If you’ve ever walked into your living room and found a chewed-up shoe, a gnawed table leg, or worse—your TV remote turned into a pile of plastic—you’re not alone. Central Suffolk pet owners know the struggle all too well. Whether your dog is a curious puppy or an adult who’s never outgrown the habit, destructive chewing is one of the most frustrating behaviors to deal with.
At DoodyCalls of Central Suffolk, we talk with pet parents every day who are tired of picking up the pieces—literally. Chewing is natural for dogs, but that doesn’t mean they should have free reign over your furniture, shoes, and personal belongings.
Let’s talk about why dogs chew, and more importantly, how to redirect that behavior in a way that keeps both your dog and your belongings safe.
Why dogs chew on things that aren’t toys
Dogs chew for several reasons—and the cause might depend on your dog’s age, breed, and even emotional state.
Here are a few common reasons Central Suffolk dogs might be chewing on things they shouldn’t:
Teething pain (puppies): Puppies chew to relieve discomfort from growing teeth.
Boredom: Dogs left alone for long periods without stimulation will look for their own entertainment.
Separation anxiety: Your dog may chew when they’re stressed or miss you.
Lack of training: If your dog has never been shown what’s okay to chew, they’ll experiment.
Natural instinct: Chewing is simply how dogs explore the world.
Whatever the reason, the goal is to redirect that chewing behavior in a healthy and productive way. Here’s how.
1. Start with proper supervision and containment
If your dog is still learning what’s off-limits, it’s important to limit their access to tempting chewable items—like shoes, furniture legs, kids' toys, or electrical cords.
When you’re not home, crate training or using a designated dog-safe room can make a big difference. Many Central Suffolk dog owners find that consistent supervision paired with a safe space reduces destructive behavior significantly.
2. Provide appropriate chew toys (and lots of them)
It may sound obvious, but sometimes the solution is just better alternatives. Make sure your dog has access to a variety of safe, dog-approved chew toys. Look for toys that are:
Durable and age-appropriate
Engaging (like toys that squeak or hold treats)
Textured to relieve teething pain or jaw tension
For Central Suffolk dogs, rotating toys every few days keeps things interesting, especially during long winter months when outdoor time may be limited.
3. Exercise their body and mind
A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Boredom and pent-up energy often lead to chewing out of frustration.
If you live in Central Suffolk, take advantage of local dog parks, walking trails, and dog-friendly beaches. A long walk or a good game of fetch can work wonders. Indoors, puzzle toys and training exercises help tire your dog out mentally, giving them less reason to turn to the couch leg for entertainment.
4. Use deterrent sprays strategically
There are safe, bitter-tasting sprays you can apply to furniture legs, shoes, or baseboards. These make the item unappealing to chew. Just be sure to pair this with redirection—when your dog backs off from the item, immediately offer an appropriate chew toy and reward them for taking it.
Consistency is key here. Don’t rely solely on deterrents—they’re best used as part of a larger training plan.
5. Avoid punishment and focus on positive reinforcement
Yelling or punishing your dog for chewing won’t teach them what not to chew—it’ll just confuse or scare them. Instead, use positive reinforcement to show them the right choices.
When your dog chews their own toy, praise them, give them treats, or offer more playtime. This teaches them that chewing the right thing gets them what they want.
6. Rule out medical or behavioral issues
If your dog’s chewing seems obsessive or started suddenly, it might be worth talking to your vet. Some Central Suffolk pet owners discover underlying issues, like dental pain, nutritional deficiencies, or anxiety, that contribute to destructive chewing.
Keep your home (and sanity) intact
At DoodyCalls of Central Suffolk, we understand that life with dogs can be messy—but your home doesn’t have to be a chew toy battlefield. With a little strategy and a lot of patience, you can help your dog make better chewing choices and preserve your furniture, shoes, and peace of mind.
And while you're tackling chewing problems, don't forget about pet waste cleanup. We’re here to help with that part—so you can spend more time enjoying your pup and less time dealing with the not-so-fun side of pet ownership.
Whether you’re a new dog owner or just looking to improve your current routine, Central Suffolk dog parents deserve peace of mind—and a chew-free home.
Need help with pet waste cleanup while you train your dog? Contact DoodyCalls of Central Suffolk today for a cleaner, fresher yard—without lifting a scoop.