Chewing is a natural behavior for both dogs and cats, especially when they’re young, bored, or stressed. But when your pet starts chewing on shoes, furniture, electrical cords, or other household items, it becomes more than just a nuisance—it can be dangerous.
The good news is that with the right training, environment, and patience, you can redirect your pet’s chewing habits to more appropriate outlets. In this article, you’ll learn practical, kind, and effective ways to stop inappropriate chewing while keeping your dog or cat happy and mentally stimulated.
1. Understand Why Pets Chew Things They Shouldn’t
Before solving the problem, it’s important to understand why your pet chews on things.
🐶 Common reasons dogs chew:
- Teething (puppies between 3-6 months)
- Boredom or lack of exercise
- Anxiety or stress (including separation anxiety)
- Attention-seeking behavior
- Lack of proper chew toys
🐱 Common reasons cats chew:
- Curiosity (especially in kittens)
- Hunting instinct
- Teething or oral discomfort
- Lack of stimulation
- Stress or changes in the environment
Knowing the cause will help you choose the best solution.
2. Pet-Proof Your Home
One of the first steps in preventing destructive chewing is to remove temptation. Just like baby-proofing for a toddler, pet-proofing can save your belongings—and protect your pet from harm.
🏠 How to pet-proof effectively:
- Keep shoes, socks, cords, and bags out of reach.
- Secure trash cans and laundry baskets.
- Use cord protectors or hide electrical wires behind furniture.
- Store cleaning products, medications, and plants out of reach.
🐾 Tip: If your pet chews something specific (like remote controls), keep those items stored away or behind closed doors when not in use.
3. Provide Appropriate Chewing Alternatives
You can’t stop your pet from chewing—but you can redirect that natural instinct to safe, fun alternatives.
🐶 Great chew toys for dogs:
- Rubber toys (e.g., KONGs)
- Rope toys
- Durable chew bones (natural or synthetic)
- Puzzle feeders with treats
🐱 Great chew toys for cats:
- Soft fabric toys with catnip
- Rubber toys for teething kittens
- Chewable sticks or dental treats
- Crinkly toys or stuffed mice
🐾 Rotate toys every few days to keep things exciting and engaging.
4. Use Deterrent Sprays or Natural Repellents
If your pet insists on chewing specific objects, you can use safe deterrent sprays to make those items less appealing.
🛡️ Safe deterrents include:
- Bitter apple spray
- Citrus-based sprays
- Vinegar and water mixtures (for cats)
Spray the deterrent on the object daily (or as directed) until your pet loses interest.
🐾 Caution: Always test sprays on a small, hidden area first to avoid staining or damage.
5. Keep Your Pet Physically and Mentally Stimulated
Boredom is a major trigger for inappropriate chewing, especially for dogs and indoor cats. Keeping your pet mentally and physically active will naturally reduce the urge to chew.
🐾 Ways to provide stimulation:
For dogs:
- Daily walks or playtime
- Fetch, tug-of-war, or obstacle courses
- Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing games
- Basic obedience training sessions
For cats:
- Interactive toys and climbing trees
- Laser pointers or feather wands
- Puzzle feeders or treat balls
- Scratching posts and cozy window perches
A tired pet is less likely to chew your favorite pair of sneakers.
6. Supervise and Redirect Behavior
The moment you catch your dog or cat chewing something they shouldn’t, calmly redirect their attention to an appropriate toy.
🚫 Do this:
- Say a firm “No” or “Eh-eh” (don’t shout).
- Remove the inappropriate item.
- Offer a suitable toy or treat as an alternative.
- Praise them when they chew the correct item.
Over time, your pet will learn what’s acceptable and what’s off-limits.
🐾 Tip: Never punish your pet after the fact—if you didn’t catch them in the act, they won’t understand why they’re being scolded.
7. Address Stress or Anxiety
If your pet chews destructively when left alone, they may be dealing with separation anxiety or emotional stress.
Signs of stress-related chewing:
- Chewing starts only when you’re gone
- Pacing, whining, or barking before you leave
- Damaged doors, crates, or windows
How to help:
- Use gradual desensitization to being alone
- Leave interactive toys or music when you’re away
- Consider crate training (for dogs)
- Provide calming sprays or diffusers (especially for cats)
If the behavior persists, consult a trainer or veterinarian to explore anxiety management strategies.
8. Reinforce Good Behavior Consistently
Training takes time, but consistent reinforcement helps your pet build good habits.
🏆 Reward good behavior by:
- Praising your pet when they chew the right items
- Offering treats or attention after positive behavior
- Redirecting instead of punishing
Positive reinforcement teaches your pet what you want them to do, not just what they shouldn’t.
9. Use Training Commands (For Dogs)
Teaching basic obedience commands can help prevent chewing before it starts.
Useful commands include:
- “Leave it” – to stop them from grabbing something
- “Drop it” – to release an object already in their mouth
- “Go to your bed” – to redirect their energy elsewhere
Use these commands alongside rewards and redirection for faster results.
10. Be Patient—Chewing Takes Time to Fix
Just like any habit, inappropriate chewing doesn’t stop overnight. Especially for puppies and kittens, chewing is a developmental phase. The key is to be patient, gentle, and consistent.
🧘 Training tips:
- Don’t expect perfection right away.
- Stay calm during setbacks.
- Celebrate progress, no matter how small.
Your efforts will pay off with a better-behaved, happier pet.
Final Thoughts: Turn Chewers into Champions
Chewing is normal, but destructive chewing doesn’t have to be. By understanding your pet’s needs and using smart, kind strategies, you can guide them toward better habits.
🐾 Key Takeaways:
- Understand the reason behind the behavior.
- Remove temptation and provide safe alternatives.
- Offer mental and physical stimulation daily.
- Use deterrent sprays if needed.
- Be patient and consistent with redirection and praise.
With the right tools and techniques, your dog or cat will learn to leave your belongings alone—and you’ll enjoy a peaceful, chew-free home.
