How to Get Your Dog to Stop Chewing on Wood and Shoes

Dogs chew. Dogs love to chew. In fact, dogs find chewing to be one of the most mind blowing experiences they can have. For whatever reason, chewing is a dog behavior that completely occupies a dog’s mind. There is a reason that dogs chew when they are bored – chewing is extremely stimulating for them, and when they need stimulation, they will seek out ways to chew and chew and chew.

Chewing itself is not necessarily a problem. It is WHAT your dog chews that causes the greatest amount of concern. Dogs will chew whatever feels good to chew, and unfortunately the things they love to chew are:
• Shoes and Clothes
• Wood (Table Legs, Chair Legs)
• Carpet

All of these things represent prime things to chew, and if your dog needs stimulation, chances are it will seek these out and damage items around your home in its quest to be stimulated. When you want your dog to stop chewing, there are several things you can do.

Training Your Dog Out of Chewing
• Exercise
The most effective way to reduce chewing behavior is to give your dog plenty of exercise. Remember, dogs chew because it gives them significant mental stimulation. The primary cause of chewing is boredom and a lack of brain use. Outdoor exercise solves this problem. Your dog is surrounded by sensory stimulation, with sights, sounds and smells all around them. In addition, your dog is getting a lot of exercise, and exercise calms both the mind and body, so that your dog is both mentally and physically relaxed.
• Ropes
An additional method is to provide your dog with something it CAN chew, such as chew ropes. Dogs only need something to chew – they do not often care what they are chewing. Chew ropes are perfect for chewing. They are great for teeth and they are designed to be ripped apart. To make sure your dog chews the rope, any time you catch your pet chewing your shoes or furniture, say “No,” take the item away, and give them the rope to chew instead. Your dog will quickly get the message.
• Store Bought Bitter Taste Products
Another method you can use is to purchase products that are flavored with a taste that your dog will hate. These products have you spray the item you want your dog to stop chewing with its terrible bitter taste, and as soon as the dog puts its mouth on the item, it will taste a terrible flavor that will cause it to stop. These products are useful for when your dog is chewing a specific item, but are less useful for long term changes in behavior.

Employ All Methods for the Greatest Effects
If you truly want your dog to stop chewing, use all three of the methods listed above. The products can help your dog learn to stop chewing specific items and the ropes will provide your dog with something it is welcome to chew.

Still, the most important thing you can do for your pet is to provide it with plenty of exercise. Dogs need a lot of outdoor exercise. Running around in the backyard is not enough. They need to experience more of the outdoors to calm their mind and their body. The more you exercise your dog, the more is mind and body will be stimulated, and the less your dog’s instinctive chewing behavior will kick in.

Combining all of these training methods is your best bet for reducing your dog’s unwanted chewing behaviors.