How to Get Your Dog to Stop Chewing on Furniture

Every dog parent has been there. You walk into the living room, and there it is—your favourite chair with bite marks all over it. Your dog, looking guilty (or maybe proud), sits nearby, wagging their tail. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Chewing is a common behaviour in dogs, but it can be frustrating when your furniture becomes the target. The good news is that with the right approach to behaviour modification for dogs, you can redirect this behaviour and save your furniture.

So, how do you get your dog to stop chewing on furniture? Let’s break it down.

Why Do Dogs Chew on Furniture?

Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand why dogs chew on things in the first place. Chewing is a natural instinct for dogs, especially when they’re puppies. It helps them explore their world, soothe teething pain, and relieve stress. Even older dogs may chew out of boredom, anxiety, or lack of stimulation.

Understanding the root cause of your dog’s chewing behavior is the first step toward behavioural training for dogs that will make a real difference.

Step 1: Provide Appropriate Chew Toys

One of the easiest and most effective ways to stop your dog from chewing on furniture is by providing them with appropriate alternatives. Dogs need to chew—it’s in their nature—so give them something they’re allowed to chew on. There are plenty of durable chew toys designed specifically for heavy chewers.

Start by introducing a variety of textures and sizes to see what your dog prefers. When they start chewing on your couch leg, calmly redirect them to their chew toy. This is a simple but powerful part of behaviour modification for dogs—teaching them what’s okay to chew on and what’s not.

Step 2: Keep Your Dog Engaged

Boredom is one of the most common reasons dogs chew on furniture. If your dog isn’t mentally or physically stimulated, they may turn to destructive behaviors to entertain themselves. That’s why it’s important to provide them with enough exercise and mental challenges throughout the day.

Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and games like hide-and-seek can keep your dog busy and tire them out mentally. Plus, a tired dog is less likely to get into trouble. Incorporating these activities into your daily routine will support your overall behavioural training for dogs by keeping their minds active and engaged.

Step 3: Address Any Underlying Anxiety

Sometimes, chewing can be a sign of anxiety, especially if it happens when you’re not home. Dogs may chew on furniture or other household items to cope with their feelings of stress or loneliness if this sounds like your dog, behaviour modification for dogs may need to focus on addressing separation anxiety or other stressors.

You can start by leaving your dog with comforting items, such as a blanket or an old shirt that smells like you. You might also want to try crate training or using calming aids like music or anxiety wraps when you’re away. Remember, reducing anxiety will lead to better behavior overall.

Step 4: Use Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a cornerstone of behavioural training for dogs. Whenever your dog chews on an appropriate item (like their chew toy), reward them with praise, treats, or playtime. Over time, your dog will learn that chewing on their toy leads to good things, while chewing on the furniture doesn’t.

Avoid punishing your dog for chewing on the wrong items, as this can create fear and confusion. Instead, focus on reinforcing the behaviors you want to see. This method not only strengthens your bond with your dog but also makes the training process more enjoyable for both of you.

Step 5: Puppy-Proof Your Home

If your dog is still learning what they can and can’t chew on, it’s a good idea to minimize their access to tempting items. Keep valuable furniture out of reach or use pet gates to block off certain areas of the house. You can also try applying pet-safe deterrent sprays to furniture to make it less appealing for your dog to chew.

While this isn’t a permanent solution, it can give you some peace of mind while your dog goes through their behaviour modification journey.

Step 6: Invest in Professional Training

If you’ve tried these steps and your dog is still chewing on furniture, it might be time to seek professional help. Professional dog behaviour training can provide the tools and guidance you need to correct the behaviour effectively.

At advanced levels, like those offered by academies such as K9 Academy, professional trainers can tailor a program specifically for your dog’s unique needs. They can help address deeper behavioural issues that may be contributing to the chewing and create a plan that ensures long-term success.

Final Thoughts

Getting your dog to stop chewing on furniture isn’t something that happens overnight, but it’s entirely possible with patience, consistency, and the right approach to behaviour modification for dogs. Start by understanding the root of the problem, provide alternatives, and keep your dog engaged with proper training.

Remember, dogs are quick learners when given the right guidance. So, put these tips into action, and soon enough, your dog will happily be chewing on their toys instead of your favourite armchair!