Does Your Dog Chew Everything?

Many dog parents expect (and hope) that their dogs will outgrow destructive chewing as they mature. Puppies chew, they teethe, and then life settles down, or at least that’s the plan. When an adult dog continues to chew shoes, furniture, pillows, or baseboards, it can feel confusing and exhausting.  It can leave us wondering if something went wrong during puppy training or if their dog is merely being stubborn.

In reality, adult dog chewing is rarely about disobedience. Chewing serves a purpose, and when it continues past puppyhood, it usually means a dog is trying to meet a physical or emotional need that isn’t fully satisfied yet. Therefore, once you understand what’s driving the chewing behavior, it makes stopping it a lot more manageable.

Chewing Still Serves a Purpose in Adult Dogs

Dogs don’t chew just because they’re young. Chewing remains a natural, instinctive behavior throughout a dog’s life. Chewing relieves stress, occupies the brain, releases energy, and provides comfort. Adult dogs that chew excessively aren’t misbehaving but are instead communicating.

When the chewing turns destructive, it usually means the dog lacks appropriate outlets to release his or her energy. And without guidance, dogs choose what’s available, and unfortunately, furniture and personal items often are the recipients of the chewing.

Boredom Is One of the Biggest Triggers

Boredom plays a big role in destructive chewing, especially in adult dogs that spend long stretches of time alone or lack the proper mental stimulation. Dogs are problem-solvers by nature. When their days feel repetitive or empty, chewing becomes an easy way to pass the time.

Many dogs get enough physical exercise but still feel mentally underworked. A daily walk alone doesn’t challenge the brain. Without puzzles, games, or enrichment, dogs will create their own entertainment, and it’s rarely something we appreciate.

Anxiety and Stress Can Drive Chewing

Chewing also works as a self-soothing behavior. Dogs experiencing anxiety or stress often chew to calm themselves, much like humans fidget when they feel overwhelmed. Or stress eat. This type of chewing often appears when dogs are alone, during changes in routine, or after stressful events.https://www.yourpetswellbeing.com/p/how-long-can-i-leave-my-dog-alone

Separation anxiety frequently shows up as destructive chewing focused on doors, windows, or items that smell like their owner. In these cases, chewing isn’t random as much as it’s emotional. The most important thing you can do is to figure out the triggers of the anxiety rather than simply replacing the damaged items.

Lack of Physical Outlets Can Cause Destructive Chewing

A dog with excess energy will find a release somewhere. When physical exercise falls short, that energy often turns into chewing. Even adult dogs that seem calm can carry built-up tension if their activity level doesn’t match their needs. It’s not that different from when your dog steals your clothes or shoes, it’s because they can and feel restless.

Quick potty breaks don’t count as real exercise. Dogs benefit from purposeful movement that engages both body and mind and the right amount of daily exercise. Without it, chewing becomes an easy way to burn off frustration indoors. Some dogs like to chew on clothes or socks which is not only annoying, but potentially dangerous.

Habitual Chewing That Was Never Redirected

Some adult dogs chew because the habit never fully disappeared. If chewing household items went unaddressed in puppyhood, or if your puppy was allowed to chew occasionally, the behavior can stick. 

Dogs repeat behaviors that feel good and work for them. Chewing releases stress and occupies time, so unless they’re consistently shown better options, they’ll continue choosing familiar targets.

When Chewing Might Signal a Deeper Issue

Not all chewing is harmless. A sudden increase in destructive chewing in an adult dog can signal emotional stress, environmental changes, or even physical discomfort. Senior dogs may also chew more due to cognitive changes or anxiety.

Chewing paired with pacing, whining, excessive drooling, or escape attempts often points to separation anxiety rather than simple boredom. In these situations, addressing the emotional root cause matters more than adding new toys.

How to Stop Destructive Chewing in Adult Dogs

If you want your dog to stop chewing, it can take some time but requires consistency and not punishment. The most effective approach focuses on meeting your dog’s needs, guiding the behavior, and trying to prevent the opportunities for failure or relapse.

The Right Chew Toys Matter

Not all chew toys satisfy the same urge. Some dogs want resistance, other dogs want texture, and some dogs want long-lasting edible chews. If you only offer only one type of chew toy, it can leave your dog feeling unsatisfied.

By providing a variety of safe, durable chew options, it can helps dogs make better choices. Try rotating toys to keep your dog engaged which can help prevent boredom from creeping back in.

Mental Stimulation Is Very Important To Stop Destructive Chewing

Mental enrichment often reduces chewing faster than extra exercise alone. When dogs use their brains, they relax more easily and feel fulfilled.

Food puzzles, frozen toys, scent games, and short training sessions can give dogs something productive to focus on. These activities tire dogs in a healthy way and significantly reduce the urge to chew inappropriate items.

Exercise With A Purpose

Regular, meaningful exercise plays a major role in stopping destructive chewing. This doesn’t mean exhausting your dog; it simply means matching their activity to their needs. You want to make sure that you are exercising them enough every day.

Brisk walks, structured play, sniffing opportunities, and interactive games help dogs release energy in positive ways. A dog that feels physically satisfied has far less interest in chewing the couch.

Managing Your Home Can Help Prevents Setbacks

Managing your dog’s surroundings or what is alluring to them can help your dog while new habits form. Removing access to tempting items doesn’t mean that you’ve failed but are instead trying to set your dog up for success.

Make sure to keep your shoes picked up or in close closets. Only give your dogs’ access to certain rooms and provide chew options in every space. This can help reduce your dog’s reduces opportunities for mistakes while you are training them.

Why Punishment Makes Chewing Worse

You should never punish your dog for chewing as it often increases your dog’s anxiety and confusion. Dogs don’t connect punishment with something they did hours earlier. Instead, they learn that being alone or chewing makes their favorite humans unpredictable.

Fear-based responses can intensify your dog’s stress-related chewing and create new behavioral problems. Calm redirection and consistency work far better.

When Professional Help Is Worth It

If the destructive chewing continues for your dog despite enrichment, exercise, and management and especially when anxiety signs appear, professional guidance can help. A qualified trainer or veterinary behaviorist can identify the specific triggers and build a plan to help you based on your dog’s needs.

The Takeaway on Adult Dog Chewing

Adult dogs chew for reasons, not out of spite. Destructive chewing almost always reflects unmet needs, stress, or habits that need better direction.

With mental stimulation, appropriate chew outlets, consistent exercise, and a supportive approach, most adult dogs can learn to chew the right things, leaving them s— and leave your home intact.