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Destructive Chewing

How to Stop a Dog or Puppy From Chewing Everything: Causes, Training Tips, and Proven Solutions

Dogs and puppies explore the world with their mouths, much like humans use their hands. Chewing is entirely natural for them—it can happen during teething, out of boredom, because of instinct, stress, or simply curiosity when they find something interesting. However, excessive or destructive chewing can damage your belongings and even put your dog’s health at risk.

The good news? You can stop destructive chewing with the proper training and tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Identify Why Your Dog Is Chewing

Before you can fix the problem, you need to understand the cause. Common reasons include:

  • Teething (common in puppies 3–6 months old)

  • Boredom or excess energy

  • Anxiety or stress

  • Instinct to explore

Knowing the reason helps you choose the most effective training strategy.

Step 2: Train Your Dog in the Moment

The best time to correct chewing is while it’s happening. Follow these steps:

  1. Interrupt – Use a firm but calm command such as “No” or “Leave it.”

  2. Redirect – Immediately offer a safe, appropriate chew toy.

  3. Reward – As soon as your dog starts chewing the toy, praise them and give a small treat.

Pro Tip: Keep a variety of chew toys available. Dogs get bored with the same item, so rotating toys helps keep their interest away from furniture or shoes.

Step 3: Use Dog-Safe Chewing Deterrents

If your dog keeps chewing the same item even after redirection, it’s time to make that item unappealing:

  • Bitter Apple spray – A safe, dog-friendly taste deterrent.

  • Hot pepper sauce or Tabasco – A few drops on the surface can discourage chewing.

  • Quinine solution – Extremely bitter; often works for stubborn cases.

Always check that the deterrent is safe for the object’s material and non-toxic for pets.

Step 4: Special Tip for Rugs or Carpets

If your puppy is chewing on fabric surfaces, sprinkle a small amount of pickling alum (very astringent) on the area. Monitor your dog—if they avoid it, clean the surface afterward to remove any residue.

Final Thoughts

Chewing is a natural behavior, but with consistent training, redirection, and safe deterrents, you can protect your belongings while keeping your dog happy and healthy. The key is to act quickly when chewing starts, reward good choices, and make bad decisions unappealing.

If your dog continues to chew excessively despite training, consider increasing daily exercise, mental stimulation, and consulting a professional dog trainer.

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