How to Correct a Dog Chewing Furniture?

When dogs explore the world with their teeth, furniture often becomes their "teething victims." This not only frustrates owners but also reveals the deeper needs behind their behavior. From the perspective of canine ethology, we will use a compassionate approach to find scientific methods to correct this habit.

When we find gaps chewed into the sofa or tooth marks on table legs, instead of getting angry, we should first understand why dogs do this. Evolutionarily, chewing is an innate instinct for canines. Wild canids grind their teeth and exercise their bite force by gnawing on prey bones and branches, while also exploring their environment. Although domestic dogs lack for food and shelter, this instinct remains deeply ingrained in their genes. During the teething phase, puppies chew to relieve the itching and pain in their gums. For adult dogs, chewing may stem from excess energy, unrelieved stress, or separation anxiety—they seek comfort from their owner’s scent through gnawing. Therefore, punishment alone cannot solve the problem; it may even intensify their fear and anxiety. We need patience and empathy to address the root causes.

First, provide appropriate chewing alternatives.The market offers a wide range of pet teething toys. Rubber chew toys are durable, satisfy a dog’s need to grind their teeth, and are not easily broken into swallowable pieces. Textured toys help clean teeth, reducing plaque and tartar buildup. When selecting toys, consider the dog’s size and preferences: small breeds may prefer lightweight toys, while large breeds need sturdier ones. You can also make safe homemade chews, such as braided clean rubber bands or carrot/apple chunks (cut to appropriate sizes), which are healthy and allow dogs to enjoy gnawing. Place these toys in areas where the dog frequently moves to attract their attention. When they show interest in the toys, praise and reward them immediately to reinforce that these are "approved items" for chewing.

Second, ensure adequate exercise.In many cases, dogs chew furniture due to pent-up energy. Daily exercise should be tailored to the dog’s breed and age. Active breeds like Border Collies or Huskies need at least 2–3 hours of high-intensity exercise daily, such as long runs or frisbee games. Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas or Poodles require about 1 hour of walking and moderate indoor play. Exercise not only burns off excess energy but also promotes mental health, reducing anxiety and stress.

Third, address emotional needs to alleviate separation anxiety.Some dogs chew furniture when left alone due to loneliness and anxiety, using the behavior to seek their owner’s scent as if the owner were nearby. To ease separation anxiety, leave items with your scent (e.g., old T-shirts, towels) before leaving, providing comfort through familiar smells. Puzzle toys with hidden treats can distract them and kill time as they forage. Gradually train them to accept your absence, starting with short departures (e.g., leaving for a few minutes and returning), then slowly increasing the duration. When you return, avoid excessive coddling to prevent reinforcing their fear of separation.

Additionally, create a comfortable and safe home environment.Keep valuable furniture and chewable items out of the dog’s reach, and use barriers to define their activity area. Apply dog-disliked scents (e.g., lemon juice, white vinegar) to furniture surfaces—dogs will avoid these smells. Ensure the substances used are non-toxic to prevent health issues. Maintain a clean home environment by regularly tidying the dog’s toys and living space, reducing irritability caused by clutter.

Correcting furniture chewing is not an overnight process; it requires patience and consistency from owners. Throughout this journey, approach it with love and understanding, using it as an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your dog. Celebrate every small progress—even if they play with a toy instead of chewing furniture for a little longer—with enthusiastic praise and rewards.