By Eric & Dallas — Blissfull Bark
If your dog has recently chewed up a shoe, a pillow, a kid’s toy, a corner of the couch, or something you swore was out of reach… you’re not alone. Chewing is one of the most common behavior questions dog parents ask.
My dog Dallas has been a chewer since the day I brought him home as a 7-month-old rescue. He’s now 9 years old, a little slower, but still shockingly good at spotting the weak point in anything and turning it into confetti. And over the years, I’ve learned something important:
Chewing isn’t “bad behavior.” It’s communication.
Dogs chew for a reason — and once you understand that reason, it’s much easier to redirect them into healthier habits (and save your shoes).
1. Your Dog Is Bored or Understimulated
One of the biggest causes of destructive chewing is simple boredom. Dogs left alone for long stretches or dogs who aren’t getting enough mental stimulation will naturally look for something to do. Chewing gives them something to focus on — and it burns energy.
Signs This Might Be the Cause:
- Chewing happens mostly when you’re away
- Your dog seems restless or paces
- Your dog looks at you like “I’m bored… now what?”
Real Advice That Helps:
- Add mentally stimulating activities daily. (Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, scent games.)
- Give your dog a job. 5–10 minutes of simple training tires them out more than you’d expect.
- Use rotation. Don’t leave all toys out. Rotate toys every 2–3 days so they feel “new.”
- Try a sniff walk. Let your dog take their time exploring. Mental exercise calms dogs better than long walks.
If your dog is chewing simply because they’re bored, the fix is usually adding enrichment, structure, and predictable daily activities.
2. Your Puppy Is Teething (If Under 1 Year)
Puppies chew because their gums hurt — plain and simple. Teething starts around 3–4 months and can last until 7–9 months. During this time, puppies need things to chew on or they’ll choose the closest shoe, remote, or corner of the baseboard.
How to Help a Teething Pup:
- Frozen washcloth trick: Wet a washcloth, freeze it, let them chew under supervision.
- Soft rubber toys: These relieve pressure without hurting their teeth.
- Chill their toys: Put rubber toys in the fridge for extra relief.
- Safe teething chews: Avoid anything too hard (like antlers) during teething.
Remember: puppies aren’t being “bad.” They’re uncomfortable. Giving them proper outlets makes a massive difference.
3. Your Dog May Be Anxious or Stressed
Dogs often chew as a way to calm themselves emotionally. Just like some people fidget, bounce a leg, or chew on pens, dogs chew to self-soothe. This type of chewing is often targeted: doorframes, window sills, furniture edges — things closest to their “safe space.”
Signs Anxiety Might Be the Cause:
- Chewing happens when storms hit
- Chewing appears when you leave the house
- Your dog paces, drools, or whines
- Sudden behavior changes
Ways to Help an Anxious Dog:
- Add structure to your routine. Dogs thrive on predictable patterns.
- Exercise before you leave. A 10–15 minute walk can lower anxiety.
- Use calming activities: Lick mats, frozen food toys, slow feeders — these release calming endorphins.
- Play calming music or white noise when you’re away.
- Stay neutral when you leave and return. Big emotional goodbyes increase anxiety.
If the chewing is caused by anxiety, the goal is to build your dog’s emotional resilience while giving them healthy outlets during stressful moments.
4. Your Dog Is Chewing Because It’s Natural Instinct
Chewing is wired into dogs. It keeps their jaw strong, keeps them entertained, and releases dopamine — the “feel good” chemical. Some dogs simply chew because it just… feels good.
Dallas is a perfect example. Even as a senior dog, he still loves to chew for the fun of it.
How to Work With Natural Chewers:
- Provide safe, appropriate chew items daily. (Bones, rubber chews, stuffed toys.)
- Match the chew to the dog. A strong chewer needs tougher materials than a gentle nibbler.
- Supervise with new chews. Make sure they’re safe before leaving your dog alone with them.
- Use “chew time” as a daily mental workout.
Giving a natural chewer the right items can prevent a lot of damage around the house.
5. Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety
This is different from general anxiety — separation anxiety is panic-level distress when you’re gone. Dogs with separation anxiety may chew doors, crates, window sills, or anything near exits.
Common Indicators:
- Chewing only when you’re not home
- Panting, pacing, whining, drooling
- Scratching doors or windows
- Following you from room to room
How to Help:
- Start practicing small departures. Leave for 30 seconds. Return calmly. Build up slowly.
- Create a calm “goodbye routine.” A frozen Kong or Toppl works wonders.
- Exercise before leaving. A tired mind = a calmer dog.
- Use technology: Cameras help you see triggers and progress.
- Stay predictable and calm.
This type of chewing takes patience, but it can absolutely improve with time.
What You Should NOT Do
❌ Don’t punish your dog
Punishment damages trust and makes anxiety worse. Dogs don’t connect punishment with chewing that happened earlier.
❌ Don’t leave tempting items lying around
At least not until your dog learns boundaries. Management is part of training.
❌ Don’t assume your dog is “getting back at you”
Dogs don’t think that way — chewing is emotional or instinctual, never spiteful.
How to Redirect Chewing in a Positive Way
Here’s the simple approach I use with Dallas:
- Remove access to anything valuable or unsafe.
- Offer a better choice immediately — a chew toy, food puzzle, or safe bone.
- Praise and reward when your dog chooses the correct item.
- Add daily enrichment (sniff walks, puzzles, short training).
Redirection teaches your dog that chewing is fine — as long as they chew the right things.
When Chewing Might Be a Health Concern
Talk to your vet if your dog:
- Suddenly starts chewing out of nowhere
- Shows mouth pain, drooling, or pawing at their face
- Chews walls, crate bars, or flooring in a panic
- Has digestive issues from chewing objects
Sudden behavior changes can indicate pain or discomfort.
Final Thoughts
Chewing is a natural dog behavior — the key is understanding the reason behind it. Once you know why your dog is chewing, you can redirect them with far less frustration and far more success.
Dallas taught me that chewing is never just “chewing.” It’s communication — and once I listened, everything got easier.
— Eric & Dallas