We all love our furry companions, but when they start chewing on your favorite chair or the coffee table legs, it can quickly turn from cute to frustrating. Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, but when it involves your furniture, it can feel like you’re in a constant battle. The good news is, with some patience and strategy, you can train your dog to stop chewing your furniture and redirect that energy toward more appropriate outlets.
1. Understand Why Dogs Chew Furniture
Before you start getting upset with your dog, it’s important to understand why they chew in the first place. Dogs chew for various reasons, including:
Teething (for puppies): Puppies go through a teething phase where they explore the world with their mouths. Just like babies, they need something to chew on to soothe their gums.
Boredom or Anxiety: Dogs that are left alone for long periods can become bored or anxious, leading them to chew on furniture or other household items as a coping mechanism.
Attention-Seeking: If your dog gets a reaction from you—whether positive or negative—when they chew, they may continue to do it for attention.
Excess Energy: High-energy dogs, especially those without enough physical or mental stimulation, may chew furniture to burn off excess energy.
2. Provide Alternative Chew Toys
One of the easiest ways to stop your dog from chewing furniture is to provide them with appropriate things to chew on. Dog chew toys come in many shapes, sizes, and materials, so there’s something for every dog. Look for durable toys, especially if your dog is an aggressive chewer.
Rubber Chew Toys: These can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter to make them more enticing.
Dental Chews: These help satisfy the dog’s natural chewing instincts while also cleaning their teeth.
Interactive Toys: Toys that encourage problem-solving (like puzzle toys) can keep your dog mentally engaged and prevent boredom-driven chewing.
3. Supervise and Redirect
When you catch your dog in the act of chewing furniture, don’t just scold them. Instead, calmly redirect their attention to one of their chew toys. Praise them when they switch to the toy, and reinforce the positive behavior. If you’re not around to supervise, consider using a crate or a playpen to keep your dog away from tempting furniture.
If you are dealing with a puppy, the key is to prevent the behavior from becoming a habit in the first place. Puppies are more likely to chew if they are left unsupervised, so use gates or playpens to limit their access to the house when you’re not watching them.
4. Train with Positive Reinforcement
Training your dog is essential in stopping unwanted behaviors, including chewing on furniture. Focus on positive reinforcement rather than punishment. For example:
Catch them being good: When your dog chews on their toy instead of your furniture, reward them with praise or a treat.
Teach “leave it” or “drop it”: These commands can help you redirect your dog’s focus from furniture to their toys. With practice, your dog will learn that chewing on furniture isn’t acceptable.
Consistency is key: Make sure everyone in the household is on the same page and is consistent in redirecting or rewarding the dog. Mixed signals can confuse your dog.
5. Use Deterrents
Sometimes, even with all the toys in the world, a dog may still prefer to chew on your furniture. In these cases, you can use deterrents to make your furniture less appealing.
Commercial Deterrents: There are sprays available that make furniture taste unpleasant to dogs. These sprays typically have bitter or sour flavors that dogs find distasteful.
DIY Solutions: You can also create your own deterrent spray using ingredients like vinegar and water. Test a small area first to ensure it doesn’t damage your furniture.
Be sure to apply the deterrent regularly and reapply as needed. Also, avoid using products with harmful chemicals, as they could potentially harm your pet.
6. Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation
If your dog is chewing out of boredom or pent-up energy, one of the best solutions is to give them more exercise. A tired dog is a good dog. Here are a few ways to increase your dog’s physical and mental stimulation:
Regular Walks: Take your dog on daily walks to burn off energy.
Interactive Play: Play fetch or tug-of-war with your dog. Interactive play not only burns energy but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
Training Sessions: Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Training new commands or tricks can keep your dog’s mind sharp and tire them out.
Doggy Daycare or Playdates: If your dog enjoys the company of other dogs, a visit to doggy daycare or a playdate with other dogs could help alleviate boredom.
7. Address Underlying Anxiety or Stress
If your dog’s chewing is linked to anxiety—whether from separation anxiety or other stressors—it’s essential to address the root cause. Dogs that chew out of anxiety may need more than just a chew toy; they need behavior modification and comfort. Here are a few strategies:
Crate Training: For dogs with separation anxiety, crate training can provide a sense of security when you’re not around.
Thundershirts: These anxiety wraps can provide comfort to dogs during stressful situations, like thunderstorms or when left alone.
Behavioral Therapy: In extreme cases, it may be helpful to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist who specializes in anxiety-based behaviors.
8. Make Your Furniture Less Accessible
If all else fails and you just can’t seem to keep your dog away from the furniture, try limiting their access to certain areas. You can use baby gates, close doors, or even move furniture temporarily to discourage your dog from chewing.
This strategy may not be a long-term solution, but it can buy you some time while you work on training and behavioral modification.
9. Consult a Professional
If you’ve tried everything and your dog’s chewing is still a problem, it might be time to consult a veterinarian or a professional dog trainer. Persistent chewing could be a sign of an underlying health issue, or you may need more tailored advice for your dog’s specific needs.
Conclusion
While chewing is a natural and necessary behavior for dogs, it doesn’t have to destroy your furniture. By providing appropriate chew toys, reinforcing good behavior, using deterrents, and addressing any underlying issues like boredom or anxiety, you can teach your dog to stop chewing on your furniture and redirect their energy into more productive outlets.
Remember, patience and consistency are key when training your dog. With the right approach, you’ll both enjoy a much more peaceful and furniture-friendly home!
Do you have a dog that chews furniture? Let us know in the comments what strategies have worked for you or if you need additional tips!
