How Do I Get a Dog to Quit Chewing Shoes?

Few things are more annoying for a dog owner than finding your dog has chewed---and maybe destroyed---one of your shoes. Many puppies and dogs like to gnaw on shoes, which are usually made of material like leather and canvas that is optimum for chewing---and that also smell like their owners. But there are ways to stop this destructive behavior.

Things You'll Need

  • Toys
  • Crate
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give your dog toys to chew. Dogs---especially puppies---have a natural chewing instinct and need to have an outlet for that behavior. Give your dog something sturdy to chew on that she can't destroy. Interactive toys made of hard rubber, with small tunnels that are perfect for storing treats, peanut butter or other tasty morsels, provide an exciting challenge. Similarly, puzzle toys require a dog to move objects or pegs to unlock treats. Interactive toys make your dog use her brain and can keep her occupied for long periods of time.
      Dogs also like to chew on rawhide; however, always watch to make sure the pieces don't get stuck in the dog's throat.

    • 2

      Remove the temptation. Just as with an addict, if the substance is there---in this case, a shoe---the dog is going to chew it. Keep your shoes properly stored out of his environment, or don't leave him unsupervised. To avoid chewing accidents, keep your dog in a crate or a sectioned-off area of a room when you cannot watch him.

    • 3

      Give your dog a toy while removing the shoe from her mouth, if you catch her in the act. This will teach the dog that instead of gnawing on the shoe, she can sink her teeth into the chew toy instead. Never punish the dog, especially if you find the destroyed shoes after the chewing occurrence. Dogs can't associate the present moment with what happened hours ago.

    • 4

      Determine why your dog is chewing the shoes in the first place. Is he bored or lonely? If you think so, try playing with your dog more or placing him in doggie day care when you are away. Keeping his mind occupied is often an effective deterrent to shoe chewing.