How to Teach a Dog to Quit Chewing Things

Many dog owners have come home to their canine companion gnawing away on their favorite shoe. Dogs that chew are simply responding to a natural urge, which helps clean their teeth and stave off boredom. As frustrating as a chewing dog is, it is possible to curb chewing behavior and teach your dog to chew on his own toys.

Things You'll Need

  • Basket
  • Chew toys
  • Treats
  • Bitter apple spray
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Exercise your dog throughout the day. Exercise keeps the dog stimulated and allows her to work off excess energy that can lead to inappropriate chewing. Take the dog on an hour-long walk, or throw a ball for her in the yard to work off extra energy.

    • 2

      Pick up items the dog should not be chewing on. Lock your favorite shoes in the closet, keep toys in a toy box and run electrical wires off the ground to prevent the dog from reaching them. Place a small basket full of dog toys on the ground to keep a steady supply of toys within his reach at all times.

    • 3

      Offer the dog his own chew toy when you catch him chewing inappropriate items. Tell the dog "no chew," removing the item he should not be chewing on and giving him an appropriate chew toy. Praise him and offer a treat when he begins to chew on his toy. Repeat this exercise until the dog will look for and chew on his own toys.

    • 4

      Spray off-limits areas and objects in your home with bitter apple spray. Its bitter flavors deter the dog from chewing inappropriate items. It is non-toxic and can be used on most surfaces in your home. Observe your dog and wait for him to chew on a sprayed surface, telling him "no chew" to associate the command with the unpleasant taste.