How to Prevent Your Dog from Chewing on Furniture

Dogs, especially puppies, have a natural tendency to chew. It’s part of how they explore the world, relieve teething discomfort, and manage anxiety or boredom. However, when this behavior is directed at your furniture, it can be frustrating and damaging. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prevent your dog from chewing on your furniture and redirect this behavior towards more appropriate outlets.

Photo byCorinne Griffith - Dalle 3

Understanding Why Dogs Chew

Teething: Puppies chew to alleviate the discomfort of teething. This phase generally lasts until they are about 7 months old.

Exploration: Dogs explore their environment using their mouths. Chewing helps them understand and interact with their surroundings.

Boredom: A lack of physical and mental stimulation can lead dogs to chew on things to pass the time.

Anxiety: Dogs may chew as a coping mechanism for anxiety or stress, such as separation anxiety.

Strategies to Prevent Chewing

Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

Ensure your dog has a variety of chew toys. Different dogs prefer different textures, so it’s important to offer options like hard rubber toys, rope toys, squeakers, and stuffed animals. Rotate these toys regularly to keep your dog interested​ (Preventive Vet)​​ (iHeartDogs.com)​.

Use Deterrent Sprays

Deterrent sprays can be effective in preventing dogs from chewing on furniture. These sprays have a bitter taste that dogs find unpleasant. Apply the spray to the furniture and observe your dog’s reaction. Reapply as needed until your dog learns to avoid chewing on treated surfaces​ (Preventive Vet)​​ (Hepper)​.

Regular Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Ensure your dog gets plenty of physical exercise and mental stimulation. Long walks, playtime, and puzzle toys can help tire your dog out, reducing the likelihood of destructive chewing due to boredom​ (Hepper)​​ (American Kennel Club)​.

Create a Safe Space

When you can’t supervise your dog, keep them in a safe space with only appropriate chew items available. This could be a crate (if they are crate trained) or a dog-proofed room. Use baby gates or playpens to restrict access to areas with furniture​ (Preventive Vet)​​ (Hepper)​.

Supervise and Redirect

Supervise your dog closely, especially during the training phase. When you see your dog starting to chew on furniture, calmly redirect them to an appropriate chew toy. Praise and reward them when they chew on the right items​ (Top Dog Tips)​​ (American Kennel Club)​.

Training Techniques

Positive Reinforcement

Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. Reward your dog with treats, praise, or playtime when they chew on appropriate items. Avoid punishment, as it can increase anxiety and make the problem worse​ (Top Dog Tips)​​ (American Kennel Club)​.

Teach Commands

Teach your dog commands like “leave it” and “drop it.” These commands can be useful in redirecting your dog from chewing on furniture. Use treats to reward compliance with these commands​ (Hepper)​​ (Top Dog Tips)​.

Environmental Management

Puppy-Proof Your Home

Remove items that your dog might be tempted to chew on from their reach. Store shoes, bags, and other chewable items in closed closets or high places. Use covers or barriers to protect furniture legs​ (Preventive Vet)​​ (Hepper)​.

Offer Edible Chews and Puzzle Feeders

Provide daily edible chews, such as dental chews, which can help keep your dog’s teeth healthy and satisfy their need to chew. Puzzle feeders can also make mealtime more engaging and mentally stimulating for your dog​ (Preventive Vet)​​ (Top Dog Tips)​.

Addressing Underlying Issues

Check for Anxiety

If your dog’s chewing is anxiety-related, consider consulting a veterinarian or an animal behaviorist. They can help identify the root cause of the anxiety and suggest appropriate treatments or training methods​ (Hepper)​​ (American Kennel Club)​.

Regular Veterinary Check-Ups

Regular check-ups can help ensure your dog’s teeth and gums are healthy, as dental issues can sometimes lead to increased chewing behavior.

Conclusion

Preventing your dog from chewing on furniture involves a combination of providing appropriate outlets for chewing, managing their environment, and using positive reinforcement to teach them what is acceptable to chew on. By understanding the reasons behind your dog’s chewing and taking proactive steps, you can protect your furniture and help your dog develop healthier habits.