How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Furniture

How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Furniture: Chewing is a natural, healthy activity for dogs. It’s how they explore the world, relieve stress, and clean their teeth. However, when chewing turns destructive particularly when your dog targets your favorite couch, table legs, or shoes it becomes a frustrating issue for pet parents.

This guide will help you understand why dogs chew furniture, how to prevent it, and what steps you can take to redirect their chewing behavior in a positive way. Plus, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions at the end.

Why Dogs Chew Furniture

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand the root cause of the behavior. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Teething (Puppies)

Puppies typically begin teething around 3–4 weeks and continue until about 6 months old. During this time, chewing helps relieve pain and pressure on their gums.

Signs:

• Chewing anything they can reach
• Swollen gums or drooling
• Blood spots on toys or furniture

What to Do:
Provide safe chew toys made for teething, such as rubber rings or frozen treats.

2. Boredom

Dogs left alone for long periods or lacking mental stimulation often turn to chewing as a way to entertain themselves.

Signs:

• Chewing mostly happens when you’re away
• Lack of toys or enrichment
• Excessive energy

What to Do:
Exercise your dog regularly, and provide interactive toys or puzzles.

3. Separation Anxiety

Dogs with anxiety may chew to self-soothe. Separation anxiety can be severe and often leads to destruction when the owner is away.

Signs:

• Chewing starts soon after you leave
• Other signs: whining, pacing, urinating indoors
• Clinginess when you’re home

What to Do:
Gradual desensitization, crate training, and consulting with a professional may be necessary.

4. Lack of Training

Dogs don’t naturally know that furniture is off-limits. If you haven’t taught them what’s okay to chew, they’ll choose anything available.

Signs:

• Chewing random items without discrimination
• No consistent training routines

What to Do:
Teach basic commands, reinforce good behavior, and correct misbehavior consistently.

5. Hunger or Nutritional Deficiencies

Some dogs chew because they’re not getting enough nutrients or are hungry between meals.

Signs:

• Chewing near food-related areas (e.g., pantry)
• Obsession with inedible objects (pica)
• Weight loss or unusual stool

What to Do:
Consult a vet and ensure your dog is on a balanced, age-appropriate diet.

READ ALSO: How Yeast Infections Affect Your Dog’s Skin

How to Stop Furniture Chewing: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Dog-Proof Your Home

Start by removing temptations:

• Place cushions, shoes, remotes, and kids’ toys out of reach
• Use baby gates to block access to vulnerable areas
• Provide alternatives nearby, such as chew toys in each room

Step 2: Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

Dogs chew—so give them better options.

• For puppies: Soft rubber toys, frozen wet cloths, puppy-safe bones
• For adult dogs: Durable rubber toys (like KONG), rope toys, or rawhides (supervised use)
• Rotate toys to keep them interesting
• Rub a little peanut butter or freeze treats inside to encourage use

Step 3: Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A tired dog is less likely to chew destructively.

• Daily walks: Depending on breed, 30 to 90 minutes
• Playtime: Fetch, tug-of-war, agility games
• Mental challenges: Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, training games

Mental fatigue is just as important as physical exercise.

Step 4: Use Deterrent Sprays

Apply a pet-safe deterrent spray to furniture. These sprays taste unpleasant to dogs and discourage chewing.

• Test first on a small fabric area
• Common sprays include bitter apple or citrus-based
• Reapply daily or after cleaning

Important: This works best when combined with training, not as a standalone fix.

Step 5: Positive Reinforcement Training

Reward your dog when they chew the right things.

How to train:

1. Redirect your dog to a chew toy whenever they go for furniture.
2. Praise and offer treats when they engage with the toy.
3. Stay consistent—repetition builds habit.
4. Use basic commands like “leave it” or “drop it.”

Never yell or hit—this causes fear and worsens anxiety-driven behavior.

Step 6: Supervise or Confine When Unattended

When you’re not around to supervise:

• Use a crate: Crate train your dog gradually. It becomes a safe space when done properly.
• Try a playpen: Offers more space while limiting damage.
• Dog-proofed room: Close doors to prevent free-roaming

Dogs left unsupervised with access to chewable items will inevitably return to old habits.

Step 7: Address Separation Anxiety if Present

If chewing is driven by anxiety, address the root problem:

• Gradual desensitization to being alone
• Leave TV/radio on to reduce loneliness
• Use calming pheromones or anxiety vests
• Consult a trainer or vet behaviorist

In severe cases, medication may be recommended alongside behavior modification.

Step 8: Stay Consistent and Patient

Behavior change takes time. Avoid sending mixed messages (e.g., letting them chew old shoes but not new ones). Dogs don’t distinguish between the two.

Stay patient. Setbacks happen, especially in younger dogs or rescues.

FAQs

At what age do dogs stop chewing everything?

Most dogs outgrow destructive chewing between 6–18 months. However, some continue if they’re bored, anxious, or untrained.

Is it okay to give my dog old shoes or socks to chew on?

No. It confuses them and makes it harder to distinguish between chew toys and valuable items. Always provide dedicated dog toys.

Can chewing furniture be a sign of illness?

In rare cases, yes. Dogs with nutritional deficiencies or gastrointestinal issues might exhibit pica (eating non-food items). If chewing seems obsessive or unusual, consult your vet.

Will crate training stop chewing?

Crates don’t “cure” chewing, but they prevent access when you’re not around. Combine crate use with training and exercise for best results.

What should I do if my dog chews while I’m at work?

• Limit access to tempting areas
• Provide enrichment toys
• Use deterrent sprays
• Consider a dog walker or doggy daycare for longer days

Are some breeds more prone to chewing?

Yes. Breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Beagles, and herding dogs tend to be more mouthy or energetic, making them more prone to chewing if under-stimulated.

Will my dog grow out of chewing on their own?

Not necessarily. If the behavior is rooted in anxiety or boredom, it may persist or worsen. Consistent training is key.

Can I use punishment to stop chewing?

Avoid harsh punishment it increases fear and anxiety. Use redirection, deterrents, and reward-based training instead.

What’s the best chew toy for heavy chewers?

Look for toys labeled “indestructible” or “for aggressive chewers.” Brands like KONG Extreme, Goughnuts, or Nylabone DuraChew are popular choices.

When should I contact a professional trainer?

If your dog’s chewing is severe, destructive, or anxiety-driven and hasn’t improved with home strategies, it’s wise to consult a certified dog behaviorist or trainer.