If you're a dog owner in Baltimore-Harford, MD, you’ve probably come home to find a chewed-up shoe, a gnawed-on table leg, or bits of couch cushion on the floor. It’s frustrating—and often expensive—but it’s also a common issue for many Baltimore-Harford pet owners. Whether your dog is a curious puppy or an anxious older dog, unwanted chewing is something that can often be prevented with a few consistent changes.
At DoodyCalls of Baltimore-Harford, we understand that being a responsible pet parent goes beyond picking up waste. It’s also about creating a safe and happy home for your dog (and your furniture). So let’s talk about how to keep your dog from chewing on things in your home that aren’t their toys—in ways that work for your lifestyle and your pet’s well-being.
Why dogs chew on household items in the first place
Before we talk solutions, it’s important to understand why your dog is chewing on inappropriate items in the first place. Most of the time, chewing isn’t just “bad behavior”—it’s a sign that something else is going on.
Here are a few common reasons:
Teething (for puppies): Much like human babies, puppies experience discomfort as their teeth grow in, and chewing helps relieve the pressure.
Boredom: Dogs need mental stimulation and exercise. Without it, they’ll make their own entertainment.
Separation anxiety: Dogs left alone too long may chew to cope with stress or loneliness.
Lack of training: If they’ve never been taught what’s okay to chew, they’ll treat everything as fair game.
Scent or taste: Your slippers smell like you—and to a dog, that makes them irresistible.
The good news? Once you understand the “why,” you can take steps to redirect their chewing in healthier ways.
Tips for keeping your Baltimore-Harford dog from chewing the wrong things
1. Puppy-proof your home like you would for a toddler
If you live in Baltimore-Harford, your home might be filled with shoes by the front door, kids’ toys on the floor, or tempting wires and cords. Start by getting anything chewable up and out of reach. Don’t give your dog access to tempting items and expect them to ignore them.
Put shoes in closets, secure cords with covers, and use baby gates to block off certain rooms if necessary. This isn't about punishment—it’s about setting your dog up for success.
2. Provide a variety of appropriate chew toys
Not all chew toys are created equal. Try out a few different types—rubber toys, plush toys, or edible chews—to see what your dog prefers. In Baltimore-Harford, many local pet stores (and even vet offices) carry high-quality chew toys designed specifically to satisfy different chewing needs.
If your dog is chewing because of anxiety, try toys that can be stuffed with peanut butter or frozen treats. These encourage licking and chewing, which can have a calming effect.
3. Use positive reinforcement and redirection
Yelling “No!” every time your dog chews the remote control won’t get you very far. Instead, calmly redirect their attention to a toy and reward them when they chew on the right item. Consistency is key.
If you catch them chewing something off-limits, interrupt with a firm but gentle “Uh-uh,” offer a toy, and praise when they make the switch.
4. Exercise their body and their brain
Baltimore-Harford pet owners know how active their dogs can be—especially with so many great parks and trails nearby. Regular walks, games of fetch, and even agility exercises can help burn off excess energy that might otherwise go into destructive chewing.
Don’t forget mental stimulation too. Puzzle feeders, training games, and scent-based toys can give your dog something to focus on during the day.
5. Try deterrent sprays if needed
Sometimes, you need a little help from modern tools. Bitter apple sprays or other taste deterrents can be applied to furniture legs, shoes, or other common chew targets. These are safe for pets but make chewing far less appealing.
Just be sure to combine deterrents with proper redirection. Otherwise, your dog might just move on to a different chew target in your home.
When to call in the professionals
If your dog’s chewing seems severe or destructive despite your best efforts, it may be time to consult a professional trainer or your vet. There could be an underlying medical issue or deep-rooted behavioral concern that needs more attention.
Living in Baltimore-Harford, you have access to excellent veterinary care and qualified dog trainers who can help you get to the bottom of persistent chewing problems.
A final word from Baltimore-Harford
At DoodyCalls of Baltimore-Harford, we may specialize in pet waste removal, but we’re also passionate about supporting happy, healthy homes for dogs and their humans. Keeping your dog from chewing the wrong things helps protect your belongings—and keeps your dog safer too.
And if you ever need help keeping your yard clean while you focus on training and bonding with your dog, we’re just a phone call away.