Why Do Dogs Chew Everything? How to Stop Dogs From Chewing Everything

If you’re trying to Stop Dogs From Chewing Everything, it can feel like a losing battle. Shoes, furniture, cords, pillows—nothing seems off-limits. For many owners, constant chewing is one of the fastest ways a home (and patience) gets destroyed.

What makes chewing so frustrating is that it often feels random. One day your dog ignores an object, the next day it’s suddenly irresistible. But chewing isn’t random or malicious—it’s communication, coping, and instinct rolled into one.

This guide breaks down why dogs chew excessively and what actually works to reduce it. Instead of quick fixes or punishment, you’ll learn how to address the underlying causes so chewing stops becoming your dog’s go-to behavior.

Whether your dog chews out of boredom, anxiety, teething, or habit, the goal isn’t just to save your belongings—it’s to help your dog feel settled, fulfilled, and less driven to chew everything in sight.

Why Dogs Chew Everything (The Real Reasons It Happens)

To successfully Stop Dogs From Chewing Everything, it’s important to understand that chewing isn’t a single problem with a single fix. Dogs chew for different reasons at different stages of life, and the solution depends on what’s driving the behavior in the first place.

Chewing is a natural stress reliever

Chewing releases calming chemicals in a dog’s brain. When dogs feel overstimulated, uncertain, or mildly anxious, chewing can become their default coping mechanism. This is why chewing often increases during changes in routine, louder environments, or when dogs are left alone more than usual.

Boredom leads to destructive choices

Dogs with unmet mental needs will create their own entertainment. If appropriate outlets aren’t available, dogs gravitate toward objects that are textured, scented, or carry human smells—like shoes, cushions, and furniture. From a dog’s perspective, these are far more interesting than an unused toy in the corner.

This is especially common in apartment settings, where space is limited and stimulation doesn’t change much throughout the day.

Teething and developmental stages

Puppies chew intensely while teething, but many adult dogs also go through chewing phases during developmental transitions. Without guidance, these habits can carry into adulthood and become ingrained patterns.

Learned behavior (chewing that gets reinforced)

If a dog chews something and nothing interrupts the behavior—or worse, it provides relief or attention—the behavior gets reinforced. Over time, chewing becomes a reliable way for dogs to self-soothe or pass time.

Understanding these root causes helps shift the focus from punishment to prevention. In the next section, we’ll cover common mistakes that accidentally encourage chewing—and how to avoid them.

Common Mistakes That Make Chewing Worse (And What to Do Instead)

Many owners try hard to Stop Dogs From Chewing Everything, but a few well-intended habits can quietly keep the problem going. Fixing these mistakes often reduces chewing faster than adding more toys or stricter rules.

Only reacting after the damage is done

Scolding after you discover chewed items doesn’t teach your dog what went wrong. Dogs connect consequences to what’s happening in the moment—not to something they did minutes or hours earlier. This often leads to confusion rather than learning.

Giving unlimited freedom too soon

Many dogs chew simply because they have access. When dogs are allowed full roam of the home before they’ve learned good habits, they’re far more likely to practice destructive chewing. Management isn’t failure—it’s part of training.

Offering toys without guidance

Dropping a pile of toys on the floor and hoping for the best rarely works. Dogs need help learning which items are appropriate to chew. Rotating toys, rewarding correct choices, and engaging with chew items together makes them far more valuable.

When dogs don’t have enough mental engagement, they often look for stimulation elsewhere. Simple enrichment activities can significantly reduce destructive chewing: 5 Indoor Games to Keep Your Dog Happy .

Using punishment-based deterrents

Harsh corrections or deterrent sprays may stop chewing temporarily, but they don’t address why your dog is chewing in the first place. In many cases, punishment increases stress, which leads to even more destructive behavior.

Avoiding these pitfalls sets you up for success. In the next section, we’ll cover practical strategies you can use to finally Stop Dogs From Chewing Everything—without constant supervision or frustration.

Practical Ways to Stop Dogs From Chewing Everything

Once you understand the reasons behind chewing and remove the common mistakes, it becomes much easier to Stop Dogs From Chewing Everything. The strategies below focus on prevention, guidance, and meeting your dog’s needs—rather than constant correction.

Manage access before habits form

Management is one of the most powerful tools you have. Limiting your dog’s access to tempting items prevents them from rehearsing bad habits. Use gates, closed doors, or supervised areas until your dog consistently chooses appropriate items to chew.

Provide better chewing options—not just more toys

Not all chew toys are equally satisfying. Dogs are more likely to ignore toys that don’t match their chewing style. Some prefer firm, long-lasting chews, while others enjoy softer or textured options. Observe what your dog gravitates toward and provide similar—but appropriate—alternatives.

Reward the right choices consistently

When your dog chooses an approved chew item on their own, reinforce it. Calm praise or a small reward helps your dog learn which behaviors are worth repeating. Over time, appropriate chewing becomes a habit instead of a gamble.

Build chewing into your daily routine

Dogs are more likely to chew destructively when their days lack structure. Scheduled enrichment, play, rest, and chewing opportunities give your dog predictable outlets for their energy. This reduces the urge to create their own entertainment.

For many dogs, structured routines combined with short periods of confinement can help prevent unsupervised chewing: 15 Effective Tips for Crate Training Apartment Dogs .

In the final section, we’ll wrap everything up and answer the most common questions owners have about stopping destructive chewing for good.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to Stop Dogs From Chewing Everything starts with reframing the problem. Chewing isn’t defiance or spite—it’s a natural behavior that becomes destructive when a dog’s needs aren’t being met in the right ways.

The most effective approach combines prevention, structure, and appropriate outlets. When dogs know what they’re allowed to chew, have fewer chances to rehearse bad habits, and feel mentally fulfilled, destructive chewing often fades on its own.

Especially for puppies and young dogs, consistency matters more than quick fixes. As PetMD explains, chewing is a normal developmental behavior, and guiding it correctly early on prevents long-term problems: How to Stop Puppy Chewing .

With patience and the right strategy, chewing becomes manageable—and your home becomes calmer for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chewing always a behavioral problem?

No. Chewing is normal for dogs of all ages. It only becomes a problem when dogs don’t have appropriate outlets or when stress, boredom, or lack of structure pushes chewing toward household items.

Do puppies chew more than adult dogs?

Yes. Puppies chew heavily during teething and developmental stages. Without guidance, these habits can continue into adulthood, which is why early management and training are so important.

Should I punish my dog for chewing the wrong things?

Punishment rarely helps and often increases stress. It’s more effective to prevent access, redirect to appropriate chew items, and reward good choices so your dog learns what’s acceptable.

How long does it take to stop destructive chewing?

Many owners see improvement within a few weeks when they apply consistent management and enrichment. Long-standing habits may take longer, but steady progress is common with the right approach.

When should I get professional help?

If chewing is extreme, sudden, or paired with signs of anxiety or distress, working with a qualified trainer or veterinarian can help uncover underlying issues and speed up progress.