Chewing: A Natural Canine Behavior
Chewing is a fundamental part of being a dog. From puppies gnawing on shoes to adult dogs shredding toys, this behavior serves important physical and emotional purposes. Chewing satisfies natural instincts, relieves discomfort, and can even signal relaxation and contentment.
The goal isn’t to stop chewing altogether, but to redirect it toward appropriate outlets that keep your dog happy while protecting your home.
Why Do Puppies Chew?
Teething and Exploration
Puppies go through a teething phase much like human babies. Between three and six months of age, emerging adult teeth can cause sore gums. Chewing helps relieve discomfort and encourages baby teeth to fall out.
Puppies also explore the world with their mouths. New textures, smells, and objects are all part of learning, making chewing a normal and necessary developmental behavior.
Boredom and Excess Energy
Puppies have endless energy. When they don’t get enough physical activity or mental stimulation, that energy often turns into destructive chewing. Without proper outlets, your belongings quickly become their entertainment.
Why Do Adult Dogs Chew?
Jaw Strength and Dental Health
Chewing keeps jaw muscles strong and can help reduce plaque buildup on teeth. Appropriate chew toys and dental chews support oral health, while inappropriate chewing may signal unmet needs.
Stress and Anxiety
Many dogs chew to self-soothe. Anxiety, including separation anxiety, can lead to chewing furniture, door frames, or personal items when owners are away. Chewing provides calming sensory input, especially when objects carry familiar scents.
Hunger or Nutritional Gaps
Dogs that are underfed or lacking key nutrients may chew excessively or seek out non-food items like wood, dirt, or rocks. Persistent chewing of unusual objects should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Identifying the Root Cause
Before addressing chewing, determine why it’s happening. Observe when and where chewing occurs. Is it linked to boredom, anxiety, teething, or hunger? Understanding the motivation behind the behavior allows for effective and humane solutions.
Signs of Anxiety-Driven Chewing
Chewing that happens primarily during absences or stressful events may point to anxiety. Other signs include pacing, whining, excessive licking, or escape attempts. Anxiety-related chewing often requires a broader approach than toys alone.
Redirecting the Chewing Instinct
Provide Appropriate Chew Toys
Giving your dog acceptable chewing options is the foundation of success. Choose toys that match your dog’s size, age, and chewing intensity:
- Rubber toys: Durable and often fillable with treats for mental stimulation.
- Nylon bones: Long-lasting options for strong chewers (monitor for large fragments).
- Edible chews: Bully sticks or dental chews, always supervised.
- Plush toys: Best for gentle chewers and should be removed if torn.
Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest. Introducing new chews with a bit of peanut butter or interactive play can boost engagement.
Environmental Management
Managing your dog’s environment helps prevent destructive chewing, especially when unsupervised:
- Create safe zones: Use crates, pens, or gated areas.
- Remove temptations: Keep shoes, remotes, and children’s toys out of reach.
- Apply deterrents: Use pet-safe bitter sprays on off-limits items.
While management isn’t a cure, it buys time while training and behavior modification take effect.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A tired dog is far less likely to chew destructively. Daily walks, playtime, and training sessions burn physical energy, while puzzle toys, scent games, and trick training challenge the mind.
Meeting both physical and mental needs transforms chewing from a problem into a healthy activity.
Addressing Anxiety and Stress
Desensitization and Counterconditioning
Gradually exposing your dog to anxiety triggers can reduce stress-related chewing. For dogs that chew when left alone, practice short departures and slowly increase duration. Pair absences with special chew toys available only during that time.
Create a Safe Space
Provide a quiet, comfortable area where your dog feels secure. This may include a crate, soft bedding, calming music, or white noise. Consistent routines also help anxious dogs feel more at ease.
Consult Professionals
For severe anxiety, seek help from a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist. Some dogs benefit from structured behavior plans or, in certain cases, medication as part of a comprehensive approach.
Positive Reinforcement Training
Reward your dog whenever they choose appropriate items to chew. Praise and treats reinforce good decisions. If your dog starts chewing something off-limits, calmly redirect them to a toy.
Avoid yelling or punishment, which can increase fear or anxiety. Consistency across all household members is critical to success.
Chewing Phases Across a Dog’s Life
Adolescence
Between six months and two years, many dogs go through a renewed chewing phase. Hormonal changes and increased energy make continued structure and redirection essential.
Senior Dogs
Older dogs may chew to relieve boredom, maintain jaw strength, or self-soothe. Provide softer chews that are easier on aging teeth and maintain regular dental checkups.
Common Chewing Mistakes Owners Make
- Giving old shoes or socks: Dogs can’t distinguish old from new.
- Chasing the dog: This turns chewing into a game.
- Using punishment: Fear-based methods don’t teach appropriate behavior.
When to Seek Veterinary Advice
Sudden or excessive chewing, especially involving non-food items, warrants a veterinary visit. Conditions such as dental pain, nutritional deficiencies, or pica may be contributing factors.
Conclusion
Chewing is a natural and necessary behavior for dogs. By understanding why dogs chew, offering appropriate outlets, and addressing underlying issues like boredom or anxiety, you can prevent destructive habits.
Patience, consistency, and positive guidance are the keys to success. Redirecting chewing isn’t about punishment—it’s about helping your dog make better choices while meeting their physical and emotional needs.
