One of the more frustrating things about owning a dog is when you’re heading out of the house only to open the shoe cabinet to find your favorite sneakers chewed up to the point of being unwearable!
If something like that happens frequently, you probably dread every time you have to go out of the house and leave your pet alone. Sure, you can get a dog sitter every now and then, but at a certain point, you should start looking for permanent solutions.
In this article, we’ll look at the reasons behind this behavior and go over some potential strategies that can help you curb it.
Why Dogs Chew Stuff
Chewing comes naturally to dogs. It’s one of the main ways they interact with the world around them, whether it’s a rubber toy, a juicy bone, or your poor slipper.
When it comes to chewing stuff when you’re away from the house, there are multiple possible causes, depending on your dog’s age, emotional state, and even health.
Teething
If you have a young puppy that likes to dig into your laptop’s charging cable when you’re out for groceries, there’s a big chance that it’s due to teething.
It’s a perfectly normal, albeit slightly painful, process, so pups will start chewing on stuff to alleviate some of that pain and soothe their gums.
It varies from breed to breed, but most pups teethe for six to eight months. If you still notice your dog biting and chewing things beyond that time, then the issue runs deeper.
Separation Anxiety
This type of anxiety is a serious problem for many dogs. One of the main traits that makes them such great companions is their natural inclination to bond with their humans.
However, this can backfire if you let it get out of hand.
Some dogs become so attached to their owners that they experience serious distress when left alone. Chewing is one way they cope with those feelings, and other symptoms include whining, pacing around the house, or excessive barking.
Health Issues
In some instances, your dog might be chewing stuff because they’re experiencing physical pain in their mouth.
Sore teeth, inflammation, or infection can all trouble dogs to the point that they will try anything to make the pain go away.
To prevent this, inspect your pup’s dental health from time to time. You can inspect the inside of their mouth yourself or take them to the vet for a detailed checkup.
How to Prepare Your Dog for Alone Time
After going through all of the potential causes, let’s move on to all the various measures you can take to stop this kind of behavior.
The first thing you can do is ensure that your dog is well-prepared for your departure, both mentally and physically.
Wear Your Dog Out
Before you leave your dog alone, you should go on a long walk or have an intense play session. This will burn off excess energy and reduce the likelihood of boredom-fueled behavior.
You can also try “wearing out” their mind. Give them some puzzle toys or arrange more complex obstacle courses that will satisfy their need for mental stimulation and stop them from looking for it at the back end of your sofa.
Providing Enough Chew Toys
This is probably one of the easiest yet most effective things you can do to stop your dog from chewing stuff when you’re gone.
If your dog’s boredom is the cause, leaving out various toys for them to bite on will give them plenty to do until you get back.
As long as they’re chewing on a rubber bone or a tennis ball, your slippers are probably safe.
Dog-Proofing Your Home
Preparing your dog for its time alone is only one side of the coin. You also have to prepare your home, i.e., create an environment that will not trigger any stress-related behavior.
Start by removing or hiding any items you think your dog might be inclined to chew. This includes shoes, cords, remote controls, blankets, etc.
If you think your furniture is a potential target, dog-proof it permanently with protective barriers and wraps that cover the edges and deter your dog from biting at it.
Crate Training
Another very effective strategy is to equip your home with a good-sized crate and train your dog to stay in it while you’re away.
This works great if you have a young pup who is still conducive to training, but it might not be as effective with a fully adult dog.
If you choose to use this method, make sure that there is enough space in the crate for the dog to comfortably lay down, turn around, and stretch.
Addressing Anxiety and Stress
For dogs that chew due to stress or anxiety, particularly separation anxiety, calming techniques can make a significant difference.
Essentially, there is a two-pronged approach you can take to tackling this issue.
The first thing you can do is training. There are certain techniques that will help your dog deal with being alone more easily.
Counterconditioning involves associating your departure with something positive, such as giving a treat. Desensitization, on the other hand, works by getting your dog used to being alone by starting with shorter amounts of time and gradually increasing them.
The other part of the approach is equipping your home with various calming aids. These include pheromone diffusers, calming collars, or even adding soothing background noise to the house via the TV or something.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to stop it, your dog can’t stop chewing stuff they shouldn’t be chewing. If you keep noticing signs of serious behavioral issues and you feel you can’t handle it on your own, it might be time to reach out to a professional.
A veterinarian should be your first stop because they will rule out any potential medical conditions.
Once that’s out of the way, you may want to reach out to a professional dog trainer. They are well-versed in identifying the triggers you wouldn’t even think of and have the knowledge and skills to tackle even the most hopeless cases.
With some time and dedication, you can definitely overcome this challenge. Start implementing these strategies today, and you’ll soon see positive changes that benefit both your dog and your household.
Final Thoughts on How to Stop a Dog Chewing Everything
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, but when it becomes destructive—especially in your absence—it’s essential to address the underlying cause. Whether your dog is teething, experiencing separation anxiety, or simply bored, the right combination of mental and physical stimulation, training, and environment adjustments can make a significant difference.
By providing appropriate chew toys, dog-proofing your home, considering crate training, and using calming techniques, you can help your pup feel more secure and reduce unwanted chewing. If the behavior persists despite your best efforts, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a vet or professional trainer.
With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can create a stress-free environment where your dog feels safe and engaged—even when you’re not home.
