How to Stop a Dog Chewing Furniture and Household Items

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

Chewing is normal, but it is hard to live with when your sofa is the target. The goal is to redirect chewing to appropriate items, while meeting your dog's needs.

Why dogs chew

• Teething: puppies chew to relieve discomfort. See puppy teething timeline.
• Boredom: dogs with little to do invent their own entertainment.
• Excess energy: they need exercise.
• Anxiety or separation distress: chewing relieves stress. See how to train a dog to be alone.
• Exploration: young dogs learn about objects with their mouths.
• Dental or medical issues: pain or nutritional problems can contribute.

Step 1: Manage the environment

• Put valuables out of reach.
• Use gates and closed doors.
• Supervise your dog, or use a crate or pen when you cannot.
• Tidy shoes, remote controls and clothes.
• Apply dog-safe deterrent sprays, if appropriate, as an extra layer.

Every chew on furniture strengthens the habit, so prevention matters.

Step 2: Provide appropriate chews

Offer several safe options:

• Rubber toys that can be stuffed
• Rope toys under supervision
• Chews appropriate for your dog's size and age
• Frozen stuffed toys for teething

Avoid items that splinter, such as cooked bones, or that can be swallowed. Supervise, and replace worn items.

Step 3: Teach what to chew

When you catch your dog chewing something appropriate, praise calmly and give a treat. If you see your dog chewing something wrong, interrupt calmly, offer a chew and reward when they take it. See how to teach leave it.

Step 4: Increase exercise and enrichment

Add walks, play, training and puzzles. A tired, mentally satisfied dog chews less. Rotate toys to keep interest.

Step 5: Check the health

See your vet if chewing appears suddenly, if your dog is eating non-food items or if there are signs of dental pain. Pica and anxiety can need professional help.

Step 6: Gradually increase freedom

Give more freedom when your dog is reliable. Increase unsupervised time slowly, starting with a small area.

Common mistakes

• Punishing after the fact. Dogs do not link it.
• Leaving valuables around. Prevent rehearsal.
• Giving too many toys at once. Rotate.
• Ignoring anxiety. Seek help for distress.

Troubleshooting

• Your dog chews only when alone. Treat separation issues.
• Your dog chews at night. Provide a safe chew and manage the space.
• Your dog swallows pieces. Seek veterinary advice immediately.
• Your dog destroys toys quickly. Choose tougher ones under supervision.

Puppies versus adult dogs

Puppies chew more, and it usually fades as adult teeth settle. Provide frozen chews, rubber toys and supervised play, and expect the phase to last for several months. Adult dogs who suddenly start chewing furniture are telling you something. Check for boredom, changes in routine, separation distress, dental pain or medical issues, and talk to your vet if the change is sudden.

Adolescent dogs often chew as they test the world and burn off energy. Increase exercise, mental games and training, and keep valuables out of reach until your dog matures. Many owners find that a combination of management, enrichment and consistent redirection works well, and chewing eases as the dog grows up.

If your dog swallows pieces of furniture, fabric or stuffing, contact your vet promptly, since blockages can be life-threatening.

Choosing chews that last

Match the chew to your dog's size and style. Gentle chewers do well with softer rubber and fabric toys, while powerful chewers need dense rubber designed for strong jaws. Rotate chews so each feels fresh, and supervise until you know how your dog treats a new item. Throw away anything that breaks into sharp pieces.

Freezing a stuffed rubber toy gives long-lasting entertainment and soothes teething gums. Stuff with part of your dog's regular meal, such as soaked kibble or plain yogurt, to avoid extra calories.

The takeaway

Prevent, redirect and meet your dog's needs. Chewing is normal, and with planning your furniture can survive.