How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing and Scratching Everything: 7 Proven Solutions

Why is my dog chewing and scratching everything? The answer is simple: your dog's destructive behavior is completely normal canine instinct - but that doesn't mean you have to live with it! Whether it's your favorite shoes, furniture, or even walls, we've got 7 proven strategies to stop the madness while keeping your pup happy.I've worked with hundreds of frustrated dog owners just like you, and here's what I've learned: destructive chewing usually means your dog needs something - more exercise, mental stimulation, or sometimes professional help for anxiety. The good news? With the right approach, you can transform your home from chew toy central to peaceful coexistence in just a few weeks.In this guide, we'll play detective to understand exactly why your particular dog is destroying things, then give you practical solutions tailored to your situation. From puppy-proofing hacks to anxiety-reducing techniques, you'll discover how to redirect that natural chewing instinct toward appropriate outlets. Let's get started!

E.g. ：7 Proven Ways to Calm Your Dog's Car Anxiety for Stress-Free Road Trips

• 1、Why Do Dogs Chew and Scratch Everything?
• 2、Becoming a Canine Behavior Detective
• 3、Creating a Chew-Proof Environment
• 4、Addressing Anxiety-Related Chewing
• 5、Exercise: The Ultimate Chew Prevention
• 6、When to Seek Professional Help
• 7、Final Tips for a Chew-Free Home
• 8、The Science Behind Your Dog's Chewing Habits
• 9、Beyond the Basics: Advanced Chew Solutions
• 10、The Human Factor in Dog Chewing
• 11、Chewing Through the Life Stages
• 12、The Emotional Side of Chewing
• 13、Chew Toy Safety Deep Dive
• 14、FAQs

Why Do Dogs Chew and Scratch Everything?

Understanding Your Dog's Natural Instincts

Let's be honest - dogs can turn your favorite shoes into confetti faster than you can say "bad dog!" But before you get frustrated, remember that chewing and scratching are completely normal canine behaviors. Puppies explore the world with their mouths just like human babies do. Adult dogs often chew to relieve stress or simply because it feels good!

Think about it this way - if you were born with built-in scissors (teeth) and multi-tools (claws), wouldn't you want to use them too? The key is redirecting this natural energy toward appropriate outlets. We'll get to specific solutions soon, but first, let's play detective to understand why your particular pup is turning your home into their personal demolition zone.

Common Reasons for Destructive Behavior

Dogs don't destroy things to make us mad (though it sure feels that way sometimes!). Here are the main motivations behind chewing and scratching:

Reason	Signs	Best Solution
Boredom	Random destruction when alone	More exercise & mental stimulation
Separation Anxiety	Focus on exit points (doors/windows)	Behavior training & possible medication
Teething (puppies)	Everything goes in the mouth	Frozen chew toys
Prey Drive	Targets moving objects/sounds	Management & redirection

Becoming a Canine Behavior Detective

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Tracking the "How" of Destruction

Does your dog prefer using their teeth, claws, or both? This tells us a lot about their motivation. Teeth-focused destruction often relates to chewing needs or anxiety, while claw damage might indicate digging instincts or attempts to escape.

Here's a funny thought - have you ever seen a dog try to "dig" through hardwood floors? I once worked with a Labrador who created perfect little craters in his owner's brand new oak flooring, convinced there must be treasure underneath. Turns out he just needed an approved digging spot in the backyard!

Identifying the "What" Being Destroyed

Is your dog targeting:

• Your personal items (shoes, clothes)?
• Furniture corners or door frames?
• Random objects they find around the house?

This distinction matters because personal item destruction often relates to separation anxiety (your scent comforts them), while furniture damage might indicate boredom or teething. And random destruction? That's usually a sign your smart pup needs more mental stimulation.

Creating a Chew-Proof Environment

Puppy-Proofing 101

Remember how you baby-proofed your home for toddlers? Dogs need the same treatment! Start by:

1. Using bitter apple spray on furniture legs
2. Keeping laundry behind closed doors
3. Providing plenty of approved chew toys

Here's a pro tip: rotate chew toys weekly to keep them interesting. That $20 nylon bone seems boring after three days, but becomes exciting again if it disappears for awhile!

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Tracking the "How" of Destruction

Ever heard the saying "you can't teach a dog what NOT to do, only what TO do"? This is especially true with chewing. Instead of just saying "no," always offer an approved alternative. Keep a stash of:

• Kong toys stuffed with peanut butter
• Frozen carrots for teething puppies
• Durable rubber chew toys

Addressing Anxiety-Related Chewing

Recognizing the Signs

Did you know anxious chewing often happens in specific patterns? Watch for:

• Destruction focused on exit points (doors/windows)
• Pacing or whining before chewing begins
• Excessive drooling or panting

If you suspect anxiety, consult your vet before the behavior becomes habit. Early intervention makes training much easier!

Creating a Safe Space

Anxious dogs often benefit from a designated "safe zone" like a crate or quiet room with:

• Comfort items that smell like you
• Calming music or white noise
• Interactive toys to keep them occupied

Exercise: The Ultimate Chew Prevention

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Tracking the "How" of Destruction

Here's a shocking fact - most destructive chewing stems from under-exercised dogs. But how much exercise does your dog really need? Consider this:

Breed Type	Minimum Daily Exercise	Ideal Activities
Working Breeds	90+ minutes	Running, hiking, agility
Sporting Dogs	60 minutes	Fetch, swimming, jogging
Companion Dogs	30-45 minutes	Walks, play sessions

Mental Stimulation Matters Too

Physical exercise is crucial, but don't forget about mental workouts! Try these brain games:

• Hide-and-seek with treats
• Food puzzle toys
• Training sessions (even 5 minutes helps)

When to Seek Professional Help

Red Flags Not to Ignore

While most chewing is normal, consult your vet if you notice:

• Sudden changes in chewing habits
• Destruction accompanied by other behavior changes
• Signs of physical discomfort while chewing

Remember - it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your furry friend's health and happiness!

Finding the Right Expert

Not all dog trainers are created equal. Look for:

• Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT)
• Veterinary behaviorists for severe cases
• Positive reinforcement specialists

Final Tips for a Chew-Free Home

Consistency is Key

Training takes time and patience. Stick with your plan even when progress seems slow. Most dogs show significant improvement within 4-6 weeks of consistent training.

Celebrate Small Wins

Did your dog choose their chew toy over your slipper today? That's a victory! Positive reinforcement works both ways - when you notice good behavior, reward it with praise, pets, or treats.

With the right approach, you can transform your destructive darling into a well-behaved companion. Remember - every chewed shoe is just an opportunity to go shopping (and to train your dog better)!

The Science Behind Your Dog's Chewing Habits

What's Happening in Their Brains?

You ever wonder why your dog seems obsessed with destroying that one particular chair leg? Dopamine plays a huge role - that's the feel-good chemical that floods their brain when they chew. It's nature's way of rewarding them for using those powerful jaws!

Here's something fascinating - studies show that chewing can lower a dog's heart rate by up to 20%. That's why anxious pups often gravitate toward destructive behavior. It's not that they want to ruin your stuff; they're literally self-medicating! Providing appropriate chew outlets becomes even more crucial when you understand this biological need.

The Evolutionary Roots of Chewing

Let's take a quick trip back in time - about 15,000 years to when dogs first started hanging out with humans. Wild canines needed to:

• Break open bones for marrow
• Keep their teeth clean and sharp
• Exercise their jaw muscles

Modern dogs inherited these instincts, even though we feed them from bowls now. That's why even the fanciest kibble won't stop them from wanting to chomp on something solid. My neighbor's poodle goes crazy for frozen beef bones - proof that fancy breeds still have those ancient cravings!

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Chew Solutions

DIY Chew Toy Ideas

Store-bought toys are great, but sometimes homemade options work even better. Try these simple creations:

Material	Preparation	Safety Tip
Old T-shirts	Braid into tug toys	Supervise to prevent swallowing
Plastic bottles	Remove cap/label	Discard when cracked
Frozen broth	Freeze in Kong toys	Low-sodium only

Ever tried the frozen towel trick? Soak a hand towel in chicken broth, twist it, and freeze. Instant cheap entertainment that lasts for hours!

When Chewing Becomes Obsessive

How do you know when normal chewing crosses the line? Ask yourself: Is my dog still enjoying regular activities, or is chewing taking over their life? True obsessive chewing often involves:

• Ignoring food for chew sessions
• Chewing until gums bleed
• Aggression when interrupted

If you notice these red flags, don't panic - but do schedule a vet visit. Sometimes obsessive chewing signals underlying medical issues like nutritional deficiencies or neurological conditions.

The Human Factor in Dog Chewing

Are You Accidentally Encouraging It?

Here's an uncomfortable truth - we often reinforce chewing without realizing it. That dramatic "NO!" when they grab your shoe? To a dog, that's attention - and attention is rewarding! Instead, try the "trade-up" game:

1. Keep high-value treats handy
2. When they chew something bad, offer a trade
3. Praise calmly when they make the switch

It takes practice, but this method teaches your dog that giving up your stuff leads to something even better. My cousin's golden retriever now brings her stolen items directly to her - talk about progress!

The Power of Routine

Dogs thrive on predictability. Establishing regular chew times can work wonders. Try scheduling:

• Morning chew session after breakfast
• Afternoon puzzle toy when you're busy
• Evening bone when you watch TV

Within weeks, most dogs start waiting patiently for these sessions instead of creating their own destructive entertainment. It's like setting snack times for kids - everyone's happier with structure!

Chewing Through the Life Stages

Senior Dogs Need Chew Time Too

We often think chewing is just for puppies, but older dogs benefit tremendously from gentle chewing. It:

• Keeps jaw muscles strong
• Helps clean aging teeth
• Provides mental stimulation

The key is adjusting chew difficulty as they age. My 12-year-old lab mix gets soft dental chews now instead of the hard nylon bones she loved as a youngster. Watching her carefully select her evening chew is adorable - she's very particular about texture these days!

Breed-Specific Chew Needs

Not all dogs chew equally. Consider these breed tendencies:

Breed Type	Chew Strength	Recommended Toys
Terriers	Powerful, determined	Rubber toys with give
Retrievers	Strong but gentler	Rope toys, soft rubber
Bully breeds	Extremely powerful	Industrial-strength toys

Ever seen a determined terrier work on a toy? They'll spend hours methodically destroying it - it's in their DNA to hunt rodents by chewing through dirt and roots. Understanding these instincts helps us provide better outlets!

The Emotional Side of Chewing

Chewing as Communication

Sometimes destruction isn't about the act itself - it's your dog's way of telling you something. Pay attention to timing. Does chewing happen:

• Right after you leave?
• When visitors arrive?
• During loud noises (thunderstorms)?

Patterns reveal emotional triggers. A client's beagle only destroyed window blinds when the mail carrier came - classic alert barking turned destructive. We solved it by creating a "lookout spot" with chew toys across the room!

Rebuilding Trust After Destruction

Here's a question many owners struggle with: How do I stop being mad at my dog for ruining things? The secret is remembering they don't understand value - your $200 shoes smell just as interesting as a $2 chew toy to them.

Instead of holding grudges, focus on prevention and redirection. I keep a "dog tax" jar - whenever I forget to put shoes away, I add $1. It's helped me laugh off incidents while funding new chew toys!

Chew Toy Safety Deep Dive

Materials Matter More Than You Think

Not all chew toys are created equal. Avoid:

• Cheap plastic that splinters
• Painted surfaces that chip
• Overly hard materials that crack teeth

The best test? Press the toy against your knee - if it hurts you, it's too hard for your dog. I learned this the hard way when my shepherd cracked a molar on a bargain bin bone. Vet bills make expensive toys suddenly seem reasonable!

Size and Shape Considerations

A perfect chew toy should:

1. Be too big to swallow
2. Allow full tooth contact
3. Not wedge in the mouth

Watch how your dog interacts with toys. My friend's mastiff kept getting toys stuck on his lower jaw - we switched to larger, simpler shapes and problem solved. Sometimes the fix is that simple!

E.g. ：How to Keep Your Dog From Chewing and Scratching Everything ...

FAQs

Q: How can I tell if my dog's chewing is normal or a sign of anxiety?

A: Here's how to spot the difference: normal chewing tends to happen randomly throughout the day, while anxiety-related destruction follows specific patterns. Watch for damage focused on exit points (doors/windows), pacing before chewing begins, or excessive drooling. Anxious dogs often target items with your scent (like shoes or clothes) for comfort. If you suspect anxiety, don't wait - consult your vet right away. Early intervention makes training much easier and can prevent the behavior from becoming a habit. I always recommend setting up a camera to observe your dog when you're not home - this footage often reveals crucial clues about their emotional state.

Q: What are the best chew toys to stop destructive behavior?

A: The magic formula is durability + engagement. After testing dozens of options with my clients' dogs, these consistently work best: Kong toys stuffed with frozen peanut butter (the licking action is calming), Benebone wishbones (satisfies aggressive chewers), and West Paw's Zogoflex toys (virtually indestructible). For teething puppies, frozen carrots work wonders. Remember to rotate toys weekly - even the best chew toy becomes boring after several days. Pro tip: supervise your dog with new toys until you're confident about their chewing style. Some "indestructible" toys might not stand up to power chewers!

Q: How much exercise does my dog really need to stop destructive chewing?

A: Most destructive chewing stems from under-exercised dogs, but needs vary by breed. Working breeds (like Shepherds or Huskies) need 90+ minutes of intense activity daily - think running or hiking. Sporting dogs (Labs, Pointers) do well with 60 minutes of fetch or swimming. Even small companion breeds need 30-45 minutes of walks plus playtime. Here's my rule of thumb: if your dog still has energy to chew your couch after exercise, they need more! Combine physical activity with mental stimulation - food puzzles, training sessions, or nose work games. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog, and in my experience, proper exercise solves about 70% of chewing problems.

Q: Should I punish my dog for destructive chewing?

A: Absolutely not! Here's why punishment backfires: dogs don't connect punishment with something they did hours ago. If you come home to a chewed sofa and scold your dog, they just learn to fear your homecomings. For anxious dogs, punishment makes their stress worse. Instead, focus on prevention and redirection. If you catch them in the act, calmly interrupt with a neutral sound ("oops!") and immediately offer an approved chew toy. Reward them for choosing the right item. This positive approach builds trust while teaching what's acceptable to chew. I've seen countless dogs transform when owners switch from punishment to this reward-based method.

Q: When should I seek professional help for my dog's destructive behavior?

A: Consult your vet or a certified trainer if: the destruction is escalating, you see signs of anxiety (panting, pacing), or your dog seems obsessed with chewing specific materials (like drywall). Sudden changes in chewing habits can indicate medical issues like dental pain or nutritional deficiencies. For severe cases, ask your vet about a veterinary behaviorist - these specialists create customized treatment plans that may include medication alongside behavior modification. Look for Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT) with experience in destructive behavior. The right help can make all the difference - one of my clients saw 90% improvement in just two weeks with professional guidance!