How to Get a Dog to Not Chew on Carpet

When dogs get bored, they can display destructive behavior such as chewing on the carpet. Young dogs are especially prone to chewing on items, because they use their sense of taste to explore their surroundings. Bad chewing behavior can also be triggered by fear or loneliness. Your dog is trying to tell you something, and the only way you can stop the behavior is by finding out what it is and redirecting your dog's attention.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Dog chew toys
  • Dog repellent
  • Leash
  • Dog treat
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Observe your dog to find out what triggers it to chew the carpet. It may start the bad behavior whenever you leave the house or because it craves your attention.

    • 2

      Place your dog in a crate when you leave the house, if this is when it chews on the carpet. Place chew toys in your dog's crate to avoid boredom. As an alternative, confine your dog to a carpet-free room, such as the kitchen or bathroom.

    • 3

      Spray the carpet with a dog repellent. Dogs dislike the taste of commercial deterrents, such as Bitter Apple or Bitter Orange, and these products can keep them from chewing the carpet.

    • 4

      Catch your dog in the act and instantly discipline it. Firmly tell your dog "no" when it chews the carpet. Give it a chew toy to redirect its attention. Avoid disciplining long after the fact, because this only confuses your dog; it doesn't understand why it's being disciplined.

    • 5

      Teach your dog right from wrong. Place dog chew toys around the carpeted room. Leash your dog and walk it through the room. If your dog tries to chew the carpet, tug the leash and firmly say "no." Let your dog roam the room again. Once it chews on a dog toy, reward your dog with a treat and praise it for its good behavior.

    • 6

      Take your dog outdoors to run and play. Exercise tires out your dog and makes it less prone to destroy your carpet.