đž Chewing and Destructive Behavior in Dogs
Why It Happens and How to Stop It (Without the Frustration)
One of the most common complaints from new adopters is destructive chewingâruined shoes, shredded pillows, gnawed furniture, or mysterious holes in the yard. Itâs frustrating, yesâbut itâs also very normal, especially in young or newly adopted dogs.
The good news? Destructive behavior is almost always fixable with a little understanding, management, and consistency.
đ§ Why Dogs Chew and Destroy
Dogs donât chew to be naughtyâthey chew because:
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𦷠Theyâre teething (puppies)
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đ´ Theyâre bored and need mental stimulation
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đŹ Theyâre anxious or stressed
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đ Theyâre exploring their new environment
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đž They havenât yet learned whatâs âokayâ to chew and whatâs not
If you just brought your dog home, remember: they donât know the rules yet. Theyâre not chewing to âget back at youââtheyâre doing what dogs do when left to their own devices.
đ Step 1: Management Is Your Best Friend
Until your dog learns the ropes, you must manage their environment.
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Use baby gates, pens, or closed doors to keep your dog in safe zones.
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Dog-proof rooms by removing shoes, cords, trash, and valuables.
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Donât give free roam of the house too soonâfreedom is earned!
You canât train a dog you canât supervise. Management prevents mistakes before they happen.
đ§Š Step 2: Offer Better Alternatives
Your dog needs to chew. So the key is to redirect that urge to appropriate outlets.
Offer:
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Durable chew toys (Kongs, Benebones, Nylabones, etc.)
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Soft plush toys (for gentle chewers)
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Frozen treats or stuffed toys
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Rope toys or tug toys
Every time you catch your dog chewing something inappropriate:
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Say a calm ânopeâ or âuh-uhâ
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Redirect with an approved chew item
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Praise them when they take the new item
Consistency teaches your dog whatâs acceptableâwithout fear or punishment.
đ Step 3: Meet Their Physical & Mental Needs
A bored dog will find something to do. You may not like what they choose.
To reduce chewing and destruction, make sure your dog gets:
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Daily physical exercise (walks, fetch, play)
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Mental stimulation (training, puzzle toys, scent games)
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Enrichment activities (lick mats, frozen Kongs, interactive feeders)
If your dog spends most of their day under-stimulated, theyâll burn energy through chewing and destruction. Prevention starts with keeping their brain and body busy.
âąď¸ Step 4: Catch It Early
Dogs learn best through timing. If you catch them chewing in the act, you can redirect. If you discover destruction after the fact, itâs too late to correctâit will just confuse or scare your dog.
What not to do:
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Donât yell or punish your dog after the fact.
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Donât âshow themâ the mess and scold them.
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Donât assume guilt based on their âguilty look.â Thatâs just fear.
Instead, increase supervision, improve management, and set them up for success next time.
đ§ What About Crating?
A crate can be a useful tool if your dog is crate-trained and comfortable in it. It helps prevent destruction when you canât supervise.
If your dog isnât ready for a crate, try:
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A dog-proofed room
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A secure playpen with toys
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A tether station (supervised only)
Always pair alone time with a chew toy or treat to make it a positive experience.
đ¨ When to Be Concerned
Sometimes chewing and destruction may be a sign of something more serious:
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Separation anxiety (destruction near exits, pacing, howling when alone)
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Teething pain (puppies between 4â7 months)
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Medical issues (nutritional deficiency, dental pain)
If your dogâs behavior is intense, obsessive, or sudden, talk to your vet or a professional trainer to rule out underlying causes.
đŹ Final Thoughts
Destructive behavior isnât about disobedienceâitâs about unmet needs. When you combine supervision, redirection, and enrichment, your dog learns whatâs okay to chew, and those bad habits fade away.
With consistency and compassion, youâre not just saving your furnitureâyouâre building a respectful, trusting relationship that lasts a lifetime.