Why My Dog Keeps Chewing Things Up: Understanding and Solutions

It’s a frustrating scenario for any dog owner: you come home to find your favorite shoes, the corner of the sofa, or even a treasured book reduced to a pile of chewed-up remnants. If you’re constantly asking yourself, “Why My Dog Keeps Chewing Things Up?”, you’re not alone. This behavior, while destructive, often stems from a variety of underlying reasons. Let’s dive into the common causes of chewing in dogs and explore how you can address it effectively, moving towards a happier, less-chewed household.

Why Is My Dog Chewing Everything? Understanding the Root Causes

Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. They explore the world with their mouths, much like toddlers do with their hands. However, excessive chewing, especially when directed at inappropriate items, usually indicates a deeper issue. Before we dive into solutions, it’s important to understand potential triggers, which might include:

Puppy Teething: Just like human babies, puppies go through a teething phase. The discomfort of emerging teeth leads them to seek relief through chewing. This is normal and typically temporary, usually resolving within six to eight months.
Boredom and Lack of Stimulation: Dogs, especially high-energy breeds, need mental and physical stimulation to thrive. If they’re left alone for long periods without enough to do, they may turn to chewing out of sheer boredom.
Anxiety and Stress: Chewing can be a coping mechanism for dogs experiencing stress or anxiety. This could be related to separation anxiety, loud noises, or changes in their environment. Understanding how dog behavior problems separation anxiety manifests is crucial for addressing this particular cause.
Nutritional Deficiencies: In rare cases, excessive chewing can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies. If you’ve ruled out other causes, a check-up with your vet might be worthwhile.
Habitual Behavior: Once a chewing behavior is established, it can become a habit, even after the initial cause has resolved. The texture and feel of chewing can be self-soothing and therefore, reinforcing.
Underlying Medical Issues: In some rare instances, medical issues can cause a dog to chew more than normal. This might include gastrointestinal problems that cause discomfort or pain.

What are the Common Items Dogs Choose to Chew?

It might seem random, but many dogs tend to choose similar types of items to chew:

Shoes and Clothing: Items that smell like their owners.
Furniture Legs: Easily accessible and often have a tempting texture.
Remote Controls and Phones: Fun shapes and materials.
Anything Left Within Reach: Including books, magazines, and even walls.

“Understanding why your dog is chewing is half the battle,” says Dr. Amelia Hernandez, a certified veterinary behaviorist. “It’s crucial to first identify the root cause to implement the most effective solution.”

How Can I Stop My Dog From Chewing Everything?

Once you’ve identified possible triggers, you can start taking steps to curb your dog’s destructive chewing. Here are some strategies that work:

1. Puppy-Proof Your Home: Management is Key

Before you start training, it is essential to make your home safe for your dog and your possessions.

Remove Tempting Items: Put away anything you don’t want your dog chewing: shoes, cords, remote controls, clothes, etc. Don’t give your dog access to these items, especially when you are not home.
Secure Furniture: If possible, block access to furniture legs with barriers, or use bitter apple spray as a deterrent. You could also try covering the corners of furniture with materials that are less tempting to chew.
Provide Safe Chew Toys: Have a variety of chew toys available and rotate them regularly to keep your dog interested. This is a perfect way to redirect your dog’s chewing to appropriate items.

2. Provide Adequate Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A tired dog is less likely to be a destructive chewer. Here’s how to increase your dog’s physical and mental energy expenditure:

Daily Walks: Take your dog for regular walks, aiming for at least 30 minutes to an hour a day depending on their breed and energy levels. This isn’t just about relieving themselves; it is a way for dogs to explore the world and use up some energy.
Playtime: Engage in interactive play sessions with your dog using toys like fetch or tug-of-war. Make playtime a fun and rewarding experience.
Puzzle Toys and Games: Use puzzle toys and treat dispensers to challenge your dog mentally and keep them engaged, especially during alone time. These can keep them occupied and help redirect focus from chewing inappropriate objects.

3. Redirect Chewing Behavior and Training

Teaching your dog what they can chew is just as important as teaching them what not to.

Offer Alternatives: When you catch your dog chewing something they shouldn’t, immediately offer an appropriate chew toy instead. This teaches them that the toy is a better option.
Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward your dog whenever they chew on the correct items. This strengthens positive behavior associations.
“Leave It” Command: Teaching the “leave it” command can be useful in preventing chewing on items you don’t want them to have. This teaches your dog to ignore the object and can be useful in various scenarios.
Avoid Punishment: Punishing your dog after the fact will only make them fearful and may damage the bond you share. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and redirecting their chewing to appropriate items.

“Redirecting behavior is far more effective than punishing,” adds Dr. Hernandez. “Focus on teaching your dog what to do, rather than focusing on what not to do.”

4. Addressing Separation Anxiety

If your dog is chewing items when you are not home, it could be a sign of separation anxiety. In this case, addressing the underlying anxiety issue is key. Consider the following:

Create a Safe Space: Set up a comfortable and safe space for your dog, like a crate or a quiet room. Provide some familiar items, like a blanket and toys.
Practice Short Separations: Gradually increase the time you spend away from your dog, starting with very short separations. This helps them learn that your absence is temporary and not a cause for panic.
Consult a Professional: If your dog’s anxiety is severe, consult with a veterinary behaviorist or certified dog trainer. They can provide a structured plan to alleviate the stress.

5. Consider Your Dog’s Age and Breed

Certain factors related to a dog’s age and breed can affect their chewing behavior.

Puppies: Expect puppies to go through a teething stage that can exacerbate chewing. Ensure they have plenty of appropriate items to chew on. You might find similarities with other common habits, like when your puppy keeps chewing on paws.
High-Energy Breeds: Breeds like Labradors, Border Collies, and Huskies need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. If these needs aren’t met, they might resort to chewing out of boredom.
Older Dogs: While excessive chewing in older dogs might be less common, it’s essential to rule out medical issues if their chewing pattern changes abruptly. You should also understand why my dog’s behavior is getting worse.

6. Bitter Spray and Other Deterrents

Use Bitter Apple Spray: Applying a bitter apple spray to items your dog frequently chews can help deter them. However, this is not a guaranteed solution and works better when used in conjunction with other training methods. Always check for the ingredients and ensure it’s safe for your dog.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried these solutions and your dog’s chewing behavior persists, it may be time to seek help from a professional.

Veterinary Behaviorist: A veterinary behaviorist can diagnose underlying medical conditions or behavioral issues that might be contributing to the chewing.
Certified Dog Trainer: A professional trainer can provide individualized guidance and help create a structured training plan.

Is it Ever Okay For My Dog to Chew on Things?

Yes, chewing is a natural and necessary behavior for dogs. Providing appropriate chew toys and outlets is crucial for their overall well-being. The goal is not to eliminate chewing completely but to redirect it to appropriate items.

“The key is consistency and patience,” says Dr. Michael Chen, a Canine Behavior Specialist. “It takes time to change a behavior, so remain consistent with your approach.”

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

Understanding why your dog keeps chewing things up is the first step toward resolving the issue. Whether it’s due to teething, boredom, anxiety, or another cause, a combination of management, training, and enrichment is usually the most effective approach. Remember, patience and consistency are key. With the right strategies, you can help your dog redirect their chewing to appropriate outlets, creating a happier and less-chewed household. If you are looking to stop a dog from chewing on shoes this may be a good place to start.

FAQs About Dog Chewing

Q: Why does my dog chew when I leave the house?

A: Chewing when you leave could be a sign of separation anxiety, boredom, or a combination of both. Consider providing puzzle toys and creating a calming routine before you leave. Additionally, practicing short periods of separation to ease your dog into being alone can be beneficial.

Q: Is it normal for puppies to chew a lot?

A: Yes, excessive chewing is normal in puppies due to teething. Provide plenty of safe chew toys to help ease their discomfort, and ensure that potentially dangerous items are stored away. It’s a temporary phase that should subside as they age.

Q: My older dog has started chewing, why?

A: If an older dog suddenly starts chewing, it could be due to boredom, stress, or even an underlying health issue like dental discomfort or other pain. Consult with a vet to rule out medical causes and ensure that your dog is physically and mentally stimulated.

Q: What if my dog swallows a piece of what they were chewing?

A: If you suspect your dog has swallowed a piece of an object they were chewing on, monitor them closely for signs of distress such as vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite. If you notice any concerning symptoms, contact your vet immediately. It is always better to be safe.

Q: How long does the chewing phase last?

A: The teething phase in puppies generally lasts until they are around six to eight months old. However, if chewing continues after this point it could be caused by other factors such as boredom or anxiety which may need to be addressed.

Q: Are there specific dog breeds prone to excessive chewing?

A: While all dogs can chew, some high-energy breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Border Collies often need more physical and mental stimulation, and may chew more out of boredom or frustration if their needs are not met.

Q: Can diet affect chewing behavior?

A: While diet is not a common cause, nutritional deficiencies in certain minerals can cause a dog to seek minerals through chewing. A vet can check if your dog’s diet is appropriate and make recommendations if needed.

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