How to Stop a Dog from Chewing Everything
Teaching "Leave It" and "Drop It"
Beyond simply redirecting, teaching your dog specific cues like "Leave It" and "Drop It" provides powerful tools for managing their environment and preventing unwanted chewing. "Leave It" empowers your dog to disengage from an inappropriate item before they even pick it up, while "Drop It" teaches them to release something already in their mouth willingly.
To teach "Leave It," start with a low-value item on the floor. When your dog looks at it, cover it with your hand. The moment they look away from the item and at you, mark the behavior (with a clicker or "Yes!") and reward them with a high-value treat from your other hand. Gradually increase the difficulty by uncovering the item for longer periods, always rewarding for choosing to ignore it in favor of you. For "Drop It," offer a higher-value treat in exchange for the item they are holding, praising them enthusiastically as they release it.
These commands are not about punishment, but about teaching your dog that ignoring or releasing an item leads to something even better. Practice these skills in short, fun sessions daily, making them a positive game. This builds impulse control and strengthens your communication, equipping your dog with vital skills for living harmoniously in your home.
Establishing a Predictable Routine
Dogs thrive on predictability. A consistent daily routine can significantly reduce anxiety and boredom, two common drivers of destructive chewing. When your dog knows when to expect meals, potty breaks, exercise, and quiet time, their overall stress levels decrease, making them less likely to resort to chewing as a coping mechanism or to seek attention.
Structure your dog's day with regular times for feeding, walks, potty breaks, dedicated play or training sessions, and periods for appropriate chewing or rest. For example, a morning walk, breakfast, then a supervised chew toy session, followed by crate time. In the afternoon, more exercise, dinner, and another chew opportunity. The key is consistency; try to stick to similar timings each day, even on weekends.
This predictability helps your dog understand the rhythm of their life and what is expected of them. It also ensures their needs are consistently met, preventing them from feeling under-stimulated or anxious due to uncertainty. A well-structured day leaves less room for boredom-induced destruction and reinforces good habits.
When to Consult a Professional
While this guide offers effective strategies, some chewing behaviors stem from deeper issues that require expert intervention. If you've diligently applied the management and training protocols and your dog's destructive chewing persists, intensifies, or is accompanied by other concerning behaviors like excessive vocalization, pacing, or self-mutilation, it's time to seek professional help.
A certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) or a veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) can provide a comprehensive assessment of your dog's behavior, identify underlying causes such as severe anxiety, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, or medical conditions, and develop a personalized, force-free behavior modification plan. They can also guide you on environmental adjustments and may recommend medication in some cases, especially for anxiety-driven behaviors.
Reaching out to a professional is a proactive step, not a sign of failure. It demonstrates your commitment to your dog's well-being and ensures they receive the most appropriate and effective support. Early intervention can prevent the behavior from escalating and significantly improve your dog's quality of life and your relationship with them.
Dogs chew — it's hardwired. Your job isn't to stop chewing entirely, but to redirect it to appropriate objects and protect your belongings in the meantime.
Why Dogs Chew
- Teething (4–7 months): Adult teeth pushing through — chewing relieves pain and discomfort
- Boredom: Under-exercised dogs chew for stimulation
- Anxiety: Chewing releases endorphins and is self-soothing
- Attention seeking: "When I chew the couch, someone runs over to me"
- Habit: A dog that's always had access to your shoes may simply have developed a preference
The Management Protocol (Non-Negotiable)
Until the behavior is resolved: dog-proof your space. This isn't optional. A dog cannot learn not to chew your couch if they have unsupervised access to it.
- Crate or pen when unsupervised
- Close doors to rooms with valuable items
- Furniture and baseboards: apply bitter spray (Bitter Apple)
- Shoes and remotes off the floor — always
Providing Appropriate Chewing Outlets
Your dog needs to chew. Give them legal options: Dogs that chew excessively often have an underlying need to use their mouths — our guide on stopping biting covers how to redirect oral fixations safely.
- Puppies/teething: frozen wet washcloths, frozen Kongs, Nylabone teething toys
- Adult light chewers: bully sticks, rawhide alternatives, rubber toys
- Adult power chewers: elk antlers, water buffalo horns, heavy-duty rubber (Kong Extreme)
Redirection (When You Catch Them)
Catch them in the act: calmly say "No" (once), immediately offer an appropriate chew toy, and praise when they take it. Never chase — chasing is a game. Chewing when left alone is often anxiety-driven — read our guide on separation anxiety to address the emotional root cause.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Most destructive chewing problems resolve significantly with adequate exercise. A dog that's had a 45-minute off-leash run is not destroying your furniture that afternoon. When you cannot supervise, a crate prevents destructive chewing entirely — our crate training guide will get you started.
Stop Chewing for Good — Brain Training for Dogs →