How To Make Your Dog Stop Chewing Furniture

Dogs chewing furniture is a common problem that many pet owners face. It can be frustrating and costly, but it's important to remember that chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. They might chew for a variety of reasons, such as boredom, anxiety, teething, or simply because they enjoy the taste or texture of wood. While you can't completely eliminate chewing behavior, you can take steps to minimize it and redirect your dog's attention to more appropriate chewing options.

Identify the Root Cause of Chewing

The first step to stopping your dog from chewing furniture is to identify the underlying cause. This can involve careful observation and keeping track of when your dog chews.

Boredom: If your dog is left alone for long periods without sufficient mental and physical stimulation, they may resort to chewing furniture out of boredom.

Anxiety: Separation anxiety, fear of loud noises, or other stressful situations can trigger chewing in dogs.

Teething: Puppies are especially prone to chewing as their adult teeth come in. The discomfort and irritation can lead them to chew on anything they can get their mouths on.

Attention-Seeking: Some dogs may chew furniture to get their owner's attention, even if it is negative attention.

Once you have a better understanding of why your dog is chewing, you can begin to address the problem.

Provide Alternative Chewing Options

Dogs need to chew, it's part of their nature. Giving them acceptable options can help redirect their chewing behavior.

Chew Toys: Offer your dog a variety of chew toys made from durable materials, such as rubber, nylon, or rawhide. Choose toys that are appropriate for your dog's size and chewing style. Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest.

Frozen Treats: Stuff Kongs or other puzzle toys with frozen treats or peanut butter. This can provide a challenging and rewarding chewing experience.

Bones: Provide your dog with safe, raw or cooked bones, but supervise closely. Some bones can be dangerous if swallowed or broken into sharp pieces.

By providing your dog with plenty of acceptable chewing options, you can make furniture less appealing.

Train Your Dog

Training your dog to understand what is acceptable and unacceptable chewing behavior is vital. It can be a long process, but with consistency and patience, you can teach your dog appropriate chewing habits.

Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats and praise when they chew on their toys instead of furniture.

Negative Reinforcement: If you catch your dog in the act of chewing furniture, immediately interrupt them with a firm "no" or "off" command. Redirect them to their toys and reward them for chewing on those instead.

Bitter Apple Spray: Applying a bitter apple spray to furniture can make it less appealing to your dog. However, it's important to note that this may not be effective for all dogs and can potentially be toxic if ingested.

Crate Training: If your dog is chewing furniture when left alone, consider crate training. A crate can provide a safe and confined space for your dog while you are away, helping to prevent destructive chewing. Ensure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Consistency and patience are key to successfully training your dog.