How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Stuff When You’re Gone: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever come home to find your favorite shoes shredded, your couch cushions demolished, or your trash can turned into confetti, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with a dog who chews everything in sight when you’re not home. Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, but when it’s directed at your belongings, it can feel like a nightmare. The good news? With the right approach, you can teach your dog to channel their chewing instincts in a more appropriate way. Let’s dive into how you can stop your dog from turning your home into a chew toy buffet.

Why Do Dogs Chew When You’re Gone?

Before we get into the solutions, it’s important to understand why your dog is chewing in the first place. Dogs chew for a variety of reasons:

• Teething: Puppies chew to relieve the discomfort of teething, much like human babies.

• Boredom: Dogs left alone for long periods may chew to entertain themselves.

• Anxiety: Separation anxiety can lead to destructive chewing as a way for your dog to cope with stress.

• Lack of Training: Some dogs simply don’t know what’s okay to chew and what’s off-limits.

Understanding the root cause of your dog’s chewing will help you address the problem more effectively. Now, let’s get to the practical steps.

Step 1: Provide Plenty of Appropriate Chew Toys

The first step in stopping destructive chewing is to give your dog an outlet for their chewing instincts. Make sure they have plenty of safe, durable chew toys to keep them occupied.

• Choose the Right Toys: Look for toys designed for heavy chewers, like rubber toys, nylon bones, or puzzle toys that can be stuffed with treats. Avoid toys that resemble household items (like old shoes or socks), as this can confuse your dog.

• Rotate Toys: Keep things interesting by rotating your dog’s toys every few days. This will prevent them from getting bored with the same old options.

• Use Treat-Stuffed Toys: Toys like Kongs can be filled with peanut butter, yogurt, or other dog-safe treats. These provide mental stimulation and keep your dog busy for longer periods.

Step 2: Dog-Proof Your Home

While you’re working on training, it’s important to limit your dog’s access to things they shouldn’t chew. Think of it as setting them up for success.

• Use Baby Gates or Crates: If your dog tends to chew when you’re not home, consider confining them to a safe area where they can’t get into trouble. A crate or a gated-off room with their toys and bed can be a great solution.

• Put Temptations Out of Reach: Shoes, remote controls, books, and other chewable items should be stored where your dog can’t access them. Use closed closets, high shelves, or baby-proof latches on cabinets.

• Bitter Sprays: If there are certain items your dog can’t resist (like furniture legs), try using a bitter-tasting spray. These sprays are safe for dogs but taste unpleasant, which can deter chewing.

Step 3: Exercise Your Dog Before You Leave

A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Many dogs chew out of boredom or excess energy, so making sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before you leave can make a big difference.

• Morning Walks or Playtime: Take your dog for a long walk, play fetch, or engage in a vigorous game of tug-of-war before you head out. This will help them burn off energy and feel more relaxed.

• Mental Stimulation: In addition to physical exercise, give your dog something to think about. Puzzle toys, training sessions, or even hiding treats around the house can keep their mind occupied.

Step 4: Address Separation Anxiety

If your dog’s chewing is driven by anxiety, you’ll need to address the underlying issue. Separation anxiety can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to help your dog feel more comfortable when you’re gone.

• Practice Short Absences: Start by leaving your dog alone for just a few minutes at a time. Gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable.

• Create a Calm Environment: Leave the TV or radio on at a low volume to provide background noise. You can also try using calming pheromone diffusers or sprays.

• Avoid Big Goodbyes: When you leave, keep your departure low-key. Don’t make a big fuss, as this can increase your dog’s anxiety. The same goes for when you return—wait until your dog is calm before greeting them.

Step 5: Teach the “Leave It” Command

Training your dog to respond to the “leave it” command can help you redirect their chewing behavior in the moment.

• Start with Treats: Hold a treat in your closed hand and let your dog sniff it. When they stop trying to get the treat and back away, say “leave it” and reward them with a different treat from your other hand.

• Practice with Objects: Once your dog understands the concept, practice with household items they like to chew. Reward them for leaving the item alone.

• Be Consistent: Use the “leave it” command whenever you catch your dog chewing something they shouldn’t. Over time, they’ll learn what’s off-limits.

Step 6: Be Patient and Consistent

Changing your dog’s behavior takes time, especially if they’ve been chewing for a while. Stay patient and consistent with your training, and don’t get discouraged if progress is slow. Remember, your dog isn’t chewing to spite you—they’re just doing what comes naturally. It’s your job to guide them toward better habits.

Final Thoughts

Stopping your dog from chewing stuff when you’re gone is all about providing alternatives, managing their environment, and addressing any underlying issues like boredom or anxiety. With the right approach, you can help your dog develop healthier chewing habits and save your belongings from destruction.

Remember, every dog is different, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies to see what works best for your furry friend. And most importantly, celebrate the small victories along the way. Before you know it, you’ll be coming home to a house that’s intact—and a happy, well-behaved dog waiting to greet you.

Happy training!