Chewing is one of the most common frustrations for dog owners. Shoes, table legs, cushions, kids’ toys, leads, bedding — some dogs seem determined to put their teeth on everything. If you are searching for how to stop a dog chewing everything, the first thing to know is this: chewing is not usually “bad behaviour”. It is normal dog behaviour that needs safe direction.
Dogs chew for many reasons. Puppies chew because they are exploring the world and going through teething. Young dogs chew because they have energy to burn. Rescue dogs may chew because they are settling into a new home, feeling unsure, or learning what belongs to them. Adult dogs may chew because they are bored, anxious, frustrated, under-exercised, or simply because chewing feels good.
The goal is not to stop your dog from chewing altogether. The goal is to teach them what they can chew, remove temptation where possible, and meet the need behind the behaviour in a calm, kind way.
Why Is My Dog Chewing Everything?
Before you can fix the chewing, it helps to understand why it is happening. Common causes include:
- Puppy teething
- Boredom or lack of mental stimulation
- Not enough suitable chew items
- Anxiety or stress
- Separation-related distress
- Too much freedom before the dog is ready
- Lack of routine
- Curiosity, especially in young or newly adopted dogs
- Pain, dental discomfort, or another health issue
If the chewing has started suddenly, seems extreme, or your dog is chewing with signs of pain, drooling, bleeding, appetite changes, or distress, it is worth speaking to your vet. Behaviour changes can sometimes have a medical cause.
Start by Managing the Environment
One of the kindest ways to stop a dog chewing everything is to make the wrong choices harder and the right choices easier.
This means putting shoes away, moving kids’ toys, lifting electrical cords, closing bedroom doors, keeping bins secured, and removing anything dangerous from your dog’s reach. This is not “giving in”. It is good management.
A dog cannot learn calmly if they are constantly being tempted by exciting objects. Think of it like puppy-proofing or rescue-dog-proofing the home while they learn.
For dogs who chew when unsupervised, use safe spaces. This might be a crate, puppy pen, gated room, or dog-safe area with water, bedding, and appropriate chew toys. A safe space should never be used as punishment. It should feel calm, familiar, and comfortable.
Give Them Better Things to Chew
If your dog is chewing furniture or household items, ask yourself: what have I given them instead?
Dogs need legal chewing options. Try a mix of:
- Rubber treat-dispensing toys
- Food-stuffed toys
- Safe dental chews
- Lick mats
- Long-lasting dog chews suitable for their size
- Soft teething toys for puppies
- Rope or tug toys used under supervision
- Frozen dog-safe enrichment toys
Rotate toys every few days so they stay interesting. A toy that has been on the floor for two weeks may become boring, but the same toy reintroduced later can feel new again.
For puppies, cold chew items can sometimes help soothe sore gums. Always choose puppy-safe products and supervise closely.
Reward the Right Choice
When your dog chooses their chew toy instead of your furniture, notice it. Calmly praise them. You can say “good dog”, offer gentle affection, or occasionally add a small treat.
This matters because dogs repeat behaviours that work for them. If chewing the correct item brings calm attention and relief, they are more likely to do it again.
If your dog picks up something they should not have, avoid chasing, yelling, or turning it into a game. Instead, calmly swap it for something better. Offer a toy or treat, praise them when they release the item, and then remove the object from reach.
Teaching a cue like “drop” or “swap” can be very helpful, especially for dogs who love stealing socks, shoes, or household items.
Increase Enrichment and Exercise
Many chewing problems improve when a dog’s day becomes more fulfilling. This does not mean exhausting your dog with endless exercise. It means giving them healthy outlets for their body and brain.
Try adding:
- Sniff walks
- Short training sessions
- Food puzzles
- Scatter feeding
- Scent games
- Tug or gentle play
- Calm chewing time after walks
- Basic hand-signal training for deaf dogs
- Settling exercises on a mat
For deaf dogs, visual communication and routine can be especially helpful. A deaf dog may not hear you say “leave it” from across the room, so management, hand signals, check-ins, and clear visual cues become important. Deaf dogs are just as capable of learning; they simply need communication that makes sense to them.
Watch for Separation Anxiety
Some dogs chew mainly when left alone. If your dog is chewing door frames, windowsills, furniture near exits, or items that smell strongly of you, the problem may be more than simple boredom.
Separation-related chewing often happens alongside other signs, such as barking, howling, pacing, drooling, toileting indoors, or trying to escape.
If this sounds like your dog, punishment will not help. They are not “getting back at you”. They may be panicking. In these cases, it is best to speak with a qualified reward-based trainer, behaviour vet, or veterinary behaviour professional.
Do Not Punish Chewing After the Event
Finding a destroyed cushion is frustrating, but dogs do not understand punishment after the fact. If you come home and tell your dog off, they may look “guilty”, but this usually means they are reacting to your body language and tone, not understanding what they did wrong hours earlier.
Punishment can increase anxiety, which can make chewing worse.
A calmer approach is:
- Clean up without fuss.
- Work out when and why it happened.
- Reduce access next time.
- Add better chew options.
- Reward calm, appropriate chewing.
Be Consistent
Chewing habits take time to change. If your dog is allowed to chew an old shoe, they may not understand why your good shoes are different. If they sometimes get attention for stealing cushions, they may keep doing it.
Keep the rules simple. Household items are not toys. Dog toys and chews are encouraged. Supervise when needed. Manage the environment. Reward the choices you want.
For rescue dogs, be patient. A newly adopted dog may need time to decompress and understand the household routine. Chewing may reduce as they feel safer, more settled, and more confident.
When to Get Help
Seek professional help if your dog:
- Chews dangerously or swallows objects
- Breaks teeth or injures themselves
- Chews mainly when left alone
- Shows panic, barking, pacing, or escape attempts
- Guards stolen items
- Has sudden behaviour changes
- Seems unable to settle
A vet check is also important if you suspect dental pain, mouth discomfort, digestive issues, or anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to stop a dog chewing everything starts with understanding that chewing is natural. Your dog is not trying to annoy you. They are communicating a need.
By removing temptation, offering safe chew outlets, increasing enrichment, rewarding good choices, and staying calm, you can help your dog learn what is appropriate. Whether you have a puppy, an adult dog, a deaf dog, or a newly adopted rescue, kind and consistent guidance will always work better than punishment.
With patience, management, and the right support, your dog can learn to chew the things they are allowed to chew — and leave your shoes, furniture, and cushions alone.
RSPCA Australia recommends enrichment, safe chew objects, reward-based training, and restricting access to items you do not want chewed.
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