Dog Chewing Habits Naturally: Proven Solutions

Don’t stress about your dog’s chewing! Understand natural puppy and adult dog chewing habits and discover proven, gentle solutions like redirection, providing appropriate chew toys, and addressing boredom to create a happy, well-behaved pup.

It’s a common scene: you come home to find your favorite shoes looking a little worse for wear, or perhaps a piece of furniture sporting new, albeit unwelcome, “decorations.” If your dog has a penchant for chewing, you’re definitely not alone. Chewing is a natural and essential behavior for dogs of all ages, serving purposes from teething relief to mental stimulation. But when those chewing habits go from cute to destructive, it can be frustrating and costly. Don’t worry, though! Understanding why your dog chews and knowing how to guide that instinct is simpler than you might think. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to manage those chewing habits naturally and effectively.

Understanding Why Dogs Chew: It’s More Than Just Being “Naughty”

Before we jump into solutions, let’s take a moment to understand why our canine companions have such a strong urge to chew, especially when it seems to happen during the most inconvenient times. Chewing isn’t just a bad habit; it’s a fundamental part of a dog’s life, driven by instinct and varying needs.

Puppies and Teething: A Sore Mouth’s Best Friend

For our little furry friends, chewing is particularly important during their puppyhood. Just like human babies, puppies experience teething. Their tiny teeth start to erupt through their gums, which can be quite uncomfortable. Chewing provides much-needed relief from this discomfort. They’ll often chew on softer items initially, but as their adult teeth come in, their urge to chew can increase, and they might explore harder objects.

Exploration and Sensory Input: Learning About the World

Dogs, especially young ones, use their mouths to explore the world around them. Their sense of smell is incredible, but their sense of taste and touch through chewing helps them learn about different textures, shapes, and even potential food sources. Think of it as them “tasting” their environment.

Boredom and Excess Energy: A Call for Stimulation

A common reason for destructive chewing in adult dogs is boredom or a lack of sufficient physical and mental stimulation. If a dog isn’t getting enough exercise or engaging activities, they’ll often find their own “entertainment”—and your belongings can become the unfortunate victims. Chewing is a great way for them to release pent-up energy and keep their minds occupied.

Anxiety and Stress: Chewing as a Comfort Mechanism

Some dogs chew to cope with stress or anxiety. This can be triggered by separation anxiety (when left alone), fear of loud noises (like thunderstorms or fireworks), or changes in their environment. Chewing can act as a self-soothing behavior, helping them feel calmer.

Hunger or Nutritional Deficiencies: Though Less Common

While less frequent with commercially prepared dog foods, in some cases, a dog might chew on non-food items due to underlying nutritional deficiencies or even hunger. If you suspect this might be an issue, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.

Instinct and Breed Predisposition: It’s in Their Nature

For some breeds, chewing is a deeply ingrained instinct. Herding breeds might mouth objects, while retrieving breeds might carry things around. Some dogs are also natural “destroyers” or “shredders” due to their ancestry. Understanding your dog’s breed can offer valuable clues.

The “Why” Behind What They Chew: Decoding Their Choices

Do you find your dog gravitates towards certain items? Understanding what they prefer to chew on can offer further insight into their motivations.

• Soft items (like foam, fabric, stuffing): Often related to teething discomfort or a desire to “destroy” something satisfyingly.
• Hard items (like wood, plastic, hard rubber): Can be for dental health, satisfying a strong jaw, or simply because they are durable enough to withstand prolonged chewing.
• Edible-smelling items (like shoes, trash, dropped food): Usually driven by scent and the association with food, or sometimes by hunger.
• Anything with your scent (like clothes, furniture): This can be a bid for attention, a sign of missing you, or simply an item that offers comfort because it smells like their favorite person.

Proven Solutions for Dog Chewing Habits Naturally

Now that we’ve explored the “why,” let’s get to the “how” of managing your dog’s chewing habits in a way that’s positive, effective, and natural. The key is to redirect their natural chewing instincts onto appropriate items and address the root causes causing them to chew inappropriately.

1. Provide a Smorgasbord of Appropriate Chew Toys

The most crucial step is to give your dog acceptable outlets for their chewing needs. Think of this as offering them their own “store” of things they are allowed to gnaw on.

Types of Chew Toys to Consider:

• Durable Rubber Toys: Brands like KONG are fantastic. You can stuff them with treats, peanut butter, or their kibble, which provides mental stimulation and a rewarding chewing experience.
• Nylon Chew Bones: These are great for aggressive chewers and can satisfy the urge to gnaw on something very hard.
• Rope Toys: Excellent for tug-of-war games and satisfying a dog’s urge to pull and mouth. Supervise your dog with rope toys to ensure they don’t ingest the strings.
• Natural Chews: This category is extensive and can be wonderful, but always choose high-quality, digestible options. Examples include:
  • Bully Sticks (Pizzle): Highly palatable and digestible, they can keep dogs occupied for a good while.
  • Antlers: Deer or elk antlers are very hard and long-lasting, but check for smooth edges and supervise to prevent tooth damage.
  • Yak Chews (Himalayan Dog Chews): Made from hardened yak milk, these are popular and generally safe.
  • Dental Chews: Many brands offer chews designed to help clean teeth while being chewed.

Important Safety Note: Always supervise your dog with any new chew toy or treat, especially natural chews. Ensure they are appropriately sized for your dog and don’t present a choking hazard. Discard any toy that becomes broken or small enough to be swallowed. For more safety details, the FDA’s guidance on dog chew products is a valuable resource.

2. Management and Prevention: Setting Your Dog Up for Success

While you’re teaching your dog what’s acceptable, it’s vital to prevent them from practicing the “wrong” behavior. This means making your home a little less tempting for chewers.

• Puppy-Proof Your Home: Just like baby-proofing, remove tempting items from your dog’s reach. This includes shoes, remote controls, electrical cords, and anything else you don’t want them to chew.
• Use baby gates or crates: When you can’t supervise your dog directly, confine them to a safe, dog-proofed area or use a crate. A crate can be their safe den, especially when filled with comfy bedding and safe chew toys.
• Bitter Sprays: For specific items you can’t move (like chair legs), you can use non-toxic, bitter-tasting sprays. Test this on an inconspicuous area first. Some dogs are deterred, while others will chew right through it!

3. Redirection is Key: The “Gentle Correction”

Catching your dog in the act of chewing something they shouldn’t? Instead of yelling or punishing, use redirection.

How to Redirect:

1. Calmly interrupt: Make a gentle sound (like “eh-eh”) or clap your hands to get their attention without scaring them.
2. Trade up: Immediately offer them one of their approved chew toys.
3. Praise and reward: As soon as they take the appropriate chew toy and start chewing it, give them lots of verbal praise. “Good boy/girl! Yay, chew toy!”

This teaches them that chewing is good, but they need to chew the right things. It’s a positive way to guide their behavior.

4. Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Bye-Bye, Boredom!

A tired dog is a good dog, and a mentally stimulated dog is a happy dog. Many chewing issues stem from a lack of appropriate outlets for their energy and intelligence.

• Physical Exercise: Ensure your dog gets enough daily walks, runs, or playtime. Breed, age, and energy level will dictate how much they need. A good sniffy walk can tire out a dog just as much as a brisk jog! For more on exercise needs, consider resources like the AKC breed finder which often includes exercise recommendations.
• Mental Stimulation:
  • Puzzle Toys: Food-dispensing toys (like KONGs or treat balls) are excellent for engaging their minds.
  • Interactive Games: Play fetch, hide-and-seek (with you or treats), or teach them new tricks.
  • “Find It” Games: Scatter a few of their kibbles or treats around a room for them to sniff out.
  • Chew Training: Simply offering a new, interesting chew toy can be mentally stimulating.

5. Addressing Anxiety-Related Chewing

If you suspect your dog’s chewing is due to anxiety, it requires a more targeted approach. This is often seen in separation anxiety, where dogs chew destructively when left alone.

• Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning: Gradually accustom your dog to your departures. Start with very short absences and reward calm behavior.
• Provide Comfort Items: A favorite blanket or an owner-scented item can be comforting.
• Enrichment When Alone: Leave them with safe, long-lasting chews or stuffed KONGs to keep them occupied.
• Consult Professionals: For severe anxiety, professional help from a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) or a veterinary behaviorist is highly recommended. They can create a personalized behavior modification plan. Resources like the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists can help you find a specialist.

6. Teach the “Leave It” and “Drop It” Commands

These are invaluable commands for any dog owner. “Leave It” teaches them to ignore something, and “Drop It” teaches them to release something they already have in their mouth.

Basic Training Approach:

• “Drop It”: Start by trading them a low-value toy for a high-value treat. Once they release the toy, praise and offer the treat. Gradually increase the difficulty.
• “Leave It”: Hold a treat in your closed fist. Let your dog sniff and lick; when they back away, say “Yes!” and give them a different treat from your other hand. Once they reliably back away, progress to the treat being visible on the floor, then progressing to tempting objects.

These commands, practiced consistently and positively, can give you better control and prevent your dog from getting into trouble.

Common Chewing Scenarios and Natural Solutions

Let’s look at some specific chewing challenges and how our natural solutions apply.

Puppies and Their Chewing Frenzy

Problem: Puppy is teething and chewing everything in sight – furniture legs, shoes, hands!

Natural Solutions:

• Age-appropriate teething toys: Offer softer, puppy-specific chew toys that are gentle on their gums.
• Frozen wet cloths: Freeze a damp washcloth for a soothing chewing option.
• Frequent redirection: Catch them chewing something wrong, calmly interrupt, and immediately offer a teething toy, praising them when they chew it.
• Management: Keep them in a puppy-proofed or crated area when unsupervised.

The Bored Dog’s Home Makeover Project

Problem: Adult dog is chewing up the couch cushions and destroying remotes when left alone or unstressed.

Natural Solutions:

• Increase exercise: Longer walks, more vigorous play sessions, or dog park visits (if appropriate).
• Mental stimulation: Puzzle feeders, training sessions, “find it” games.
• Provide durable chews: Offer a variety of high-quality, long-lasting chews when you leave.
• Check for separation anxiety: If the chewing is severe and only happens when you’re gone, consult a professional.

The Anxious Chewer

Problem: Dog chews destructively during thunderstorms or when you leave them.

Natural Solutions:

• Create a safe space: A cozy crate with comforting bedding can act as a den.
• Desensitization: Gradually expose them to triggers at a low level and pair with positive experiences (e.g., playing a quiet storm sound while giving treats).
• Calming aids: Discuss pheromone diffusers or calming supplements with your vet.
• Professional guidance: Essential for severe anxiety cases.

A Table of Chew Toy Recommendations

Here’s a handy guide to some popular and effective chew toy types:

Toy Type	Best For	Pros	Cons	Considerations
Durable Rubber (e.g., KONG)	All ages, especially stuffing	Highly engaging when stuffed, durable for intermediate chewers, cleaning friendly.	May not satisfy aggressive shredders, can be pricey.	Stuff with safe foods; supervise initial use.
Nylon Chew Bones	Aggressive chewers	Extremely durable, long-lasting, can help with dental hygiene.	Can be too hard for some dogs, some dogs may try to break off large pieces.	Ensure proper size; discard if edges become sharp or worn.
Rope Toys	Interactive play, moderate chewers	Great for tugging, satisfying chewing instinct, good for dental cleaning.	Can be destroyed and ingested, may unravel and cause blockages.	Supervise closely; discard if frayed or ingested.
Bully Sticks	All ages, highly palatable	Highly digestible, long-lasting, satisfying chew.	Can be expensive, strong odor for some owners, risk of choking on small end pieces.	Choose reputable brands; supervise; offer in appropriate size.
Antlers	Aggressive, persistent chewers	Very hard, long-lasting, no odor, natural.	Risk of tooth fracture, can be very hard, sharp edges if broken.	Choose shed antlers, smooth edges; discontinue if dog is chipping teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Chewing Habits

Q1: My puppy is chewing my hands. How do I stop this?

A1: When your puppy nips or chews your hand, immediately let out a high-pitched yelp (like another puppy would) and pull your hand away. Ignore your puppy for a few seconds. If they stop and look confused, praise them. If they continue, redirect them to an appropriate chew toy. This teaches them that hands aren’t for chewing, but toys are.

Q2: Are natural chews safe for my dog?

A2: Natural chews like bully sticks, antlers, and yak chews can be safe and beneficial when chosen carefully and supervised. Always select high-quality products from reputable sources, ensure they are appropriately sized for your dog, and monitor your dog to prevent choking or ingestion of large pieces. If you have concerns, consult your veterinarian.

Q3: My dog only chews when I leave them alone. What can I do?

A3: This is a common sign of separation anxiety. Start by providing enrichment toys and long-lasting chews right before you leave. Ensure they get plenty of exercise before you go. If the behavior persists or is severe, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian or a certified professional dog trainer specializing in behavior to develop a management plan.

Q4: My dog is an aggressive chewer and destroys toys quickly. What should I get?

A4: For aggressive chewers, look for extra-durable toys made of tough rubber or heavy-duty nylon. Natural chews like antlers or very dense nylon bones are often good options as well. Always supervise aggressive chewers to ensure they don’t break off and ingest pieces of their toys, which could lead to blockages.

Q5: How can I tell if my dog’s chewing is a problem versus normal behavior?

A5: Normal chewing is usually directed at appropriate items and serves a purpose (teething, play, stimulation). Problem chewing involves destruction of household items, chewing itself seems compulsive, or it occurs excessively to the point of causing harm to the dog or your belongings. If you’re concerned, it’s worth a vet check or behavioral consultation.

Q6: Can I use treats as a reward for chewing appropriate items?

A6: Absolutely! Using high-value treats can be a fantastic way to reinforce good chewing behavior. When you redirect your dog to an approved chew toy, praise them enthusiastically and offer a small, yummy treat as they engage with it. This creates a strong positive association with their chew toys.

Conclusion: Chewing Towards a Happier Dog

Managing your dog’s chewing habits doesn’t have to be a battle. By understanding the natural reasons behind their chewing, providing them with plenty of appropriate outlets, wisely managing their environment, and offering positive redirection, you can guide their instincts in a constructive direction. Remember, every dog is an individual, and finding the perfect balance of exercise, mental stimulation, and the right chew toys might take a little experimentation. But with patience and consistency, you can enjoy a well-behaved companion who satisfies their natural urge to chew in ways that are good for them and safe for your home. Happy chewing—the right way!