How to Stop Your Puppy from Chewing Everything You Love

Why Puppies Chew and How to Stop It

The best way to stop puppy chewing is to provide appropriate chew toys, puppy-proof your home, redirect inappropriate chewing immediately, ensure adequate exercise, and use positive reinforcement when your puppy chews the right items.

Quick Solutions to Stop Puppy Chewing	Why It Works
1. Puppy-proof your home	Removes temptation and prevents dangerous chewing
2. Provide appropriate chew toys	Satisfies natural chewing needs
3. Redirect immediately when caught	Teaches what’s acceptable to chew
4. Ensure 30+ minutes of daily exercise	Reduces boredom-related chewing
5. Use positive reinforcement	Strengthens desired behavior

Coming home to find your favorite shoes in tatters or furniture legs bearing fresh teeth marks is a familiar frustration for puppy owners. Rest assured, you’re not alone. Destructive chewing is one of the most common complaints among dog owners – but it’s also one of the most solvable.

Chewing is completely normal puppy behavior. Dogs explore their world through their mouths, and puppies between 3-7 months are actively teething as they lose their 28 baby teeth and grow 42 adult teeth. This process can be uncomfortable, and chewing helps relieve the pain.

Beyond teething, puppies chew to learn about their environment, release excess energy, combat boredom, and self-soothe when anxious. Understanding why your puppy chews is the first step toward effectively addressing the behavior.

While it may test your patience, your puppy isn’t being deliberately destructive. With consistent training, appropriate outlets for chewing, and proper management, most puppies outgrow excessive chewing by 1.5-2 years of age – though some high-energy breeds may take longer.

The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice your belongings while waiting for your puppy to mature. The right approach can dramatically reduce destructive chewing while still meeting your puppy’s natural needs.

Best way to stop puppy chewing terms simplified:
– best way to stop a dog from biting
– how to stop biting

Why this guide matters

Understanding and addressing puppy chewing isn’t just about saving your furniture—it’s about safety and relationship building. Puppies can ingest harmful materials when chewing inappropriately, leading to expensive emergency vet visits for intestinal blockages or toxic exposure. Items like electrical cords present serious shock hazards.

Beyond safety, how you handle chewing can significantly impact your relationship with your puppy. Using positive methods to redirect chewing builds trust, while harsh punishment can damage your bond and potentially worsen the behavior.

Understanding Puppy Chewing Basics

Ever wonder why your adorable ball of fluff is so determined to gnaw on everything in sight? Puppy chewing isn’t random—it’s a complex behavior that serves important developmental purposes as your pup grows.

Your puppy’s chewing journey follows a predictable path through different life stages. During the early exploration phase (0-12 weeks), your pup uses their mouth like a curious toddler, learning about texture, taste, and the world around them. When teething kicks in (12 weeks-6 months), those sore gums drive more intense chewing as adult teeth push through. By the habit formation phase (6 months-2 years), chewing becomes either a well-managed behavior or a persistent problem, depending on your training approach.

Those powerful jaws aren’t just for show! With approximately 300 million olfactory receptors (compared to our measly 6 million), dogs experience the world primarily through scent and taste. Chewing helps your puppy process new information in a way that’s deeply instinctual.

The best way to stop puppy chewing starts with understanding why they do it in the first place. Beyond exploration, chewing serves as a natural stress reliever when your pup feels anxious. It provides crucial mental stimulation, helps combat boredom, burns excess energy, soothes separation anxiety, and even promotes dental health by naturally removing plaque.

According to scientific research from the ASPCA, “It’s normal for puppies and dogs to chew on objects as they explore the world. Chewing accomplishes a number of things for a dog. For young dogs, it’s a way to relieve pain that might be caused by incoming teeth. For older dogs, it’s nature’s way of keeping jaws strong and teeth clean.” You can learn more about normal teething in puppies on the ASPCA website.

Is Chewing Normal or a Problem?

Not all chewing is created equal. Normal, healthy chewing becomes problematic when it’s directed at inappropriate items (like your favorite shoes), causes significant property damage, puts your puppy at risk for injury, or continues excessively beyond the typical teething phase.

Knowing what to expect at different age milestones helps you gauge whether your puppy’s chewing falls within normal limits. Under 6 months, intense chewing is completely normal and expected as those adult teeth emerge. Between 6-12 months, you should start seeing a gradual decrease in chewing intensity with proper training. By 1-2 years, most puppies outgrow excessive chewing, though high-energy breeds might take longer to settle down.

Watch for red flags that indicate problematic chewing: behavior that intensifies dramatically when left alone (possibly signaling separation anxiety), frantic chewing that can’t be interrupted, chewing accompanied by other destructive behaviors, or self-injurious chewing targeting paws, nails, or tail.

Reading the Root Cause (Teething vs. Anxiety vs. Habit)

Playing detective with your puppy’s chewing habits helps you address the real issue rather than just the symptoms.

When teething is the culprit, you’ll notice red, swollen gums, increased drooling, visible gaps where baby teeth have fallen out, small blood spots on toys, and chewing that seems focused on relieving pressure on the gums.

Anxiety-driven chewing typically occurs when alone or during stressful events like thunderstorms. Your pup might target exit points like doors or windows, and you’ll often see accompanying behaviors like pacing, whining, or excessive drooling—even after adequate exercise.

Boredom or excess energy manifests as increased chewing when exercise needs aren’t met, targeting easily accessible items, significant decrease after physical activity, and often comes with other attention-seeking behaviors like barking or jumping.

Once chewing becomes a habit, your puppy will consistently target specific items regardless of exercise level or company, having developed a self-reinforcing behavior that brings its own satisfaction.

By carefully observing when, where, and what your puppy chews, you’ll uncover patterns that reveal the underlying motivation—the first step toward finding the most effective solution for your chewing champion.

Best Way to Stop Puppy Chewing: 5-Step Game Plan

Ready for puppy-chewing freedom? Let’s face it – those little teeth can wreak havoc on your home. The best way to stop puppy chewing isn’t about quick fixes but rather a thoughtful approach that addresses why your furry friend is chomping away in the first place. My years working with pet owners have shown that this 5-step plan creates the perfect loop of prevention, redirection, and positive reinforcement that actually works.

Step 1 – Puppy-Proof & Remove Temptations

Prevention truly is your best friend here. Think of puppy-proofing as creating a “yes” environment where your pup can explore safely without constantly hearing “no.”

Start by using baby gates or exercise pens to create boundaries – these are absolute lifesavers for limiting access to vulnerable areas of your home. Proper crate training provides a safe haven when you can’t supervise directly. Many of my clients create a designated “puppy zone” filled with appropriate toys and zero forbidden items.

Don’t forget about those electrical cords! They’re like spaghetti to puppies – irresistible but dangerous. Secure them with cord protectors or tuck them behind furniture. Store shoes, clothing, and personal items in closed closets (I learned this lesson the hard way after losing three pairs of running shoes to my Lab puppy). Remove accessible houseplants that might be toxic and keep cleaning supplies and medications safely locked away.

One client shared: “I returned after two hours to find new chew marks on my vinyl floorboards despite toys being available.” This common setback could have been avoided with proper prevention. During the early training period, consider furniture covers for expensive items – they’re temporary but can save you considerable heartache and money.

Step 2 – Provide Irresistible Legal Chews

Your puppy needs appropriate outlets for their natural chewing instinct. The secret? Make the legal options more enticing than your furniture legs.

Implement a toy rotation strategy to keep things fresh. Keep 3-5 chew toys available and swap them every few days. Puppies, like toddlers, get bored with the same toys, so rotation maintains that crucial novelty factor.

Texture variety matters tremendously. Soft plush toys work well for gentle mouthers, rubber toys satisfy moderate chewers, while nylon or hard rubber stands up to those power-chewing puppies. Pay attention to what your individual pup prefers – they all have different “mouth feels” they enjoy.

For teething puppies, frozen relief works wonders. Try freezing wet washcloths or rubber toys with water inside to numb those sore gums. One creative owner I know makes “chicksickles” (frozen chicken broth in ice cube trays) as special teething treats.

Food-stuffed toys are absolute game-changers. Kong toys filled with peanut butter, wet food, or treats (then frozen) provide mental stimulation along with chewing satisfaction. As one clever owner noted: “A frozen Kong is basically an iPad for dogs.” So true!

Always choose veterinarian-approved dental chews that satisfy urges while cleaning teeth. Just remember to supervise to prevent any choking hazards.

Step 3 – Interrupt & Redirect Every Mistake

When you catch your puppy munching on something inappropriate (and you will!), how you respond makes all the difference.

Start with a calm interruption – a simple marker word like “Oops” or “Uh-oh” works perfectly. Avoid angry yelling which can create anxiety or turn the forbidden item into an even more intriguing “prize.” Immediately offer an appropriate chew toy as an alternative. This isn’t rewarding bad behavior; it’s teaching what’s acceptable to chew.

When they take the proper toy, praise enthusiastically! This positive reinforcement helps your puppy understand what makes you happy. For particularly tempting items, use a “trade up” approach—offer something even more valuable than what they’re chewing. A boring sock is easily abandoned for a treat-stuffed Kong!

Consistency is absolutely crucial. Every family member must follow the same protocol every time inappropriate chewing occurs. As the ASPCA wisely notes, “Dogs don’t understand right from wrong. They just learn what’s safe to do and what brings consequences.”

For specific guidance on handling nipping and biting behavior (related but distinct from object chewing), check out our guide on How to Train a Puppy to Stop Biting.

Step 4 – Meet Exercise & Mental-Work Needs

A tired puppy is significantly less likely to redecorate your home with tooth marks. Fascinating research shows that fifteen minutes of sniffing activity equals about one hour of physical exercise in terms of mental fatigue.

Physical exercise is non-negotiable – aim for at least 30 minutes daily for most puppies (more for high-energy breeds). Choose age-appropriate activities since long runs can damage growing joints. Structured walks with plenty of sniffing opportunities provide both physical and mental stimulation.

Don’t underestimate the power of mental workouts. Puzzle feeders, food-dispensing toys, short training sessions (5-10 minutes several times daily), snuffle mats for foraging, and hide-and-seek games all tire out that puppy brain. One of my clients reported: “My dog fell asleep standing after a slow 45-minute sniff walk.” Mental fatigue can actually be more effective than physical exhaustion for reducing destructive behaviors.

For more comprehensive approaches to behavior modification beyond chewing, our guide on Dog Behavior Modification Techniques offers additional strategies.

Step 5 – Gradually Increase Freedom & Proof the Behavior

As your puppy shows signs of reliability, it’s time to carefully expand their world.

Begin testing with very short unsupervised periods – literally 1-2 minutes at first. Were they successful? Great! Gradually extend that freedom as they demonstrate trustworthiness. Be prepared for what behaviorists call “extinction bursts” – those temporary increases in chewing as your puppy tests boundaries. This doesn’t mean training is failing; it’s actually a normal part of the learning process.

Track your progress with a simple log of chewing incidents. This helps you identify patterns and celebrate improvements that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Don’t be discouraged by occasional setbacks. Many Labrador Retrievers and other mouthy breeds continue some chewing behaviors until around 2 years of age when they fully mature. Consistency and patience aren’t just helpful – they’re essential to long-term success.

We’re teaching a puppy with the impulse control of a toddler to resist temptation. That takes time, but with this 5-step approach, you’ll see steady improvement that eventually leads to a well-mannered adult dog who knows exactly what belongs in their mouth – and what doesn’t.

Training & Management for Every Scenario

Teaching “Leave-It” and “Drop-It” (best way to stop puppy chewing)

Think of “Leave It” and “Drop It” as the two magic spells in your puppy training arsenal. These commands aren’t just helpful—they could save your pup’s life when they’re about to chew something dangerous.

For “Leave It,” start with something simple. Hold a regular treat in your closed fist and let your curious pup investigate. They’ll likely sniff, paw, and maybe even gently mouth your hand. The magic moment happens when they back away, even for a second—immediately say “Yes!” and reward them with an even tastier treat from your other hand. This teaches them that ignoring the first item leads to something better.

Once they’ve got the idea, add the verbal cue “Leave it” right before presenting your closed fist. Practice makes perfect, so gradually work with more tempting items and eventually place treats on the floor. One puppy owner told us, “My Lab went from stealing socks to leaving them alone with just a word—it feels like a superpower!”

Teaching “Drop It” follows similar positive principles. Give your puppy a toy they enjoy (but not their absolute favorite). Then offer something they’ll find even more delicious while saying “Drop it.” The moment they release the toy, reward them with the treat and plenty of praise. The crucial step many owners miss? Give the toy back! This teaches your puppy that surrendering items doesn’t mean losing them forever.

With consistent practice, you’ll build a reliable foundation for interrupting potential chewing disasters before they happen.

What to Do If You Catch Them in the Act

We’ve all been there—you turn around to find your puppy happily destroying something valuable. Your reaction in this moment matters tremendously.

First, take a deep breath. Resist the urge to yell or chase—this actually makes the forbidden item more exciting and can teach your puppy to hide their chewing from you. Instead, calmly interrupt with a neutral “Uh-oh” to pause the behavior. Your tone should be matter-of-fact, not angry or frightening.

Immediately redirect to an appropriate toy, making it move enticingly if needed. When they take the proper chew item, praise enthusiastically like they’ve just done the most brilliant thing ever. This positive reinforcement helps rewire their brain to choose the right chewing outlets.

If they’ve already damaged something, simply clean it up without scolding. Dogs live in the moment—punishment for something that happened even minutes ago won’t connect in their minds and only damages your relationship. As one trainer wisely noted, “Your puppy isn’t being bad—they’re just being a puppy.”

Managing Chewing When You’re Not Home

Unsupervised time presents the biggest challenge for puppy owners. The best way to stop puppy chewing when you’re away is thoughtful preparation.

Crate training provides a safe haven when done properly. Start with brief positive experiences—just 10-15 minutes with a special chew toy—and gradually extend the duration as your puppy becomes comfortable. Never use the crate as punishment, and remember that young puppies shouldn’t be crated longer than their age in months plus one (e.g., a 3-month-old puppy for maximum 4 hours).

For puppies who find crates too confining, consider a puppy-proofed exercise pen with appropriate toys, water, and a comfortable bed. Place it on easy-to-clean flooring and remove anything destructible.

Technology can be your ally too. Puppy cameras let you monitor behavior remotely, with some models allowing you to speak to your pup or even dispense treats. One creative owner told us, “I use the two-way audio to praise my puppy when I see him chewing his Kong instead of the rug!”

Speaking of Kongs—these miracle toys deserve special mention. Reserve food-stuffed toys exclusively for alone time to create positive associations. Try freezing a Kong filled with layers of peanut butter, wet food, and kibble for a long-lasting challenge that keeps jaws happily occupied.

For longer absences, consider professional help. Dog walkers for midday breaks, pet sitters for longer periods, or doggy daycare can provide the supervision and exercise your puppy needs. Puppies naturally sleep 12-14 hours daily, so if properly exercised before you leave, many will simply nap during short absences.

With patience and consistency, you’ll gradually be able to build trust and extend your puppy’s freedom. The investment in proper management now prevents both property damage and the development of bad habits that could last a lifetime.

Safe Toys, Deterrents & Puppy-Proof Home

When it comes to stopping your puppy’s chewing habits, having the right tools makes all the difference. Think of it as creating a world where your pup can satisfy their natural urges without destroying your belongings!

Choosing the Right Chew for Your Pup’s Style

Just like people, puppies have unique personalities when it comes to chewing. Understanding your pup’s chewing style will save you money and frustration.

If you have a soft-mouther, you’ve got a gentle soul who prefers plush or soft rubber toys. These pups often carry their “babies” around rather than destroying them, and many enjoy toys with crinkly textures that make satisfying sounds. My neighbor’s Cavalier King Charles Spaniel carries the same plush duck everywhere – it’s more companion than chew toy!

For power chewers, durability is everything. These determined chompers need tough rubber or nylon toys that can withstand serious pressure. Brands that offer warranties (like Kong Extreme or Goughnuts) are worth the investment – I’ve seen a determined Lab puppy destroy a “regular” rubber toy in minutes! These pups benefit from toys specifically engineered for aggressive chewers.

Then there are the shredders – the fabric destroyers who love nothing more than methodically pulling things apart. These puppies need supervised play with appropriate destructible toys like certain rope toys. Puzzle toys that can be safely “dismantled” give them the satisfaction of taking something apart without the hazards.

Here’s a simple test to ensure toy safety: if you can’t make an indentation with your fingernail, the toy is too hard and could damage your puppy’s teeth. Always prioritize dental safety!

Using Taste Deterrents Correctly

When your puppy insists on chewing furniture or other immovable objects, taste deterrents can be a helpful part of your strategy. Think of them as the puppy equivalent of the bitter nail polish that helps humans stop biting their nails.

Before applying any deterrent, test a small amount on an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t damage your furniture. Different materials react differently, and some fabrics or finishes might stain.

Next, properly introduce the deterrent to your puppy. Let them taste a tiny amount on a tissue so they make the connection between the smell and the unpleasant flavor. Without this step, some puppies will chew right through the bitter taste out of sheer determination!

Consistency is key – spray deterrents need frequent reapplication, usually daily for 2-4 weeks. Rain, cleaning, and even just time can diminish their effectiveness. One morning of forgetting can reset your progress.

Always pair deterrents with alternatives by providing appropriate chew toys nearby. The best way to stop puppy chewing isn’t just saying “no” – it’s showing them “chew this instead.”

Be patient with this process. Some puppies initially ignore bitter tastes but learn over time. My own puppy seemed immune to bitter apple spray for the first week, then suddenly decided it was revolting!

Popular commercial options include Bitter Apple, Bitter Yuck, and Grannick’s Bitter Apple. Some pet parents report success with homemade solutions using vinegar or diluted lemon juice, though these typically aren’t as long-lasting or effective as commercial products.

Deterrents are management tools, not complete training solutions. They work best as part of your comprehensive approach to redirecting chewing behavior.

Setting Up a Chew-Proof Environment on a Budget

Creating a puppy-safe zone doesn’t require expensive specialty products. With a little creativity, you can puppy-proof effectively without breaking the bank.

For budget-friendly barriers, consider repurposing baby gates from secondhand stores or online marketplaces – parents of grown children often sell these for a fraction of their original cost. Sturdy cardboard boxes can temporarily block access to tempting areas like entertainment centers, and exercise pens found on online marketplaces provide flexible containment options.

DIY enrichment toys can be just as effective as store-bought versions. Try placing treats in a muffin tin and covering each cup with a tennis ball for a simple puzzle. Plastic bottles with holes can dispense kibble (always supervise this activity). For teething relief, nothing beats a frozen washcloth – inexpensive and soothing on sore gums.

Get creative with storage solutions to keep tempting items out of reach. Hanging shoe organizers on closet doors keep small items safely contained. Under-bed storage containers protect belongings from curious pups, and Command hooks allow you to hang tempting items like bags or clothing higher than your puppy can reach.

For furniture protection, bitter spray applications work well for most puppies. You can also try aluminum foil on furniture edges – many puppies dislike the texture and sound. Double-sided tape creates a sticky sensation that deters most puppies from further investigation.

The best way to stop puppy chewing at home combines prevention with redirection. When your environment is set up for success, training becomes much easier.

For those interested in more high-tech solutions, check out our guide on Best Dog Training Gadgets for electronic monitoring and training tools that can complement your puppy-proofing efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Way to Stop Puppy Chewing

When does the chewing phase usually end?

If you’re in the midst of the puppy chewing chaos, you’re probably wondering when you’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel. Most puppies hit their chewing peak during teething, which typically occurs between 12 weeks and 6 months of age. The good news is that once all adult teeth are in place around 7-8 months, you should notice a significant decrease in the intensity of chewing.

That said, dogs are individuals with their own timelines. Breed characteristics play a substantial role in how long the heavy chewing phase lasts. Those lovable retrievers and other “mouthy” breeds often continue their enthusiastic chewing trips until they’re about 1.5-2 years old. High-energy working breeds may maintain their chewing habits until they reach both physical and mental maturity.

I’ll never forget what one exhausted Labrador owner told me: “Our Lab was a weapon of mass destruction until about his second birthday, then suddenly calmed down like someone had flipped a switch.” While that might seem like an eternity when you’re finding chewed shoes, consistent training during this extended phase will eventually pay off.

It’s also worth noting that recreational chewing is a natural, lifelong behavior for dogs. The goal isn’t to eliminate chewing entirely but to successfully direct it toward appropriate items as your pup matures.

Should I ever punish my puppy for chewing?

The short answer is no. Finding your favorite pair of shoes in tatters can test anyone’s patience, but punishment simply doesn’t work for chewing issues and can actually make things worse.

When you punish a puppy for something you find after the fact, they can’t connect your reaction to something they did minutes or hours ago. This timing disconnect means they learn nothing about appropriate chewing. Instead, they may become fearful of you or learn to chew only when you’re not watching—neither of which solves the problem.

Punishment also creates stress, and guess what many puppies do when they’re stressed? That’s right—they chew more! As one experienced dog trainer put it, “You can’t blame a puppy for chewing if you didn’t provide suitable alternatives.”

Instead of punishment, focus your energy on the best way to stop puppy chewing through prevention, management, and redirection to appropriate items. Your relationship with your puppy will be stronger, and you’ll see better results in the long run.

How can I tell if chewing means separation anxiety?

There’s a big difference between normal developmental chewing and chewing caused by separation anxiety. If your puppy’s chewing happens exclusively or intensifies dramatically when left alone, it might be more than just normal puppy behavior.

Look for these telltale signs of separation anxiety: damage concentrated around exit points like doors and windows; chewing that begins shortly after your departure; and other concerning behaviors like excessive barking or howling, unexpected accidents despite being housetrained, intense pacing, drooling, or even self-injury from escape attempts.

One worried pet parent shared: “I thought my dog was just being destructive until I set up a camera and saw how panicked he looked the entire time I was gone. That’s when I realized this wasn’t normal puppy chewing.”

It’s time to seek professional help if your puppy’s chewing causes self-injury, occurs alongside multiple other anxiety symptoms, worsens despite consistent management, or results in severe or dangerous property damage. True separation anxiety requires a comprehensive approach that might include gradual desensitization to departures, behavior modification, and in severe cases, anti-anxiety medications prescribed by your veterinarian.

Don’t forget to rule out medical causes too. Sometimes increased chewing can signal dental pain, digestive issues, or other health problems. A thorough veterinary check is always a good idea if chewing behavior suddenly changes or becomes extreme.

Addressing the root cause of chewing—whether it’s normal development, boredom, or anxiety—is the key to finding the best way to stop puppy chewing in your specific situation.

Conclusion

Puppy chewing can test even the most patient pet parent, but with the right approach, you’ll guide your furry friend toward appropriate chewing habits while preserving your belongings (and sanity). Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the best way to stop puppy chewing through five essential steps that work together as a comprehensive solution.

Successful chewing management isn’t about eliminating a natural behavior—it’s about channeling it appropriately. Your puppy isn’t being deliberately destructive; they’re simply following instincts that have evolved over thousands of years. With consistency and positive guidance, most puppies develop good chewing habits as they mature.

The five-step approach we’ve outlined creates a foundation for lasting success:

First, puppy-proof your environment thoroughly to set your little one up for success. A puppy can’t make mistakes with items they can’t access! This prevention-first approach saves both your belongings and prevents potentially dangerous situations.

Next, provide plenty of appropriate chew toys that match your puppy’s unique chewing style. Whether you have a gentle mouther or power chewer, offering the right outlets makes appropriate chewing naturally rewarding.

When mistakes happen (and they will), interrupt and redirect immediately but calmly. Your tone and timing matter tremendously here—stay positive while clearly showing what’s acceptable.

Don’t underestimate the power of adequate physical and mental exercise in reducing problem chewing. A tired, mentally satisfied puppy is far less likely to seek out your furniture legs for entertainment.

Finally, gradually increase freedom as your puppy demonstrates they understand the rules. This slow expansion of privileges builds reliable habits that last a lifetime.

At Best Pet News, we believe in building harmonious relationships between pets and their people through positive, science-based approaches. The time you invest now in teaching appropriate chewing will reward you with years of worry-free companionship and a stronger bond with your dog.

For more insights on understanding your pet’s communication and behavior patterns, explore our guide on Understanding Pet Behavior: What Your Pet is Trying to Tell You.