How to stop your dog chewing everything: Step-by-step training guide

Destructive chewing is one of the most frustrating challenges dog owners face. From gnawed baseboards and ruined shoes to shredded sofa cushions, chewing can wreak havoc on your home. However, chewing is a completely natural, instinctual behavior for dogs. The secret to how to stop a dog chewing isn't stopping the instinct entirely—it is understanding why it happens and redirecting it to acceptable, safe outlets. This guide details how to stop a dog chewing furniture, managing teething, and choosing the best dental chews for dogs.

At a glance:

Chewing solves needs:

Dogs chew to relieve teething pain, alleviate boredom, combat anxiety or clean their teeth.

Redirection over punishment:

Catching your dog chewing and swapping the item for a high-value chew solves the problem permanently without building fear.

Teething requires soft relief:

Puppies need specialised puppy teething chews to soothe sore, inflamed gums.

Dental benefits:

Functional natural dental chews for dogs satisfy chew instincts while removing plaque and freshening breath.

In this guide:

1. Why do dogs chew everything?

2. How to stop a dog chewing furniture and woodwork

3. How to stop a dog from chewing everything

4. Puppy teething vs adult chewing

5. The best dental chews, sticks and natural chews for dogs

6. Managing anxiety-based chewing

Why do dogs chew everything?

Before learning how to stop a dog from chewing everything, identify the underlying motivation:

Teething discomfort:

Puppies between 3 and 7 months old chew aggressively to relieve gum irritation.

Boredom & lack of stimulation:

Under-exercised dogs create their own entertainment by shredding household objects.

Stress & separation distress:

Chewing releases endorphins that soothe anxious dogs when left alone.

Dental hygiene:

Adult dogs naturally scrape their teeth against hard surfaces to relieve tartar buildup.

How to stop a dog chewing furniture and woodwork:

Furniture legs, door frames and skirting boards are common targets. If you need to know how to stop a dog from chewing on wood or how to stop a dog chewing furniture:

Apply taste deterrents:

Spray wooden surfaces with pet-safe deterrent sprays to make gnawing unpalatable/unpleasant.

Manage the environment:

Restrict access to wooden furniture using baby gates or playpens when you cannot supervise directly.

Provide instant alternatives:

Place durable dog teething chews directly in front of targeted furniture legs so an approved option is always within reach.

How to stop a dog from chewing everything:

Step 1 - Dog-proof your living space:

Keep shoes, cables, remote controls, and children's toys picked up and stored safely out of reach.

Step 2 - The "trade" technique:

If you catch your dog chewing a forbidden item, never yank it out of their mouth forcefully. Say "Trade", present an irresistible chew or treat, and swap the forbidden item calmly.

Step 3 - Rotate chew options daily:

Dogs get bored with the same rubber toy. Keep 4 to 5 different best puppy chews or natural chews on rotation, introducing a new texture every few days to maintain interest.

Step 4 - Increase daily physical & mental exercise:

A tired dog is a calm dog. Pair chewing outlets with structured physical activity and interactive training games from Positive Reinforcement Dog Training.

Puppy teething vs adult chewing:

Puppy teething:

Focus on soft, pliable puppy teething chews and frozen rubber toys that soothe gums without fracturing soft milk teeth. Combine this with mouthing boundaries from How to Stop a Dog From Biting.

Adult chewing:

Adult jaws require durable, long-lasting options like split antlers, yak chews or thick dental sticks for dogs.

The best dental chews, sticks & natural chews for dogs:

Providing appropriate chews protects your belongings while supporting health:

Natural dental chews for dogs:

Ridged dental chews scrape away plaque during chewing sessions, keeping breath fresh.

Dental sticks for dogs:

Great for daily maintenance rewards that combine dental care with chewing satisfaction.

Long-lasting natural chews:

Bully sticks, air-dried tendon chews, and olivewood bars offer safe, digestible chewing hours.

Managing anxiety-based chewing:

If destructive chewing occurs exclusively when you leave the house, it is likely driven by isolation stress rather than boredom.

• Offer a long-lasting chew right as you depart to promote relaxation.

• Implement structured departure training following the full recovery plan in Separation Anxiety in Dogs.

Summary:

Understanding how to stop a dog chewing relies on proactive management, environmental proofing, and supplying appropriate chew outlets. By protecting wooden furniture, mastering the trade technique and offering the best dental chews for dogs, you satisfy your dog's natural instincts while keeping your home intact.

FAQs:

Q1: Why is my dog chewing wooden furniture and skirting boards?

Dogs target wood because of its firm texture and satisfying crunch, often driven by teething pain, boredom, or lack of chew alternatives.

Q2: What are the safest dental chews for puppies?

The best puppy chews are soft dental sticks, pliable rubber toys and natural air-dried chews specifically rated for young teeth.

Q3: Will punishing my dog for chewing stop the behavior?

No. Punishing a dog after the act builds fear and confusion. They will simply learn to chew furniture when you are out of the room. Always use redirection.

Q4: How many dental sticks can a dog have per day?

Most dental sticks for dogs are designed as a once-a-day reward. Always factor these calories into your dog's total daily intake.