How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Everything: 6 Solutions That Actually Work

You walked in to find your favorite shoes in pieces, the couch cushion destroyed, or worse — the charging cable chewed clean through. If your dog turns everything into a chew toy, you’re not alone. Destructive chewing is one of the most common complaints from dog owners, but the good news is it’s fixable. In this guide, we cover 6 proven solutions — plus the best products on the market — to help you stop the damage fast and redirect your dog toward healthy habits.

Understanding Why Dogs Chew

Before you can stop the chewing, you need to understand what’s driving it. Dogs chew for several reasons: boredom, teething (especially in puppies), stress, anxiety, or simply because the behavior has become a habit. Each cause calls for a slightly different approach. For a full breakdown of triggers and root causes, check out our destructive chewing guide. If your dog chews primarily when left alone, it may be anxiety-driven — a pattern closely tied to separation anxiety training.

6 Solutions to Stop Chewing

1. Redirect to Appropriate Chew Toys — The most effective first step is giving your dog something they’re allowed to chew. The KONG Classic [#] is the gold standard. Stuff it with peanut butter or kibble and it becomes a long-lasting, mentally stimulating outlet. Your dog learns fast: this is mine, the couch is not.
2. Durable Chew Alternatives for Power Chewers — Some dogs blow through flimsy toys in minutes. For strong chewers, the Benebone Wishbone [#] is a game-changer. Made with real flavor infused into nylon, it holds up to aggressive chewing and keeps dogs busy for hours without shredding.
3. Bitter Deterrent Spray — For furniture legs, baseboards, cables, and other off-limits surfaces, a deterrent spray creates an instant “not worth it” signal. Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray [#] is the go-to recommendation from trainers and vets alike. Simply spray on target surfaces — the taste is harmless but deeply unpleasant to dogs. Reapply every few days until the habit is broken.
4. Crate Training During Unsupervised Time — When you can’t actively supervise your dog, a properly introduced crate prevents access to destructive opportunities. A crate should feel like a safe den, not a punishment. Introduce it gradually with treats and meals inside, and always provide a chew toy to keep them occupied while crated.
5. Exercise and Mental Enrichment — A tired dog is far less likely to chew out of boredom. Beyond physical exercise, mental enrichment drains energy even faster. The Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel [#] puzzle toy is a fan favorite — dogs spend focused time hunting and extracting squeaky toys, satisfying natural instincts and burning mental energy without touching your belongings.
6. Teach the “Leave It” Command — One of the most versatile obedience skills you can teach, “leave it” gives you real-time control over what your dog puts in their mouth. Pair this with consistent redirection and positive reinforcement. For step-by-step guidance on this and other training approaches, see our overview of common dog behavior problems.

Our Top Chewing Solution

If you only try one product, make it the KONG Classic [#]. It’s been the #1 recommended chew toy by veterinarians and trainers for decades — and for good reason. The durable rubber construction holds up to aggressive chewing, while the hollow interior lets you customize the stuffing to your dog’s preferences. For maximum engagement, stuff it with peanut butter or wet food and freeze it overnight. A frozen KONG can keep most dogs occupied for 20–40 minutes — long enough to break the cycle of boredom-driven chewing.

When Chewing Is Anxiety-Driven

Not all chewing is boredom or habit — some dogs chew as a coping mechanism for stress. Key signs that anxiety is the root cause: your dog only chews when left alone, they target items that smell strongly of you (shoes, clothing, pillows), and the behavior is accompanied by other signs of distress like whining or pacing. If this pattern sounds familiar, the solutions above are still useful, but addressing the underlying anxiety is essential for lasting results. Our dedicated guide on separation anxiety training walks through the full behavior modification approach.

Conclusion

Stopping destructive chewing comes down to two things: consistent redirection and giving your dog the right alternatives. With the right products — a durable chew toy, a deterrent spray, and an enrichment puzzle — plus a bit of training patience, most dogs improve significantly within a few weeks. Stay consistent, reward good choices, and you’ll both come out ahead.