How to Stop Destructive Chewing in Dogs (With Product Tips)

Chewed furniture, shredded shoes, and gnawed skirting boards? You’re not alone. Destructive chewing is one of the most common behavioural challenges dog owners face. But the good news is—it’s manageable. With the right training techniques and appropriate chew toys, you can redirect your dog’s natural urge to chew away from your belongings and onto something far more suitable. Let’s get into why dogs chew, how to stop destructive behaviour and which products can help.

Summary:

Destructive chewing in dogs can come from many causes including teething, boredom, anxiety or lack of chew outlets. This guide covers effective ways to prevent unwanted chewing behaviour, highlighting the importance of providing chew toys, exercise and mental stimulation and deterrents. It also lists top product recommendations from My Mutt Life’s toy collection to support your dog’s chewing needs.

Why Dogs Chew

Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs, they explore their world, relieve discomfort and reduce stress. But when chewing becomes destructive it’s often a sign that something is missing from their routine. Common causes include:

• Teething – Puppies chew to soothe sore gums.

• Boredom – Dogs left without stimulation often resort to chewing.

• Anxiety or stress – Chewing can be a self-soothing behaviour.

• Attention-seeking – Some dogs chew to get a reaction.

• Lack of boundaries – Without clear rules they may not know what’s off-limits.

Strategies to Stop Destructive Chewing

1.Provide Chew Toys

Redirect your dog’s chewing instincts with durable and stimulating chew toys. Try these from our toy & enrichment collection:

• Durable Rubber Dog Toy Ball – Interactive Chew & Treat Dispenser - Keep your pup entertained, engaged, and healthy with our Durable Rubber Dog Toy Ball!

• Chuckit! Breathe Right Bumper Dog ToyRun Farther, Fetch Longer, Tug Harder with the Chuckit! Air Bumper Dog Toy

• Chuckit! Ultra Fetch Stick – Durable & High-Visibility Dog Toy - Make fetch even more exciting with the Chuckit! Ultra Fetch Stick!

2. Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A tired dog is a well behaved dog. Make sure your dog gets enough daily walks, playtime and training exercises to burn off energy and stay mentally engaged.

3. Deterrents

Bitter sprays (safe for pets) can be applied to furniture, shoes and other no-chew zones. These taste unpleasant and will help deter repeat offenders.

4. Dog-Proof Your Home

Remove temptations when you’re not there to supervise. Store shoes, cords and other valuables out of reach and consider crate training as a safe space when unsupervised.

5. Redirect and Reward

If you catch them mid-chew on something off-limits, calmly interrupt and give them a suitable chew toy. When they use it, praise them—this teaches them what’s allowed.

When to Seek Professional Help

If chewing persists despite these interventions it could be driven by deeper behavioural or emotional issues. A professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviourist can assess and tailor solutions for your specific case.

Conclusion

While chewing is a natural and healthy behaviour for dogs, destructive chewing doesn’t have to be part of your life. With consistent guidance, proper outlets and the right enrichment tools your pup can chew happily—without destroying your stuff.

Check out our full collection of enrichment and chew toys here.