How to Stop a Dog from Chewing on Furniture and Shoes 🐾

If you’re a dog parent, you’ve probably dealt with the heartbreak (and frustration) of finding your favorite pair of shoes chewed up or discovering bite marks on your couch. 🥲 Yep, I’ve been there too! As much as we love our dogs, their chewing habits can sometimes feel like a battle we just can’t win. But don’t worry – with a little patience, the right strategies, and some tasty distractions, we can teach our furry friends that chewing on furniture and shoes is a big no-no! Let’s dive into why dogs chew and how we can stop it, without losing our minds (or our favorite shoes)! 🐕

Why Do Dogs Chew? 🧐

Before we get into the “how-to,” it’s important to understand why dogs chew in the first place. Dogs are natural chewers – it’s in their instinct. But there are several reasons why they might target your furniture or shoes in particular. Here are some common causes:

1. Teething Puppies 🐾

Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase, usually between 3 and 6 months old. During this time, their baby teeth fall out, and their adult teeth come in, which can be super uncomfortable. Chewing helps relieve the pressure on their gums and teeth.

While teething doesn’t last forever, if you don’t provide appropriate outlets for their chewing, they might take matters into their own paws (and teeth)! 🦷

2. Boredom 😴

Dogs are active creatures that need mental stimulation and physical exercise. If they’re not getting enough playtime, walks, or attention, they might chew out of boredom. It's like when we get bored and start nibbling on snacks – but unfortunately, for dogs, your shoes might be the "snack."

3. Anxiety or Stress 😟

Chewing can also be a way for dogs to self-soothe when they’re feeling anxious or stressed. Separation anxiety, loud noises, or changes in their environment (like a new person or pet in the home) can all trigger chewing behavior. It’s their way of coping with the discomfort.

4. Exploring the World 🌍

Dogs explore their environment through their senses, and chewing is one way they do that! Puppies especially are curious and will chew on anything they can get their paws on, just to see what it tastes like or how it feels. Unfortunately, your furniture and shoes are often the easiest targets. 😬

5. Lack of Proper Chew Toys 🧸

Sometimes, dogs chew on furniture and shoes simply because they haven’t been given the right things to chew on. If your dog doesn’t have a variety of appropriate chew toys, they’re more likely to turn to your personal belongings for satisfaction.

How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing on Furniture and Shoes 🦴

Now that we know why dogs chew, let’s talk about what we can do to stop it! The key here is consistency, patience, and providing your dog with the right alternatives. Here are some effective strategies to help curb this chewing behavior:

1. Provide Chew Toys They’ll Love 🧸

One of the most effective ways to stop your dog from chewing on furniture or shoes is to provide them with plenty of alternatives. Chew toys come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, so you’ll want to find the ones that work best for your dog. 🐾

How to do it:

• Offer a variety of chew toys: rubber toys, rope toys, and even edible chews like bully sticks or bones. This will keep them entertained and distracted from your furniture.
• Introduce new toys slowly: If your dog is used to chewing on shoes or furniture, they may not immediately take to a new toy. You might need to introduce it gently by playing with it in front of them or using a little bit of peanut butter (or another safe treat) to make it extra appealing!
• Rotate the toys: Keep things interesting by rotating the toys so your dog doesn’t get bored with the same ones.

2. Use Deterrent Sprays 🚫

If your dog keeps going after the furniture or shoes, you can use a dog-safe deterrent spray to make the items less appealing. These sprays are designed to have a bitter taste or unpleasant scent that dogs find off-putting.

How to do it:

• Apply the deterrent spray on your furniture, shoes, or other items your dog tends to chew. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle to avoid damaging your belongings.
• Keep in mind that deterrent sprays are not a one-and-done solution; they should be part of a comprehensive approach that includes providing chew toys and reinforcing good behavior.

3. Redirect the Behavior 🔄

If you catch your dog chewing on something they shouldn’t, it’s important to redirect their attention to something more appropriate. Simply scolding them may confuse them or make them anxious, which can make the behavior worse. Instead, redirect their focus to a chew toy.

How to do it:

• When you catch your dog chewing on furniture or shoes, calmly take the item away and replace it with a chew toy. Be sure to praise them when they start chewing on the new toy! 🐕
• If you’re not around to supervise, try using a crate or confining your dog to a dog-proofed area with only their toys.

4. Exercise and Mental Stimulation 🏃‍♀️

As mentioned earlier, boredom and lack of stimulation can lead to destructive chewing. One of the best ways to curb chewing is by making sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation throughout the day.

How to do it:

• Take your dog on regular walks, runs, or play sessions to burn off excess energy.
• Provide puzzle toys or interactive games to keep their minds engaged. Dogs love problem-solving, and it can help tire them out mentally.
• Play fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek to keep things fun!

5. Training and Positive Reinforcement 🎓

Training your dog to understand what’s acceptable to chew and what’s not is a crucial part of curbing destructive chewing. Positive reinforcement works wonders when it comes to modifying behavior!

How to do it:

• Use commands like "leave it" or "no chew" to tell your dog when they’re chewing on something inappropriate.
• Reward your dog with praise, treats, or play when they chew on the right things (like their toys). Consistency is key! 🏅
• If your dog is especially stubborn, consider working with a professional dog trainer who can help you create a customized plan.

6. Manage Separation Anxiety 🐾

If your dog’s chewing is caused by separation anxiety, it’s essential to address that issue as well. Dogs with anxiety often chew on furniture and shoes as a way to relieve their stress when left alone.

How to do it:

• Gradually get your dog used to being alone by starting with short departures and gradually increasing the time away.
• Provide them with safe, engaging distractions (like a treat-filled puzzle toy) to help them feel more secure when you’re gone.
• In severe cases, consult with your vet or a professional dog trainer to help manage anxiety with techniques like crate training or calming aids.

7. Keep Your Belongings Out of Reach 🧳

While training and providing alternatives are essential, it also helps to keep your shoes and furniture out of reach, especially when your dog is learning new habits.

How to do it:

• Store shoes, clothes, and personal items in closed closets or cabinets.
• Use baby gates to limit access to areas where you don’t want your dog to chew.
• Keep furniture and important items out of your dog’s reach until they’ve fully mastered chewing on appropriate things.
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Final Thoughts: Patience and Consistency Are Key! ⏳

Stopping a dog from chewing on furniture and shoes can take time, but with consistency, patience, and the right strategies, you’ll get there! The key is to give your dog plenty of appropriate outlets for chewing, manage any potential anxiety, and redirect their behavior when needed.

And remember – puppies are going to puppy! If you’ve got a little one going through the teething phase, they may need a little extra help learning what’s okay to chew on. As they grow and their chewing habits evolve, you can help guide them toward good habits with love and positive reinforcement.

Happy chewing... on the right stuff, of course! 🐕💕

If you’ve tried any of these tips, let me know how they worked for you and your pup! Drop a comment below and share your experiences – I’d love to hear how you’ve helped your dog kick the chewing habit! 🦴