How to Train a Dog Not to Chew Furniture

Dogs can engage in destructive chewing for a number of reasons. They may be teething, or simply bored. Some dogs chew from anxiety or frustration. The best way to train a dog to stop chewing is to redirect his behavior to a more appropriate chew toy. You may also have to confine the dog when you are not at home, so he won't be tempted to chew on the furniture out of separation anxiety.

Things You'll Need

  • Hot sauce or Bitter Apple
  • Chew toy
  • Cooking oil
  • Salt
  • Spray bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spray the furniture the dog chews with a non-toxic but foul tasting substance. Try cayenne pepper or hot sauce. If you don't like the smell, spray the furniture with Bitter Apple, which is a pleasant smelling spray that has a bitter taste dogs dislike. The dog will try to chew but should immediately stop due to the unpleasant taste of the pepper or spray.

    • 2

      Pour a small amount of cooking oil into a spray bottle and spray the oil onto the chew toy. Sprinkle a dash of salt on the toy. This will make the dog further associate improper chewing with a foul taste, and proper chewing with a pleasant taste.

    • 3

      Watch your dog when you are home. If she starts chewing on furniture, immediately say "No" in a loud and surprising voice. Don't wait to scold the dog because she will not understand what you are scolding her for. As soon as she stops chewing on the furniture, give her the chew toy. Praise her in a pleasant voice for chewing on the toy. Act busy when you are waiting for the chewing behavior because dogs become uncomfortable when you watch them.

    • 4

      Keep the dog confined to one room when you're not home, if he only chews when you are gone. Make sure the room doesn't have anything in it he could destroy. Give him toys to play with, including chew toys. Do not crate the dog all day because he may begin chewing as soon as you let him out, out of frustration or boredom. You can also keep the dog outside when you are gone by installing a clothesline and hooking his leash to it.