How to Stop a Dog From Chewing Your Clothes

Dogs love to chew on things and, unfortunately, this includes articles of your clothing. Shoes, socks, bras, boxers and other pieces of clothing are just as attractive to a curious canine as a squeaky toy or a rawhide bone. While some of the responsibility for stopping this harmful habit falls on you, some also falls on your dog. She must learn that while chewing on some things is good, not everything in the house is fair game.

Things You'll Need

  • Hot or bitter spray
  • Hollow rubber toys
  • Dog treats or biscuits
  • Empty soda cans
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pick up clothing off the floor and put it in a place inaccessible to your dog, like in a hamper or a drawer.

    • 2

      Close off areas where you keep dirty clothes. For example, if you keep a hamper that may be knocked over in the bathroom, leave the bathroom door shut to prevent your dog from getting in.

    • 3

      Leave one or two articles of clothing on the floor and spray them with either a hot or a bitter spray. Alternate the articles of clothing and the location every day or two to teach your dog that he does not want to chew on any clothing she may find.

    • 4

      Booby trap clothing on the floor. For example, stack empty soda cans on top of a shirt so that when your dog tries to chew on it, they topple and startle her. This may discourage further chewing.

    • 5

      Fill a hollow rubber toy with dog treats. This encourages your dog to chew on his toys instead of your clothing.

    • 6

      Praise your dog for chewing her toys. She will learn that while chewing toys is rewarding in its own right, it also pleases you.

    • 7

      Walk your dog regularly. Chewing may be symptomatic of boredom, so regular and sufficient exercise is a preventative measure.