can find.
• Adolescence: During their "teenage" phase, hormonal changes can ramp up the chewing.
• Boredom: A dog that isn't getting enough stimulation will find their own entertainment — and you probably won't like their choices.
• Stress or anxiety: Chewing can be a way for dogs to cope with pent-up emotions.
• Health problems: Dental issues, nutritional deficiencies, or other illnesses can trigger increased chewing.

What to Do Now

Find the cause: Before jumping into fixes, try to figure out why your dog is chewing in the first place. Boredom? Stress? Teething? A health issue?

Dogs often chew because they're bored and under-exercised. Regular walks, play sessions, and activities can help burn off that excess energy. Invest in quality chew toys. They give your dog a healthy outlet for that natural chewing drive.

If you catch your dog chewing on something they shouldn't, calmly redirect them and offer an acceptable alternative — like their favorite chew toy. Basic obedience training or a group class can also make a huge difference. A well-trained dog is usually a happier dog.

When you leave your dog home alone, make sure anything dangerous or valuable is out of reach. If your dog only chews when you're gone, separation anxiety could be the culprit. Try gradually extending the time you're away so they learn you always come back.

There are special deterrent sprays that taste bitter but are completely safe for dogs. Spray them on objects your dog likes to target. A vet visit is also worth it to rule out health-related causes like dental problems or nutritional gaps.

If you can't get the problem under control on your own, an experienced dog trainer can offer personalized solutions and tips. And don't forget to celebrate the wins! If your dog chews on their toy instead of your shoe, make a big deal out of it.

Patience is everything. With time and consistent training, your dog's chewing will get better. It also helps to remember that chewing is a perfectly natural behavior for dogs — sometimes they just need the right outlet.

Training Equipment

• Quality chew toys
• Chew bones or bully sticks
• Puzzle toys for mental stimulation
• Secure storage for off-limits items

Medical Causes

To be safe, rule out medical causes first. Have you noticed any changes in your dog's behavior? Make sure to bring it up with your vet.

Here's a quick breakdown of common chewing causes:

• Teething (in puppies)
• Loneliness or separation anxiety
• Boredom
• Medical conditions such as a brain tumor

Once you've figured out the cause, breaking the habit gets a whole lot easier.

Puppies are notorious for chewing on everything in sight. This is partly normal — they're exploring their world, and chewing also brings relief during teething. When puppies go on a chewing spree, they're probably teething. This typically happens between four and seven months of age.

Your new housemate's gums might be itchy or downright sore. Chewing is their way of finding some relief. It massages the gums and helps loosen those baby teeth.

That said, it's important to channel this behavior the right way to prevent damage — and keep your puppy safe. Here's how:

Tip 1 - Offer Chew Toys

If your puppy is teething, they're trying to work those loose teeth out. Give them chew toys made from natural rubber or a sturdy chew bone. Make sure there's a good variety available so they can satisfy that chewing urge without going after your stuff.

Tip 2 - Redirect Unwanted Chewing

Catch your puppy chewing on something off-limits? Give a calm "No" and swap it out for an appropriate chew toy.

Tip 3 - Bitter Sprays

Non-toxic bitter sprays can be applied to furniture and other tempting objects to make them way less appealing.

Tip 4 - Puppy-Proof Your Home

Puppies are curious about everything. Keep dangerous or valuable items well out of reach.

Tip 5 - Help with Teething

Teething can be really uncomfortable. Chilled chew toys work wonders — the cool temperature soothes sore gums and eases the pain. Plus, the chewing itself is a great distraction.

Tip 6 - Plenty of Exercise

A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy. Make sure they're getting enough physical activity and playtime to burn off that puppy energy.

Tip 7 - Start Training Early

Begin with simple commands right away. Early training strengthens your bond and teaches your puppy what's okay and what's not.

Tip 8 - Praise the Good Stuff

Every time your puppy picks the right chew toy or responds to a "No," reward them with praise. Positive reinforcement goes a long way.

Tip 9 - Be Patient and Consistent

Puppies are a lot like little kids — they need clear, consistent guidance and plenty of patience.

Tip 10 - Socialize Early

Good socialization builds confidence and reduces unwanted behaviors. Once their vaccinations are up to date, let them play with other dogs and explore new environments.

Tip 11 - Get Expert Help

If the chewing continues despite your best efforts — or if you suspect there's a deeper issue — consult a dog trainer or behaviorist.

Always remember: puppies are naturally curious and explore their world with their mouths. With love, patience, and the right training, your puppy will learn what's fair game and what's off-limits. Is your little troublemaker smack in the middle of adolescence? They might be bursting with energy and not getting enough stimulation in their daily life.

When your dog hits puberty, expect some behavioral shake-ups. Hormonal changes, a growing need for independence, and boundary-testing are all par for the course. Here's how to handle a teenage dog that chews on everything:

Tip 1 - Show Understanding

First things first: puberty is a totally natural phase. Just like human teenagers, dogs can be extra stubborn and rebellious during this time.

Tip 2 - Stay Consistent

Adolescent dogs love testing limits. Be extra consistent with your training — not harsh, just clear and predictable with your commands and reactions.

Tip 3 - Keep Them Busy

A teenage dog has energy to burn. Provide plenty of exercise and mental challenges through long walks, games, or training sessions.

Tip 4 - Stock Up on Chew Toys

Make sure your dog always has plenty of appropriate chew toys within reach. This channels their chewing drive where it belongs.

Tip 5 - Keep Training

Even if it feels like your dog forgot everything they ever learned, keep at it. Review old commands and introduce new ones.

Tip 6 - Don't Skip Rest Time

Just like puppies, adolescent dogs need plenty of downtime. Overtiredness often leads to destructive behavior.

Tip 7 - Socialize Regularly

Regular playdates with other dogs help burn off energy and sharpen social skills.

Tip 8 - Call In a Pro If Needed

If the behavior gets really tough to manage, consider working with a dog trainer or behaviorist.

Tip 9 - Reward Good Behavior

Positive reinforcement matters even more during this phase. When your dog makes the right choice, let them know with plenty of praise.

Tip 10 - Use Physical Barriers

When you can't supervise your dog, keep them in a safe room or area where they can't do any damage.

Tip 11 - Get a Health Check

It's always smart to visit the vet and make sure the chewing isn't caused by a health problem. Puberty can be a wild ride for dog owners, but with patience, understanding, and consistent training, you and your dog will come out the other side just fine.

Remember — this is just a phase. With your help, your dog will grow into a calm, well-adjusted adult.

But maybe your furry friend simply doesn't want to be left alone. Loneliness and separation anxiety are incredibly common in dogs. Dogs are pack animals — they crave social connection. Your dog might just be scared or sad because you're not around. Separation stress is one of the top reasons dogs destroy household items.

When a dog only chews on things while they're home alone, there are usually a few common culprits. The most frequent cause is separation anxiety. Your dog misses you, feels restless or stressed, and chewing becomes their way of coping.

Tip 1 - Build Up Slowly

Get your dog used to being alone in small steps. Start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the time. Every time you come home and everything's intact, give your dog some praise.

Tip 2 - Tire Them Out First

Before you head out, make sure your dog has had a good walk or play session. A tired dog settles down much more easily on their own.

Tip 3 - Puzzle Toys

Interactive toys that challenge your dog mentally are a lifesaver. Try a Kong stuffed with treats or peanut butter — it'll keep them busy while you're gone.

Tip 4 - Create a Safe Space

Make sure your dog doesn't have access to things they could destroy. A designated area or room works great.

Tip 5 - Calming Aids

Special pheromone sprays or diffusers (like Adaptil) can have a real calming effect on anxious dogs.

Tip 6 - Background Noise

Some dogs find it comforting when soft music or an audiobook plays in the background. It helps take the edge off that lonely feeling.

Tip 7 - Use a Camera

Consider setting up a pet camera so you can watch your dog's behavior while you're out. It helps you spot specific triggers and understand what's really going on.

Tip 8 - Daycare or a Dog Sitter

If your dog truly struggles with being alone, doggy daycare or a dog sitter can be a game-changer.

Tip 9 - Consult a Professional

In serious cases of separation anxiety, it's worth bringing in an expert — a dog trainer or animal behaviorist can make a world of difference.

Tip 10 - Never Punish

Even if you come home to a disaster zone, don't punish your dog. They can't connect what they did hours ago to your reaction, and punishment only makes their anxiety worse.

Tip 11 - Patience, Understanding, and Consistency Win

Remember — your dog isn't doing this out of spite. They're insecure or anxious. With the right support and training, the behavior will improve over time.

Training Your Dog to Stay Home Alone

Here's a simple approach to help your dog get comfortable being on their own: Leave your puppy or adult dog alone on purpose. Start with just five minutes. If that goes well, gradually extend the time.

Your dog needs to learn that you always come back. Regular practice makes all the difference. Want to know what your dog does while you're out — whether they're relaxed or restless? Set up a baby monitor or pet camera.

Keep Arrivals and Departures Low-Key

When you leave, skip the long goodbye. When you get back, don't make a huge fuss. Just act like it's no big deal. This helps your dog accept your comings and goings as totally normal — nothing to stress about.

Leave the TV or YouTube Running

Background noise masks street sounds. A lot of dogs relax to the familiar hum of the TV or a YouTube video. You could even try a special dog relaxation channel! Want something more hands-on? Check out our app and join the course on staying home alone.

Boredom can also be behind all the chewing. Maybe your dog is just looking for something — anything — to do. You're not home, so they're left to entertain themselves until you get back.

So How Do You Help? Here Are Some Ideas:

Walks, Dog Sports, and Training Classes

Is your dog a total ball of energy? Try going for a run together before work. Or spend your lunch break with them. Biking is another great option — many dogs love it, and it gives them a serious workout. Work as much physical activity into your dog's daily routine as you can. Just make sure it matches their age and health. For older dogs, a good walk is usually enough to wear them out.

If you can't fit in walks, exercise, or classes yourself, maybe another family member can help. Or hire a dog walker. Dogs need mental challenges too. How about agility training? Your dog navigates an obstacle course following specific rules — it's a blast for both of you. Clicker training is another great way to teach tricks and keep their brain engaged.

The bottom line: Your dog needs a varied, exciting daily life. They don't want to just lie in a corner and wait for you to come home. They want to move, discover the world, and soak it all in.

Give your dog the chance to learn and grow — and they'll leave your furniture alone.

Offer Fun Activities

There's a huge variety of puzzle toys and Kongs you can stuff with treats. Or try a snuffle mat for some nose-work fun. These will keep your dog engaged for a good stretch. A selection of chew toys adds variety and entertainment. And don't forget a cozy dog bed as their go-to retreat.

When your dog starts chewing on the furniture, it's both frustrating and expensive. This behavior can be triggered by boredom, stress, separation anxiety, or a combination of factors. The good news? There are ways to deal with it:

First Aid and Home Remedies for Destructive Chewing

For now, you can use simple home remedies to make chewed-on spots unappealing. Think of it as a bridge solution until your training kicks in and your dog handles alone time better. The most effective strategy is to make the problem areas unappealing while giving your dog better alternatives.

Making Chew Spots Unappealing (or Removing Them)

Heads up: These home remedies don't solve the root problem. You still need to make sure your dog is getting enough physical and mental stimulation. Otherwise, they'll eventually find something else to chew on.

• Your dog's been going after table and chair legs? Rub the wood with vinegar. Dogs hate the smell, so they'll — hopefully — steer clear.
• Mustard works too. Dab it on a favorite chew spot.
• Put tempting items away. Shoes go in the closet. Cables go in cord covers. Clothes go in the dresser. Out of sight, out of mouth. There are several reasons why a dog might chew on their paws. Here are the most common causes and what to do about them:

Allergies Dogs can develop allergies to certain foods, environmental triggers (like pollen or dust mites), or chemicals (like those in cleaning products or flea treatments). These allergies cause itching, which leads to chewing.

Solution: Your vet can run allergy tests and recommend a hypoallergenic diet or medication to relieve the itching.

Parasites Fleas, mites, or ticks can cause itching and irritation.

Solution: Stay on top of regular flea and tick prevention, and check your dog's paws and skin often.

Dry Skin

Dry air — especially during winter — can lead to dry, irritated skin.

Solution: Paw balms or moisturizing salves can help. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are also great for overall skin health.

Pain or Injuries

A splinter, a cut, or something stuck between the toes can cause pain and trigger the urge to chew.

Solution: Check the paw carefully for visible injuries. If anything looks off, see your vet.

Behavioral Issues

Sometimes paw chewing is driven by boredom, stress, or anxiety rather than a physical problem.

Solution: Make sure your dog has plenty of toys, exercise, and mental stimulation. For persistent behavior, an animal behaviorist can help.

Fungal or Bacterial Infections

Moisture and warmth create the perfect environment for bacteria or fungi that cause itching.

Solution: Your vet can diagnose the issue and recommend the right treatment. If your dog is chewing their paws regularly and intensely, a vet visit is always a good idea. They can identify the exact cause and recommend the right course of action. Catching potential health problems early makes a huge difference.

Is It Natural for Dogs to Chew on Everything?

Yes — chewing is 100% natural for dogs. Here's why it happens:

• Teething in puppies: Just like human babies, puppies go through teething where baby teeth get replaced by adult teeth. It can be uncomfortable or even painful, and chewing helps relieve the discomfort and speed up the process.

• Exploring their world: Dogs are naturally curious creatures. They use their mouths to investigate and learn about their surroundings — kind of like how toddlers put everything in their mouths.

• Boredom and lack of exercise: A bored dog will find ways to entertain themselves, and chewing is often their go-to.

• Stress or anxiety: Chewing can be a form of self-soothing. Dogs dealing with separation anxiety or other stress often chew more.

• Diet and health: Nutritional deficiencies or other health problems can sometimes drive chewing behavior.

• Natural chewing drive: Dogs have a strong built-in urge to chew. How strong that urge is depends on the breed, age, and individual personality.

• Attention-seeking: Some dogs have figured out that chewing gets a reaction from their owner — even if it's a negative one.

While chewing is natural, it's important to give your dog healthy outlets so they don't destroy your stuff or hurt themselves. Appropriate chew toys, solid training, plenty of exercise, and mental stimulation all go a long way toward keeping unwanted chewing in check.

It can take a while for your dog to kick the chewing habit. Be patient. If your dog destroyed a couch cushion while you were out, it's too late to scold them when you get home. You didn't catch them in the act.

Your dog can't connect their earlier behavior to your anger. If you scold them after the fact, you'll just seem unpredictable — and that damages your relationship. Stay calm instead. Focus on making sure your dog gets enough physical and mental stimulation, and practice alone-time training.

We also strongly advise against remote punishment devices. Some dog owners use spray-activated collars and watch their dog on camera. When the dog starts chewing, the device releases a burst of water and gas. The hissing, cold, and moisture startles the dog and stops the behavior.

Here's the problem: Your dog links that unpleasant experience with being alone. In the worst case, it makes their anxiety even worse.

On top of that, confusing punishment can lead to behavioral problems and insecurity. Instead of solving the issue, it makes things worse. Work with your dog instead — help them learn to handle time apart from you.

The Bottom Line

For most dogs, the tips above will do the trick. But there are tougher cases — like rescue dogs with traumatic histories who are deeply fearful. If that sounds like your situation, seek out a professional trainer or behaviorist nearby. Together, you can create a customized training plan combined with behavioral therapy to gently work through your dog's issues and build a relaxed, trusting relationship.

The sooner you start, the better!