How To Teach Dogs To Stop Chewing

Note: this is page 2 of our tips on teaching dogs to stop chewing - page 1 is here - How to stop dogs from chewing.


It can be hard to persuade dogs to stop chewing, particularly if we are not present when the chewing is taking place. Dogs who are suffering from separation anxiety will often resort to chewing as a way of releasing their frustration or anxiousness at being left alone.

If this is the case, you’ll need to address the separation anxiety problem in order to deal with the chewing problem.
The key to dealing with separation anxiety is to break up the patterns in your behavior which the dog recognizes, and which leads to it becoming anxious. For example, begin by leaving the house, but returning after just a couple of minutes.

Next, repeat this but go a little longer. Now go out again, for just a minute or two.
You’re dog will start to lose the association between your leaving the house and a long period of isolation for him.

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It can also help to mix up the signals that you send out to the dog, which tell him that you are about to leave the house. For example, put on your shoes and coat, then take them off again and sit and read for a few minutes. Then pick up your car keys, put your shoes on, open the front door, then come back into the house and carry on with something else.

By making it harder for your dog to recognize when you will be out of the house for an extended period of time, you are actually reducing the stress which builds in him when he thinks he’s about to be left alone. Many people find this is a very effective way of getting dogs to stop chewing when they are left alone in the home.

Giving your dog chew toys and ropes will help to keep your dog occupied while you are away from the house. Also, try leaving the radio or TV on when you leave the house. Music creates a comforting atmosphere, one in which the dog will feel more secure. Some people even record their own voice, and leave it playing when they leave their dog for a few hours!

A great way to get dogs to stop chewing is to keep them exercised physically and mentally.

A long walk early in the day during which your dog has the opportunity to satisfy his sniffing instincts and burn off some excess energy will leave your dog in a far more calm state for the rest of the day.

Do some simple obedience training to stretch his mind. Get him to fetch and bring back a ball to you - a satisfied dog is less likely to seek out objects to chew out of boredom, and is more likely to sleep contentedly while you are out of the house.

Buy your dog toys that are designed specifically for chewing. This could be twisted rope toy or a large rawhide, or a ‘Kong’ or “Buster Cube’ filled with dry food. This helps your dog expend excess energy, and can also aid him in building concentration. When your dog uses that toy for chewing, reward him with praise or a treat. This encourages correct chewing behavior, and helps dogs to stop chewing inappropriately.

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