How to Keep a Dog From Chewing the Baseboard & Wall

Chewing is as natural to a dog as barking and wagging its tail. One of the ways that a dog discovers its surroundings is by chewing. A puppy chews a lot because it is teething (similar to a baby) and the chewing relieves the discomfort it feels as the new teeth are coming in. Furniture, shoes and even walls are at risk to a dog that feels the need to chew. Providing alternatives to chew and maintaining a vigil while the dog is inside the house are key steps to keep your dog from chewing on your baseboards and walls.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog chew toys
  • Leash
  • Crate
  • Natural or commercial dog-repellent spray
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give your dog something other to chew. Rawhide bones, as long as they are the appropriate size for your dog, and hard rubber toys will help keep your dog occupied and away from your home's structure.

    • 2

      Monitor your dog while it is inside. Don't leave the dog in a room unattended where it has been chewing on the walls. If you are unable to monitor the dog, keep it confined to rooms where it cannot cause damage. Leave it on its leash in the house so it can't reach areas to chew. Place the dog in a large enough crate -- with food and water -- for it to stand up and turn around in when no one is home if no other option is available.

    • 3

      Exercise your dog often and play with it as much as possible. Keep it active so that when it comes into the house, it will be too tired to chew on your walls and baseboards.

    • 4

      Spray the walls and baseboards with scents that will keep your dog away. Use natural or readily available products such as ammonia, citrus, rubbing alcohol or vinegar, mixed with equal parts of water. Place the contents in a spray bottle and spray in the areas where the dog is chewing. Add a small amount of chili pepper to the spray as well as a stronger deterrent; there are also a number of commercial dog repellents available.

    • 5

      Have your dog examined by a veterinarian to see whether the chewing is the result of a teething problem or a more serious dental issue. Discuss your dog's diet, as the chewing could be related to the food it is being fed.