How to Stop Chewing Behaviour

How to Stop Chewing Behaviour with Smart Dog Training

If you are searching for how to stop chewing behaviour you are not alone. Chewing can be normal at certain stages of life yet it can quickly turn into a stressful problem when shoes cords furniture and walls are in the mix. At Smart Dog Training we use a clear step by step plan to stop chewing behaviour while protecting your home and meeting your dog’s needs. Every programme is delivered by a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer SMDT so you get trusted guidance from day one.

This guide explains how to stop chewing behaviour the Smart way. You will learn what causes chewing the simple home changes that prevent it the training steps that redirect it and how to build calm habits that last. Whether you have a teething puppy or an adult dog this plan will help you stop chewing behaviour without confusion or conflict.

Why Dogs Chew and What It Means

To understand how to stop chewing behaviour you first need to know why dogs chew. Chewing is a natural activity that releases tension provides oral comfort and gives a rewarding outlet for energy. It becomes a problem when it targets unsafe or valuable items or when it happens due to stress.

Normal chewing versus problem chewing

• Normal chewing is directed to safe items lasts a reasonable time and leaves your dog relaxed.
• Problem chewing targets doors skirting toys that are unsafe or personal items and often happens when your dog is over aroused stressed or under stimulated.

Development and teething

Puppies chew more during teething as gums feel sore and pressure brings relief. Knowing how to stop chewing behaviour in puppies starts with planned outlets and smart supervision that match this stage.

Stress and unmet needs

Adult dogs often chew when they feel worried bored or restless. If daily routines do not provide mental work and calm rest your dog may create their own outlet. When you learn how to stop chewing behaviour you also learn how to meet those needs in a healthy way.

The Smart Framework to Stop Chewing Behaviour

Smart Dog Training uses a practical framework so you can stop chewing behaviour quickly and kindly. Our SMDT trainers apply this in every home.

• Manage the environment to prevent mistakes while learning.
• Provide the right chew outlets at the right times.
• Train clear cues that interrupt and redirect calmly.
• Build routines for exercise rest and enrichment so chewing becomes a choice on safe items.
• Review progress each week and make small adjustments guided by your SMDT.

When you follow this plan you will see how to stop chewing behaviour in a way that reduces stress improves focus and protects your bond.

Assessment First Find the Root Cause

Every Smart programme starts with a simple assessment. To stop chewing behaviour we need to know when where and why it happens.

• Map the moments. Note time of day energy levels last walk and last meal. Most dogs chew more when tired hungry or under rested.
• Identify targets. Shoes cords remote controls table legs or skirting each tells us about placement and access.
• Check health comfort. Sore gums mouth discomfort or stress from change in routine can fuel chewing.

This assessment shows you how to stop chewing behaviour at the source rather than only reacting after the damage is done.

Management That Works Today

Management is the quickest way to stop chewing behaviour right now while training takes effect. Smart Dog Training recommends practical controls that are easy to keep up.

• Use doors baby gates and pens to limit access to at risk rooms.
• Place shoes bags and children’s toys in closed storage.
• Run cables in trunking or behind furniture and use cord covers where needed.
• Offer safe chew stations in the rooms you use most so your dog has a clear yes item nearby.

With management in place you will see fewer mistakes which makes it far easier to show your dog how to stop chewing behaviour in a calm and consistent way.

Puppy Plan to Stop Chewing Behaviour

Puppies need a targeted plan. At Smart Dog Training we use a simple routine that reduces teething discomfort and channels energy into safe outlets. This is how to stop chewing behaviour before it sticks.

Structure the day

• Short training and play windows followed by rest help prevent frantic biting and destruction.
• Regular naps in a pen or crate create a rhythm that keeps chewing under control.
• Supervised freedom grows as your puppy proves they can choose the right items.

Provide cold comfort

• Rotate chilled or frozen safe chews to soothe gums and give a long lasting outlet.
• Offer different textures like rubber silicone or durable fabric to maintain interest.

When owners ask how to stop chewing behaviour in puppies the answer is not more scolding. It is structure comfort and choice delivered with support from a Smart Master Dog Trainer.

Adult Dogs How to Stop Chewing Behaviour That Has Become a Habit

Adult dogs can learn new habits quickly when the plan is clear. Smart Dog Training uses targeted enrichment and choice based redirection so you can stop chewing behaviour without friction.

Replace the reward

• Chewing reduces stress. We replace that feeling with allowed chews that satisfy the same need.
• Offer these during the times damage used to occur such as after walks or in the early evening.

Build calm as a skill

• Teach a settle on a mat so your dog can switch off in busy rooms.
• Pair settle time with a safe chew to deepen the habit.

Within days you will see how to stop chewing behaviour by shaping choices rather than fighting instincts.

Chew Item Criteria Set Your Dog Up to Succeed

To stop chewing behaviour you must make the right thing easy and rewarding. Smart Dog Training sets simple criteria for safe and effective chew items.

• Durable and size appropriate so pieces do not break off.
• Interesting textures that invite chewing without splintering.
• Easy to clean and rotate so novelty stays high.
• Used within supervised windows at first so good habits lock in.

Keep a small basket of approved chews in each living area. When you see sniffing or scanning for trouble you will know how to stop chewing behaviour by offering the basket first.

Training Cues That Interrupt and Redirect

When used the Smart way a few simple cues will stop chewing behaviour in the moment without stress.

Trade

Teach a cheerful swap so your dog happily releases found items. We make the trade generous at the start then fade the food rewards as the habit forms.

Leave it

Leave it means pause and look back to you. We start with easy setups and build to real life objects. This cue is central to how to stop chewing behaviour before it starts.

Settle

Settle is a calm down shift taught with a mat and quiet reinforcement. It is one of the most reliable ways to stop chewing behaviour during busy family time.

Home Proofing That Protects Your Space

Practical home proofing makes it easier to stop chewing behaviour while trust grows.

• Crates and pens offer safe rest and remove temptation.
• Use gates to create a calm zone when guests arrive or when you cannot supervise.
• Keep a routine clean up so stray items do not invite a mistake.

Home proofing is not forever. As you apply how to stop chewing behaviour with training and structure you can reduce barriers and enjoy more freedom.

Routines That Reduce Chewing

Dogs thrive on predictable rhythms. Smart Dog Training programmes show owners how to stop chewing behaviour by balancing exercise mental work and rest.

• Short focused walks with sniffing and training breaks produce a calmer dog than long frantic outings.
• Daily brain work like simple scent searches or food puzzles takes the edge off and supports calm.
• Protected rest windows prevent over tired chewing that often peaks in the evening.

Enrichment That Redirects Chewing

Enrichment is not extra. It is part of how to stop chewing behaviour because it uses the brain and mouth in a healthy way.

• Scatter feeding and easy scent games turn mealtime into a calming activity.
• Food puzzles and slow feeders encourage problem solving and lick based calming.
• Chew and lick rotations keep interest high while protecting your furnishings.

Use a simple rotation. Offer a chew or lick activity for a set period then tidy away. This rhythm shows your dog how to stop chewing behaviour through structured choice.

Alone Time and Separation Chewing

Some dogs chew only when left. To stop chewing behaviour linked to alone time Smart Dog Training takes a gradual approach.

• Teach independence while you are home by settling your dog in one room while you move around the house.
• Build micro absences that your dog can handle then slowly extend duration.
• Pair alone time with a safe chew only during practice so it becomes a positive signal.

If you need a tailored plan our SMDT team can guide you through every step so you know exactly how to stop chewing behaviour linked to separation.

Nutrition and Oral Comfort

Comfort matters when you want to stop chewing behaviour. Offer safe chew textures that soothe the mouth and keep hydration consistent. If your dog seems uncomfortable when eating or chewing speak with your Smart Dog Training coach so we can adjust your plan and keep training on track.

Common Mistakes That Keep Chewing Going

• Scolding after the fact. Your dog will not link the scold to the earlier chewing. It does not show them how to stop chewing behaviour next time.
• Too much freedom too soon. Expand space gradually as habits improve.
• Inconsistent rules. If slippers are sometimes play and sometimes off limits your dog will stay confused.
• Ignoring rest. Tired dogs chew more. Protect nap windows.

Week by Week Progress Plan

Week one

• Full management in place and chew stations set.
• Begin trade leave it and settle basics.
• Track peak times so you can predict and redirect.

Week two

• Reduce access to problem rooms and expand calm zone time.
• Introduce short independence sessions with a chew.
• Rotate enrichment to keep novelty high.

Week three

• Increase real life practice for leave it with household items.
• Grow settle duration during family time.
• Begin to relax management where success is consistent.

Week four and beyond

• Review results with your SMDT and refine. Most families now see how to stop chewing behaviour has become a daily habit that just works.

Ready to start solving your dog’s behaviour challenges? Book a Free Assessment and speak to a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer in your area.

Real Homes Real Results

Smart Dog Training programmes are built for busy lives. We show you how to stop chewing behaviour with simple steps you can use today. Clients report quieter evenings fewer incidents and a dog that settles faster because the plan meets real needs. Your SMDT will keep things clear so you always know what to do next.

FAQs About How to Stop Chewing Behaviour

Why does my puppy chew everything

Teething discomfort curiosity and fatigue drive puppy chewing. The Smart plan uses structure chilled chews and short supervised play to stop chewing behaviour before it sticks.

Will my dog grow out of chewing

Not always. Many dogs keep the habit if it has worked for stress relief. Teaching alternatives is how to stop chewing behaviour for good.

What should I do when I catch my dog chewing the wrong thing

Stay calm approach with a friendly trade cue and swap for an approved chew. Then secure the area. This shows your dog how to stop chewing behaviour without fear.

How long does it take to see results

With full management and daily practice most homes see big changes within two to three weeks. Your SMDT will set realistic milestones and keep you on track.

Do I need a crate to stop chewing behaviour

A crate or pen is very helpful for rest and safety but your SMDT will tailor the setup to your dog. The aim is calm choice not confinement.

What if my dog only chews when I leave the house

That suggests separation related chewing. We use gradual independence training and strategic chews during practice. A Smart Master Dog Trainer will guide you step by step.

Conclusion

Now you know how to stop chewing behaviour with a plan that protects your home and supports your dog. Smart Dog Training builds success through assessment management targeted outlets and clear training cues. With consistent routines and the right support your dog will relax more settle faster and choose safe chews without fuss.

Your dog deserves more than guesswork. Work with a certified Smart Master Dog Trainer SMDT and create lasting change. Find a Trainer Near You