How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing Everything
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Chewed shoes and furniture? Chewing is natural — the trick is redirecting it. Here's how to save your belongings.
Why dogs chew
Chewing is natural and necessary — it relieves boredom, eases teething in puppies, reduces stress, and keeps jaws healthy. Destructive chewing usually means your dog needs a better outlet, not punishment.
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Provide the right outlets
Offer a variety of safe, durable chew toys. A stuffable toy like the [KONG Classic](/products/kong-classic-dog-toy) filled with treats keeps dogs busy for ages and redirects the urge away from your furniture.
Manage the environment
Puppy-proof by removing tempting targets — shoes, cords, remotes — until your dog learns the rules. Use gates or a crate when you can't supervise, and rotate toys to keep them interesting.
Exercise and training
A tired dog chews less. Provide plenty of physical exercise and mental enrichment. When you catch inappropriate chewing, calmly redirect to a toy and praise. Persistent destructive chewing can signal anxiety — if so, talk to your vet or a trainer.
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Frequently asked
- Why is my dog chewing everything?
- Common reasons are boredom, teething, stress, or excess energy. The fix is providing better chew outlets, exercise, and enrichment — not punishment.
- How do I stop destructive chewing?
- Offer durable chew toys, puppy-proof your home, supervise or crate when away, and ensure plenty of exercise. Redirect to a toy when you catch chewing.