Destructive Chewing in Dogs
How to Stop Destructive Chewing in Dogs
Chewing things in the house is a common behavioural problem in dogs. To be able to correct this, one needs to understand the underlying causes.
What Causes Destructive Chewing in Dogs?
There are several factors that could lead to destructive chewing:
- Puppies, especially of large breeds with a lot of unspent energy exhibit this problem and are known to chew on furniture, doors, shoes, etc. This kind of chewing should not be confused with teething. Owners can inadvertently encourage this behaviour by playing tug of war with their pets.
- In adult dogs chewing may be associated with stress (e.g. separation anxiety- when the owner is not around, or moving to a new place) or fear (e.g. of loud noises, fire crackers). Boredom, inadequate exercise, or lack of attention can also cause destructive chewing.
- Medical conditions like liver diseases, mouth disorders, etc can lead to abnormal chewing behaviour.
Final Thoughts on Stopping Destructive Chewing
To successfully control and manage chewing problems, the following can all be tried.
- Increasing exercise- playing (puppies), walking/ running (adult dogs)
- Provide toys and chews- encourage the dog to chew his toys and praise/ reward him when he does.
- Confine the dog to a single room, if left alone.
- Do not give your dog clothes/ rags/ shoes to play with. He cannot tell the difference between your old sneakers and your new sandals!
- One useful technique is to spray an aerosol-perfumed spray close to, but away from the dog's nose. Most dogs do not like the hissing sound of a spray close to them. The same perfumed spray can then be sprayed onto the furniture that the dog is chewing, to create a "smell aversion".
- To create a taste aversion put a small amount of an unpleasant-tasting substance in the dog’s mouth - then coat the object being chewed, with it. Pepper powder, mustard, bitter apple spray, citronella oil and other substances have all been used successfully in this way. Be careful not to use any substance that will stain your furniture and more importantly, be toxic to your pet!
With patience, love and perseverance you will be able to correct your pet’s annoying and destructive behaviour.
Frequently Asked Questions — Destructive Chewing in Dogs
Q1. Why does my dog chew furniture when I leave the house?
Chewing furniture when left alone is most commonly a sign of separation anxiety. When dogs feel stressed or anxious about being alone they look for ways to self-soothe — and chewing releases calming endorphins. Other causes include boredom, lack of exercise, or insufficient mental stimulation. The solution is to address the root cause — increase exercise before you leave, provide engaging chew toys, and gradually train your dog to feel comfortable being alone.
Q2. At what age do dogs stop destructive chewing?
Most puppies go through a heavy chewing phase between 3 and 6 months during teething, and again between 6 and 12 months as they explore their environment. With consistent training, most dogs significantly reduce destructive chewing by 18 months to 2 years of age. However adult dogs can still chew destructively if they are bored, anxious, or under-exercised — so training and mental stimulation remain important at every age.
Q3. What can I spray to stop my dog from chewing furniture?
Bitter apple spray is the most widely used and vet-approved deterrent for destructive chewing. It creates a taste aversion that dogs find unpleasant without being harmful or toxic. Citronella oil and diluted mustard are also effective natural alternatives. Always test any spray on a small hidden area of furniture first to ensure it won't stain, and never use substances that could be toxic to your pet. Combine sprays with positive reinforcement — reward your dog when they chew their own toys instead.
Also read: Tackling Common Behavioural Problems in Dogs