- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
It’s perfectly natural to feel frustrated when your dog chews and tears up your furniture. Punishing your dog for chewing, however, can worsen the situation.
Chewing is a normal and necessary dog behavior, says Brie Blakeman, certified canine behavior consultant, certified professional dog trainer, and founder of Noble Woof Dog Training.
Puppies learn to explore the world through chewing, and chewing also helps soothe teething discomfort. For adult dogs, chewing can help improve oral health, ease stress, and exercise the jaw muscles.
Of course, while chewing has its advantages, the material matters when it comes to preserving your household items and keeping your pet safe. Learning the reasons why your dog might be chewing your furniture can help you find the best way to stop this behavior.
Read on to learn possible causes of destructive chewing, how to stop your dog from chewing furniture, and what to avoid when training your dog.
What Causes Destructive Chewing?
If your dog chews excessively or chews things they aren’t supposed to chew—like your sofa or the table legs—that’s considered destructive chewing.
Common causes of destructive chewing include:
- Boredom: Dogs who don’t get enough physical and mental stimulation may start chewing on furniture and other household items out of boredom.
- Natural instincts: Dogs naturally explore the environment with their mouths, so chewing is an instinctive behavior.
- Teething: Chewing can help relieve teething pain, which usually lasts from about 8 weeks of age to 9 months of age.
- Hunger: Dogs on calorie-restricted or unbalanced diets may chew and destroy objects to seek additional nutrition or satisfy their hunger.
- Stress and anxiety: Since chewing can be comforting, dogs might chew when experiencing separation anxiety, storm phobia, and other stressors.
How To Keep Your Dog from Chewing Furniture
Destructive chewing doesn’t just damage your belongings. It can also lead to injuries for your dog. That’s what makes it so important to prevent this behavior.
That said, chewing has many benefits for dogs, Blakeman explains. It’s not a problem to eliminate completely, but one to redirect in more appropriate ways.
Try the tips below to prevent destructive chewing!
Provide regular chewing opportunities
“To stop your dog from chewing furniture, it’s essential to allow your dog to meet their natural chewing needs,” Blakeman says.
Offering safe chew toys gives your dog the chance to explore various textures and materials. Examples include:
- Rubber toys like Kongs
- Natural options like bully sticks or Himalayan chews
- Puzzle toys that combine chewing with mental stimulation
Blakeman recommends rotating toys and chews every few days to keep your dog interested in them.
Safety tip: Always supervise your dog with new chews and remove any chews or toys that become small enough to swallow!
Dog-proof your house and furniture
“Create an environment where your dog can succeed by removing temptations to chew furniture,” Blakeman recommends. “For example, cover furniture with blankets or protective covers. You might also set up a dog pen when you can’t actively supervise.”
Dog-proofing your home with management strategies can help prevent your dog from tearing up furniture while you teach them appropriate alternatives.
Supervise your dog at home
When you’re at home, pay close attention to your dog so you can offer redirection when needed.
If you notice your dog approaching furniture, Blakeman suggests calmly interrupting them and redirecting them to a toy. When they begin chewing the appropriate toy, use positive reinforcement to reward them and encourage that behavior.
Crate train or use pet gates
You can’t stay with your dog every minute of the day, of course! Crates and pet gates can keep them from chewing furniture when left alone. This helps set a clear boundary and keeps them away from furniture.
If you use a crate, it’s essential to properly crate train your puppy or adult dog so they feel safe and comfortable. You can also use a dog-safe pet gate instead of—or along with—a crate.
Blakeman recommends offering your dog a chew toy in the crate to meet their chewing needs.
Keep your house clean
“Removing clutter from your home reduces environmental stress and eliminates potential chew items,” Blakeman explains.
A tidy, organized space can also help:
- Make it easier to supervise your dog
- Keep your dog from getting in the habit of chewing on things they shouldn’t
- Teach your dog household expectations
- Teach your dog the difference between chewable and non-chewable items
Make sure your dog gets enough exercise
Physical activity and mental enrichment address core needs—and needs that go unmet often drive destructive behaviors!
For example, regular exercise can help relieve stress and prevent boredom, both of which may lead a dog to chew furniture and baseboards.
Blakeman suggests tailoring your dog’s exercise to their age, breed, and health status.
Physical activity and stimulation can include:
- Playtime: Examples include tug-of-war and fetch.
- Walks: Regular walks give dogs time to sniff and explore new places.
- Training sessions: Trick training and agility can challenge dogs who’ve mastered obedience skills.
- Enrichment activities: Ideas to try include puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and nosework.
Use bitter sprays
Using a bitter spray may keep your dog from chewing furniture because the spray has a bad taste. Blakeman explains, though, that this may only work temporarily. Your dog may develop a tolerance to the taste and start chewing again.
Generally speaking, redirecting your dog’s behavior is more likely to lead to lasting changes. However, you could try using a non-harmful bitter spray designed for dogs as you develop a training plan and routine to prevent chewing.
Things To Avoid When Your Dog Chews Furniture
Certain reactions can be counterproductive when you catch your dog chewing on furniture, Blakeman explains.
Here’s what to avoid—and what to try instead.
Avoid punishing your dog
Punishing your dog for destructive chewing might stop the behavior for the moment, but it doesn’t address your dog’s underlying needs or teach them alternative behaviors.
Plus, punishment can also damage trust and increase your dog’s anxiety, which can make the chewing worse.
Don’t make a fuss
You might get upset when you discover your dog has chewed your furniture or baseboards, but a dramatic reaction gives them attention that might reinforce chewing.
Making a big scene may excite or stimulate your dog, which could lead to more chewing.
Avoid loud noises
A common dog training mistake is making loud noises to get a dog’s attention. This might temporarily stop your dog from chewing furniture, but it can ultimately cause fear and anxiety.
Many dogs chew to relieve stress, so it’s best to avoid adding another stressor by startling them.
Provide consistent training
Dogs thrive with clear, consistent expectations. Consistently redirecting and training them helps them understand boundaries and learn to trust your guidance.
It also helps when all family members follow the same guidelines and redirect your dog to the same appropriate chewing alternatives!
