How to Get Dogs to Stop Chewing Shoelaces

Puppies and adult dogs generally chew for different reasons. Puppies explore and learn by chewing on a variety of objects, as well as to relieve pain due to the growth of adult teeth. Adult dogs chew to keep the teeth and gums healthy and clean, and their jaws strong. As dogs grow, their chewing behavior continues to avoid boredom, relieve frustration or anxiety, or to seek attention. Shoelaces, shoes and paper products are particularly attractive to young dogs. Correct your dog's destructive behavior by directing the chewing to appropriate items and by managing its routines.

  1. Teething

    • Puppies generally teethe for six months beginning at three to 10 months of age. Chewing soothes their sore gums, facilitates the growth of adult teeth, eases hunger, and enables them to adjust to their new surroundings and become comfortable. Freeze a wet washcloth and offer it to puppies to chew instead of shoe laces. Supervise them to ensure they don̵7;t tear the washcloth or swallow it.

    Redirect Chewing

    • Remain calm and correct dogs by touching them lightly on the back of the neck or hindquarters to gently direct their attention away from the shoelaces as you remove them. If this doesn̵7;t encourage them to drop the shoelaces, use a toy or a treat.

      Communicate in a soothing voice that the shoelaces are yours and not an acceptable toy, by using the command ̶0;give̶1; as their cue to release the laces. Demonstrating anger by yelling, scolding, spanking, punishing or using aggressive body language may encourage dogs to search for other undesirable objects to chew on to calm down.

    Toys and Treats

    • Replace the shoelaces with toys and treats, as these offer the mental stimulation, comfort and distraction that dogs need. Praise dogs when they accept the toys or treats in exchange for the shoelaces. Providing your dog with dental chewing treats keeps its teeth clean and prevents gum infections. Offer adult dogs pig or cow bones. Avoid chicken bones, as these can easily splinter and become stuck in your dog's throat.

      Store shoes and other items you don̵7;t want your dog to chew in a closet or drawer so the items aren̵7;t accessible. Avoid confusion by providing toys that are clearly distinguishable from shoelaces or other items that aren't considered acceptable chew toys. Offering socks or old shoes as toys and expecting your dog to recognize the difference will make it difficult to train your dog out of its undesirable behavior.

    Exercise and Play

    • Encourage nondestructive chewing by giving dogs plenty of affection, and providing them with ample mental stimulation and physical activity through play and exercise. Activity alleviates boredom, anxiety and frustration. Play games of fetch with balls or flying discs; take long walks, which allows for exploration and sniffing; and go to dog parks, which encourage healthy socialization and expend pent-up energy.

    Chewing Deterrents

    • Spray chewing deterrents on shoelaces to make them unpleasant to chew. Supervise dogs when using spray-on deterrents the first time, as some dogs aren̵7;t discouraged by their taste. Some products require multiple applications to maintain effectiveness.

    Fabric Chewing

    • Dogs weaned before seven to eight weeks of age may chew on fabrics such as shoelaces to continue their natural nursing behavior. You may need to seek professional help from a certified applied animal behaviorist or certified professional dog trainer for dogs that don't respond to redirect chewing or if the behavior becomes compulsive.