Instructions
Consult with an animal behaviorist to determine whether or not your dog suffers from separation anxiety or fear-related behaviors, both of which can contribute to chewing problems. For these issues, you will most likely need professional help.
Try to determine what other things might be causing your dog to chew. If he chews in front of you, he may be looking for attention. If he chews while you're gone, then he may be bored. It's also possible that as a puppy, your dog never learned what not to chew on.
Keep anything you don't want your dog to chew on out of his reach, particularly items he seems to like to chew. This might include shoes, clothes, remote controls, children's toys or books.
Give your dog things he is allowed to chew on, but make sure they're clearly for him. For example, if you have an old shoe, don't allow your dog to chew on it. He won't be able to separate his shoe from all of yours. Instead, give him things like rawhides, rubber toys, or a cotton knot dog rope.
Keep your dog around you when possible. This will help you supervise him, and it will give him people time. You won't be able to reinforce his good behavior if he's not around you.
Exercise your dog and play games with him. Dogs that are physically and mentally bored might occupy themselves by chewing.
Don't chase your dog when he's chewing something. To him, this is a game, and it will reinforce the behavior. Instead, call him to you and offer him a treat. When he gives up the item he's chewing, give him something that's acceptable for him to chew and praise him after he accepts it.
Never yell at or hit your dog. This won't stop his bad habits, and it could cause new ones. The most you should do is a simple "no" command when he's caught in the act. If your dog chewed something five minutes ago, you can't discipline him for it. He won't understand why he's being disciplined, leaving him distraught and confused. This can lead to other bad habits and won't stop the chewing issue.
How to Break a Dog from Chewing on Things
Dogs use their mouths to learn about the world around them. When they find a new and interesting object, one of their first instincts might be to put it in their mouths. Your dog may be inclined to chew on things that you'd rather he didn't, such as shoes, pillows, linens, or furniture. If your adult dog has this problem, you can help your dog break the habit of chewing on things.