Chewing is a normal part of being a dog, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating when your favourite shoes or the corner of the couch become the next target.
Whether it’s boredom, excess energy or simply a lack of appropriate things to chew, understanding why your dog is chewing can help you redirect the behaviour before it becomes a habit.
Why do dogs chew?
There isn’t always one simple reason. Puppies often chew while they’re teething, which helps soothe sore gums. Adult dogs are more likely to chew when they’re bored, have lots of energy to burn or simply don’t have enough to keep them busy.
Some dogs will also chew when they’re feeling stressed or anxious, while others just enjoy it because, well, they’re dogs.
Give them something better to chew
Rather than trying to stop your dog chewing altogether, it’s much more effective to give them something appropriate instead.
Long-lasting chews, chew toys, puzzle toys and treat toys all give your dog an outlet for their natural chewing behaviour while keeping them entertained at the same time. They’re especially useful if your dog is left alone during the day or tends to get into mischief when the house is quiet.
Rotating toys every few days can also help keep things interesting. A toy that disappears for a week often feels brand new when it comes back.
A busy dog is usually a happier dog
Destructive chewing is often linked to boredom. Along with regular exercise, giving your dog opportunities to use their brain can make a big difference.
Food puzzles, treat-dispensing toys, training sessions and interactive games all help keep dogs mentally engaged. Even a few minutes of enrichment each day can help reduce unwanted behaviours around the house.
Set your dog up for success
While your dog is learning, try to keep tempting items out of reach. Shoes, children’s toys and anything valuable are much easier to protect than replace.
If you catch your dog chewing something they shouldn’t, calmly swap it for an appropriate chew toy instead. Reward them when they choose their own toys, and they’ll quickly learn what’s worth chewing.
When should you be concerned?
Chewing is usually just part of normal dog behaviour. However, if your dog suddenly starts destroying things, seems anxious when left alone, or is chewing obsessively, it’s worth speaking with your vet. Sometimes changes in behaviour can be linked to anxiety or other underlying issues.
The bottom line
You probably won’t stop your dog wanting to chew and that’s okay. Chewing is a natural behaviour that’s important for their wellbeing. By providing appropriate chews, enrichment toys and plenty of mental stimulation, you can help redirect that behaviour away from your furniture and onto something they’ll enjoy even more.
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