FAQ: How do I stop my dog from chewing?

Chewing is a normal behavior for dogs. When they chew furniture or objects around the house, they aren't purposefully being "bad", they just simply haven't been taught what's appropriate and inappropriate to chew.

When it comes to destructive chewing, that usually means a dog’s emotional or physical needs aren’t being met. Dogs chew to self-soothe, relieve stress, explore, or burn excess energy.

So while boundaries (including appropriate punishment) are part of the solution, they only work when your dog also has positive outlets like play, exploration, and structured runs/walks.

Stopping chewing is a mix of:

1. Fulfilling your dog's needs - so the dog isn’t seeking relief through destruction.

2. Giving clear boundaries - so the dog learns what isn’t appropriate.

3. Managing the environment - because prevention is often the real fix.

And when it comes to punishing the behavior, letting them know it isn't okay, it’s not one-size-fits-all. Different dogs need different levels and versions:

• Some dogs respond to a simple verbal “No.”

• Others need a firmer consequence, like an e-collar correction, similar to a child touching a hot stove. They touch it once, learn instantly, and they’re completely safe afterward.

A quick, effective correction paired with consistent positive outlets actually reduces stress, because the dog understands the rules and has healthy ways to fulfill their needs.

Crate training also plays a major safety role. It prevents chewing emergencies (ingesting dangerous items, electrical cords, household objects that can cause fires, etc.). A crate protects your dog, your home, and your wallet, and gives your dog a calm, predictable place to rest between outlets.

Chewing stops when dogs have outlets + boundaries + safe management all working together.

Want to know if your dog's behavior is covered with us? Read this article to learn more: From Barking to Biting: What’s Covered under Canine Coverage™