Behavior
How to Stop a Dog From Chewing Everything
Behavior · 4 min read · Updated November 12, 2026
You stop a dog from chewing your stuff by doing two things. First, put your things out of reach. Second, give your dog good things to chew instead. Chewing is normal for dogs. Your dog is not being bad. He just needs the right things to chew and a little help from you.
Most dogs chew for simple reasons. Puppies chew because their teeth hurt. Adult dogs chew when they are bored or full of energy. Some dogs chew when they feel stressed and alone, and our dog separation anxiety guide can help if that sounds like your dog. The good news is that chewing is one of the easier problems to fix.
Dog-proof the room first
Start by picking up anything you do not want chewed. Put shoes in a closet. Move books, cords, and remotes up high. Close doors to rooms you cannot watch. A young dog cannot make good choices yet, so set him up to win.
When you cannot watch your dog, keep him in a safe spot with his toys. A gate or a pen works well. This is not a punishment. It just keeps your things safe and your dog out of trouble while he learns.
Give him legal things to chew
Every dog needs things he is allowed to chew. Offer a few strong chew toys with different feels, like rubber, rope, and nylon. Put out three or four at a time and swap them every few days. Toys that come back after a break feel new again.
Food chews and stuffed toys can keep a dog busy for a long time. Freeze a stuffed rubber toy to make it last longer. Always watch your dog with a new chew the first few times, and take away any toy that starts to break into pieces.
Trade, do not chase
If you catch your dog with a shoe, stay calm. Do not chase him. Chasing turns it into a fun game, and he will do it more. Instead, call him to you in a happy voice and offer a treat or a favorite toy. When he drops the shoe, give him the trade and praise him.
Do the same trade game when there is no problem at all. Practice trading toys for treats a few times a day. Soon your dog will learn that bringing things to you pays off. Puppies who grab and chew everything also need the lessons in our puppy biting guide.
A tired dog chews less
Dogs with energy to burn often spend it on your furniture. A good walk, a game of fetch, and some sniff time outside can change the whole day. Brain work tires a dog out too. Short training games and puzzle toys are great for this, and they help with other habits as well, like the ones in our digging guide.
Puppies need extra patience. Teething hurts, and chewing helps it feel better. Give a teething puppy cold things to chew, like a wet washcloth that you froze. Most puppies chew much less once their adult teeth come in.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my dog chew everything?
Chewing is normal dog behavior. Puppies chew to ease sore teeth. Adult dogs chew when they are bored, full of energy, or stressed. Your job is to guide that chewing onto the right things.
What if my dog only chews when I leave home?
That often points to stress about being alone, not spite. Start with shorter trips away and a stuffed chew toy when you go. If it keeps happening, read the [full list of behavior guides](/guides) and look at the separation anxiety guide first.
Should I punish my dog for chewing?
No. Punishment does not teach a dog what to chew. It only makes him scared or sneaky. He will chew when you are gone instead. Reward the good choices and manage the rest.
What are the best chew toys?
Pick strong toys made for chewing, in the right size for your dog. Rotate a few types so they stay fun. Always watch your dog with a new toy and throw it away when it starts to fall apart.
How long will it take to fix chewing?
Most dogs improve in one to two weeks when the home is dog-proofed and good chews are always on hand. Puppies take longer because teething lasts for months. Stay steady and the habit will fade.
When should I call a trainer or a vet?
Call a kind, certified trainer if chewing comes with fear or guarding of objects. See a vet if your dog chews and swallows things that are not food, drools a lot, or has sore gums or broken teeth.