How to Get Your Dog to Not Chew the Couch

From the human perspective, a pet̵7;s chewing is a costly annoyance. To your dog, chewing is a natural behavior, not a deliberate act of destruction. Part of the challenge to you as an owner is to determine the cause behind the behavior. Your dog may chew on the couch to get attention, combat loneliness, because he is afraid or to alleviate anxiety and boredom. Puppies may chew when they are teething. Your job in the situation is to remove the trigger to the behavior, or provide your pet acceptable alternative methods to express himself.

Things You'll Need

  • Chew toys
  • Furniture spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Exclude your dog from the room or confine her to a crate if you won̵7;t be present to monitor her behavior. This will prevent the dog from developing the habit of chewing your couch and from doing damage when you can̵7;t immediately intervene.

    • 2

      Provide your dog with items that you permit her to chew, such as a rawhide bone or soft toy. Toys are available that you can fill with food and that take a bit of time and work on the part of your pet in order to retrieve the food reward inside.

    • 3

      Offer the chew toys in an area away from your furnishings, such as in the corner where you keep your dog̵7;s bed. This creates a zone where chewing is acceptable and a place where your pet can expect to find items to chew.

    • 4

      Apply a hot or bitter ingredient to your couch. Choose a product formulated to produce an unpleasant taste. Check the label to ensure that the product is safe for the couch material and will not stain.

    • 5

      Act immediately when you notice your pet starting to chew your couch or any other piece of furniture. Use an auditory and visual signal to your pet to stop. For example, shout ̶0;No!̶1; and accompany it by a sweep of your arm. Alternatively, produce a sound you have used in other training ̵2; one that your dog associates with unwanted behavior.

    • 6

      Schedule regular breaks during the day for your pet to receive walks and human attention. This will both engage and occupy your pet and help him expel excess energy. Arrange a regular appointment with a pet-care facility or doggie daycare to break up long stretches of time alone. Offer your dog more options for entertainment such as access to the yard through a doggie door.