Stop Destructive Chewing in Adult Dogs

Dogs chew because it feels good, relieves stress, and keeps them busy. Adult chewing becomes destructive when it is directed at items you value, or when it is excessive. The most common reasons are the following.

• Boredom or lack of exercise and mental stimulation.
• Anxiety or stress, including separation anxiety and noise fears.
• Frustration or excess energy, especially in young adult dogs.
• Dental or gum problems, or discomfort in the mouth.
• Attention-seeking, if chewing has led to a reaction.
• A habit formed when the dog was young and never redirected.
• Occasionally, nutritional or medical issues, particularly if the dog chews unusual objects.

Keep a short diary for a week or two. Note what your dog chews, when, where, and what was happening beforehand. Is it only when you are out, or when you are home? Is it a particular type of material, such as wood or fabric? Is it linked to a trigger, such as thunder or visitors?

Patterns tell you what to do. Chewing that happens only when you leave points toward separation distress or boredom. Chewing in the evening while you relax suggests unspent energy or a need for something to do. Chewing of unusual non-food objects, in combination with other symptoms, deserves a veterinary check.

While you work on the underlying cause, prevent your dog from rehearsing the behavior. Each time they chew something inappropriate, the habit gets stronger. Put valuable items out of reach, and close doors on rooms you cannot supervise. Use baby gates, crates, or pens when you are out, if your dog is comfortable with them.

Do not use confinement as a way to avoid dealing with the cause, and never leave an anxious dog in a crate for hours as punishment. For dogs who are distressed by confinement, ask a trainer for help. Avoid bitter sprays as your only strategy, since they work for some dogs but not others.

Many chewing problems improve dramatically with more physical and mental work. Adult dogs of active breeds often need far more activity than owners expect. Combine walks with training, sniffing, and games, and add mental tasks such as puzzle feeders and scent work.

1. Add a longer or more varied walk, with time to sniff and explore.
2. Split meals into puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, or stuffed toys.
3. Practice short training sessions daily.
4. Provide a rotation of safe chews and toys.
5. Give a calm outlet before you leave, such as a stuffed frozen toy.

Dogs need to chew, so provide appropriate options. Choose durable chews and toys that suit your dog's size and chewing style, and avoid items that can splinter or be swallowed. Rotate them to keep them interesting. When you see your dog chewing something appropriate, praise and reward them.

If you catch your dog with a forbidden item, stay calm. Trade for a chew or toy, using a treat, and praise when they take it. Do not chase or scold, which can turn it into a game or cause guarding. Practice leave-it and drop-it regularly so you have these skills ready.

If your dog chews mainly when alone, drools, paces, barks, or tries to escape, separation anxiety is possible. Do not punish, which makes anxiety worse. Speak to your veterinarian and a qualified trainer or behaviorist, who can set up a gradual program and, if appropriate, suggest medication.

Also see your vet if chewing is sudden or intense, if your dog swallows pieces, or if they seem to be in pain. Dental disease, nutritional problems, and other medical conditions can all play a role, and swallowed objects can cause dangerous blockages.