Stop Your Puppy Chewing Everything with These Hacks

Ashna Khare | Jun 26, 2025, 15:39 IST
Puppies Chew and When It Becomes a Problem
( Image credit : Freepik, Times Pets )
Puppies are cute but their non-stop chewing can quickly turn your home into a mess. Whether it is shoes, furniture, or cables, this chewing phase is normal but frustrating. This article helps you understand why puppies chew everything and shares effective tips to stop the behavior early. Learn how to use toys, training, and routines to save your belongings and raise a well-behaved pup. Perfect for new pet parents, this guide offers practical solutions backed by real experience and puppy behavior knowledge.
Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting experience filled with love, laughter, and a lot of tail wags. But this joy can quickly turn into frustration when your adorable furball starts chewing everything in sight. From shoes and furniture to books and wires, nothing seems safe. Puppy chewing is not just a naughty habit. It is a part of their natural development and a way for them to explore the world. While some chewing is normal, constant or destructive chewing can lead to damaged belongings and safety concerns. Thankfully, with patience, understanding, and the right techniques, you can guide your puppy through this phase and teach them what is okay to chew and what is not.

Why Puppies Chew and When It Becomes a Problem

Puppies Chew and When It
Puppies Chew and When It Becomes a Problem
( Image credit : Freepik )
Before you can fix the problem, it is important to understand why puppies chew in the first place. Chewing is a completely natural behavior, especially during the teething phase. Just like human babies, puppies go through a stage when their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in. This usually starts around 3 to 4 months of age and can continue up to 6 months or more. Chewing helps soothe the discomfort in their gums and gives them relief.

Apart from teething, puppies also chew to explore their surroundings. They use their mouths to learn about new objects, textures, and even smells. It is their way of figuring out the world. Sometimes, chewing happens out of boredom, anxiety, or lack of physical and mental stimulation. If a puppy is left alone for long periods or does not get enough playtime, they may chew to release energy or to comfort themselves.

Chewing becomes a problem when it turns destructive. If your puppy is constantly damaging furniture, shoes, cords, or household items, it can become dangerous. Chewing electrical wires can lead to shocks, while swallowing small pieces can cause choking or stomach problems. This is why early intervention and proper training are essential.

Understanding the root cause of your puppy’s chewing habits allows you to respond correctly. Instead of scolding or punishing them, focus on redirecting their behavior and meeting their needs in healthy ways.

Providing the Right Chew Toys and Alternatives

Providing the Right Chew
Providing the Right Chew Toys and Alternatives
( Image credit : Freepik )
One of the easiest and most effective ways to stop destructive chewing is by giving your puppy safe and satisfying alternatives. Chew toys are a must-have for any puppy parent. Not only do they help with teething pain, but they also keep your pup busy and mentally stimulated.

Look for toys specifically made for teething puppies. These are usually softer than adult dog toys but still durable. Rubber toys, rope toys, and textured chews are all great options. Some toys can be frozen to provide extra relief for sore gums. You can even fill certain chew toys with peanut butter or frozen treats to make them more exciting.

Rotating toys is also a smart idea. Puppies can get bored with the same toy after a few days. By switching their toys every few days, you keep things fresh and interesting. This reduces the chance of them turning to furniture or other household items out of boredom.

Another tip is to match the toy to your puppy’s chewing style. Some dogs are gentle chewers, while others are aggressive and like to destroy everything. Choose toys that suit their chewing strength to avoid them swallowing broken pieces.

If your puppy tends to go after shoes or furniture legs, use a safe taste deterrent spray. These sprays are made with bitter ingredients that dogs do not like. When they try to chew on sprayed items, the taste will discourage them. However, never rely only on deterrents. They work best when combined with positive training and redirection.

Lastly, always supervise your puppy with new toys, especially in the beginning. This helps prevent accidents and teaches them how to play with toys safely.

Training Techniques to Correct Chewing Behavior

Training Techniques to Co
Training Techniques to Correct Chewing Behavior
( Image credit : Freepik )
Training your puppy not to chew on everything takes time, patience, and consistency. The goal is not to stop chewing altogether but to teach your puppy what is acceptable to chew.

The first step is redirection. Whenever you catch your puppy chewing on something they should not, calmly take the item away and offer them a chew toy instead. Praise them when they chew the toy. This teaches them that chewing is okay as long as it is the right object. Avoid yelling or punishing, as this can make your puppy scared or anxious, which may increase chewing problems.

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool. Whenever your puppy chews on the right things, reward them with treats, praise, or petting. This builds a connection in their mind between good behavior and positive outcomes.

Consistency is key. Make sure everyone in your home follows the same rules. If one person allows the puppy to chew on old slippers while another gets upset about new shoes being chewed, the puppy will get confused. Be clear and consistent with your boundaries.

Crate training can also help in managing chewing behavior. A crate gives your puppy a safe space where they can relax without getting into trouble. Make sure to fill the crate with safe chew toys so they associate it with comfort and not punishment.

Setting a routine helps too. Puppies need structure. A regular schedule for meals, potty breaks, playtime, and naps keeps them calm and less likely to act out. If you know your puppy gets extra energetic in the evening, plan a fun play session with toys during that time.

Some puppies also benefit from basic obedience training. Teaching commands like “leave it” or “drop it” gives you more control when they try to chew something they should not. Training builds trust and helps your puppy understand what you expect.

Mental and Physical Stimulation to Prevent Bored Chewing

A tired puppy is a happy puppy. Many chewing problems begin when puppies have too much energy and not enough to do. Physical exercise and mental stimulation are important parts of reducing destructive behavior.

Daily walks, play sessions, and indoor games help burn off excess energy. Interactive toys, such as treat puzzles and snuffle mats, keep their brain busy and focused. These toys challenge them to think and work for rewards, which can be very satisfying.

Games like fetch, hide and seek, or tug-of-war are not just fun but also mentally engaging. You can also teach your puppy new tricks or simple tasks. Training sessions double as mental workouts and strengthen your bond with your pup.

If you need to leave your puppy alone for a few hours, make sure they have access to toys and a safe environment. Puppy-proof the space by removing items they might chew and block off areas where they should not go. Leaving a piece of your clothing, like an old t-shirt, in their crate can also provide comfort and reduce anxiety.

Socialization plays a role as well. Puppies who meet other dogs, explore different places, and interact with people tend to be more confident and well-adjusted. Confident puppies are less likely to chew out of nervousness or fear.

Always remember that chewing is not just a bad habit. It is your puppy’s way of communicating that they are growing, exploring, or needing something. By keeping them active and mentally fulfilled, you reduce the chances of destructive chewing.

Chewing is a natural part of a puppy’s development, but that does not mean your home has to suffer. With the right understanding, tools, and training, you can guide your puppy through this stage and build strong habits for life. Providing appropriate chew toys, maintaining a consistent routine, using positive reinforcement, and ensuring your pup gets enough mental and physical activity are the keys to success. The process requires patience and love, but the reward is a happy, well-behaved dog who respects your space. Remember, every chewed-up slipper is a chance to teach and bond with your growing pup. With care and consistency, you will soon have a dog that knows exactly what to chew and what to leave alone.


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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)









  1. Why does my puppy chew on everything?Puppies chew to relieve teething pain and explore their environment.
  2. When do puppies stop chewing everything?Most puppies reduce chewing after 6 to 8 months of age.
  3. Can teething toys help stop chewing?Yes, they soothe sore gums and offer a safe outlet for chewing.
  4. Will punishment stop chewing behavior?No, positive redirection works better than punishment.

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