You walk into the living room and there it is again: a fresh gouge in the leg of your favorite wooden chair, or a corner of the couch cushion looking suspiciously fluffy. It is frustrating, expensive, and honestly, a little worrying. But here is the truth: your dog is not being spiteful. Chewing is a natural, instinctive behavior for dogs, especially puppies and high-energy breeds. The key to stopping it is not punishment, it is redirection, management, and understanding what your dog actually needs. This guide will walk you through exactly how to get your dog to stop chewing furniture, step by step.
1. Understand Why Your Dog Is Chewing Furniture
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know the cause. Dogs chew for several reasons, and the solution depends on which one applies to your dog. Teething is a big one for puppies under six months, as their gums are sore and chewing provides relief. Boredom and excess energy are another major factor, especially for intelligent, working breeds like Australian Shepherds, who need both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Anxiety, particularly separation anxiety, can also trigger destructive chewing as a way to self-soothe. Finally, some dogs simply have a strong natural urge to gnaw, which is common in powerful breeds like the Cane Corso. Identifying the root cause will guide your approach.
Did you know that a dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than a human’s? That means the lingering scent of your dinner or a previous snack on the couch leg is an irresistible invitation to chew. A thorough cleaning with an enzymatic cleaner can help remove those scent trails.
2. Provide the Right Chew Toys and Rotate Them
You cannot just tell a dog to stop chewing. You have to give them an acceptable alternative. The trick is to offer toys that are more appealing than your furniture. For heavy chewers, look for durable rubber toys, nylon bones, or stuffed Kongs that you can freeze. For teething puppies, soft rubber teething rings or frozen washcloths work wonders. If you have a smart, energetic breed like an Australian Shepherd, they need more than just a bone. They need a challenge. Puzzle toys for Australian Shepherds are excellent because they combine chewing with problem-solving, which tires them out mentally. Rotate the toys every few days to keep them novel and exciting. If your dog starts eyeing the table leg, immediately offer the toy and praise them when they take it.
3. Increase Physical Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A tired dog is a good dog, and a mentally stimulated dog is even better. Many furniture-chewing problems stem from simple under-exercise. A quick walk around the block is often not enough for an active breed. Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of purposeful exercise daily, such as a brisk walk, a game of fetch, or a jog. But do not stop there. Mental stimulation is just as important. Spend 10 to 15 minutes on training sessions, teaching new tricks, or playing nose work games (hiding treats around the house). For puppies, short, frequent sessions are best. When your dog is physically tired and mentally satisfied, the couch becomes much less interesting.
4. Manage the Environment and Use Deterrents
While you are working on the root causes, you need to manage the situation to prevent practice. Think of it this way: every time your dog successfully chews the furniture, the behavior is reinforced. Use baby gates to keep your dog out of rooms with tempting furniture when you cannot supervise. Crate training, done correctly, can be a lifesaver for giving your dog a safe, chew-free zone when you are away. You can also use taste deterrents. Spray a bitter apple or citrus-based deterrent on furniture legs and corners. Most dogs hate the taste and will back off after one or two tries. Just be sure to test it on a small, hidden spot of the fabric or wood first to ensure it does not stain.
5. Address Anxiety and Deep-Rooted Habits
If your dog only chews when you are gone or during stressful events like thunderstorms, the issue is likely anxiety. In these cases, a new toy or more exercise may not be enough. You need to address the underlying stress. Create a calm departure routine, leave on calming music or a TV show, and consider using an Adaptil diffuser (a synthetic pheromone that mimics a mother dog’s calming scent). For severe cases, consult your vet or a certified animal behaviorist. They can help you create a desensitization plan. Never punish your dog for chewing after the fact. They will not connect the punishment to the act, and it will only increase their anxiety, making the problem worse.
“The best way to stop a bad habit is to replace it with a better one, not to punish the old one.”
6. Be Consistent and Patient with Your Training
Changing a dog’s behavior takes time, usually weeks or even months. Consistency is your most powerful tool. Every single family member must follow the same rules. If one person lets the dog chew on an old slipper, the dog will not understand why the new leather shoe is off-limits. Keep a close eye on your dog, especially during the first few weeks of training. If you catch them in the act, give a firm, neutral “ah-ah” or clap your hands to interrupt, then immediately redirect them to an appropriate chew toy and praise them for taking it. If you miss the moment, just clean up and move on. With patience and the right combination of exercise, mental stimulation, appropriate toys, and management, you can absolutely save your furniture and have a happier, more relaxed dog.
