Learn why puppies chew everything and how to stop destructive chewing using safe, proven training methods.

Puppy Chewing Everything: Causes and How to Stop It

If your puppy is chewing your shoes, furniture, cables, or anything they can find, you’re dealing with one of the most common puppy behavior problems.

While it may feel destructive or frustrating, chewing is actually a normal part of puppy development.

The key is not to stop chewing completely—but to redirect it to the right things.

In this guide, you’ll learn why puppies chew everything and how to stop destructive chewing step by step.

Why Do Puppies Chew Everything?

1. Teething Pain

Puppies go through a teething phase, usually between 3–6 months of age.

Chewing helps:

Relieve gum pain
Reduce pressure in the mouth
Comfort discomfort from growing teeth

2. Exploration

Puppies use their mouths to explore the world.

Just like human babies touch everything, puppies bite and chew objects to understand them.

3. Boredom

A bored puppy will often find their own entertainment.

If they don’t have toys or stimulation, they will chew whatever is available.

4. Excess Energy

High-energy puppies need physical and mental activity.

Without it, chewing becomes an outlet.

5. Attention Seeking

Some puppies learn that chewing gets a reaction from owners—even if it’s negative attention.

What NOT to Do

Avoid these common mistakes:

Yelling or Punishing

This often confuses the puppy and does not solve the behavior.

Chasing the Puppy

This turns chewing into a game.

Taking Objects Away Without Replacement

This teaches what NOT to do, but not what TO do.

Step 1: Manage the Environment

The first step is prevention.

Remove access to items your puppy should not chew:

Shoes
Cables
Clothing
Small objects on the floor

Use barriers or puppy-proofing where needed.

Step 2: Provide Proper Chew Toys

Your puppy needs safe alternatives.

Good options include:

Rubber chew toys
Rope toys
Frozen toys (especially for teething)
Durable puppy-safe bones

Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest.

Step 3: Redirect Immediately

When you catch your puppy chewing something inappropriate:

Calmly interrupt them.
Offer a chew toy immediately.
Praise when they switch to the correct object.

Timing is important.

Step 4: Increase Exercise

A tired puppy chews less.

Include:

Short walks (age appropriate)
Play sessions
Fetch games
Basic training exercises

Short, frequent sessions work best.

Step 5: Add Mental Stimulation

Mental exercise reduces boredom chewing.

Try:

Food puzzles
Snuffle mats
Hide-and-seek games
Basic obedience training

Step 6: Teach “Leave It” Command

This is one of the most useful commands for chewing problems.

Basic method:

Show a treat in your hand.
Say “leave it.”
Wait until puppy stops trying to get it.
Reward with a different treat.

Practice daily.

Step 7: Supervision and Consistency

Puppies cannot learn if they are unsupervised all the time.

Use:

Playpens
Crates (short periods)
Leashes indoors if needed

Consistency speeds up learning.

How Long Does It Take to Stop Chewing?

Most puppies improve within a few weeks if training is consistent.

However:

Teething stages may temporarily increase chewing
Lack of supervision slows progress

When Chewing Becomes a Problem

Contact a trainer if:

Puppy destroys furniture constantly
Chewing is aggressive or obsessive
Training is not improving behavior
Puppy swallows dangerous objects

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chewing normal for puppies?

Yes. It is a natural developmental behavior.

Will my puppy outgrow chewing?

Yes, but only with proper training and redirection.

Should I use anti-chew sprays?

They can help, but they should not replace training and supervision.

Why does my puppy chew more at night?

Usually due to fatigue, boredom, or lack of stimulation during the day.

Final Thoughts

Puppy chewing is not a “bad behavior”—it is a natural stage of development.

The goal is not to stop chewing entirely, but to guide it toward appropriate objects.

With proper supervision, chew toys, exercise, and training, most puppies quickly learn what is acceptable to chew.

Need help with destructive puppy behavior?

A professional dog trainer can identify the cause of chewing and create a structured plan to prevent damage and improve behavior faster.