If you're a dog owner in North Dallas, TX, you’ve likely come home at least once to find your favorite shoe, couch corner, or remote control half-chewed and wet with slobber. It’s frustrating, it’s expensive—and let’s be honest—it’s sometimes hard to stay mad when your pup looks up with those guilty eyes. But constant chewing on things that aren’t toys can lead to damaged furniture, injured pets, and a lot of stress.
At DoodyCalls of North Dallas, we know how much you love your dog—and we know how challenging it can be to curb unwanted chewing behaviors. That’s why we’re sharing some tried-and-true tips for North Dallas pet owners to stop the destruction and keep your home intact.
Understand why your dog is chewing
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs of all ages. Puppies chew as a way to soothe teething pain, while adult dogs chew to keep their jaws strong and their teeth clean. But excessive or inappropriate chewing often points to deeper issues like:
Boredom
Separation anxiety
Lack of exercise
Lack of mental stimulation
Hunger or diet deficiencies
If your dog is chewing on everything but their toys, the first step is to get to the root of the problem. Are they getting enough exercise? Are they alone for long periods during the day? Are they eating a balanced diet?
Once you understand the why, it’s easier to create a plan to fix it.
Provide enough physical and mental stimulation
Dogs in North Dallas—especially larger breeds like labs, retrievers, and shepherds—need plenty of daily exercise. A quick walk around the block may not be enough. Try adding:
Trips to local dog parks like Wagging Tail Dog Park or NorthBark Dog Park
Structured playtime in the backyard
Interactive toys that make your dog work for treats
Training sessions that challenge their brains
A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. If you burn off their energy in healthy ways, they’re much less likely to chew on things they shouldn’t.
Make your home chew-proof (at least at first)
If your dog is new to your North Dallas home or still learning the rules, it’s smart to limit their access to tempting targets. Try:
Using baby gates to block off rooms
Putting shoes, bags, and cords out of reach
Spraying furniture legs and cords with dog-safe bitter spray
Crating your dog when you're away if they’re crate-trained and comfortable
Just like you’d baby-proof a home for a toddler, preparing your North Dallas dog to succeed starts with removing temptations.
Offer appropriate chew toys—and rotate them often
Not all toys are created equal. Many pet owners assume their dogs have “plenty of toys,” but often those toys are worn out, not interesting, or not the right texture for your dog’s chewing needs.
Stock up on a variety of chew-friendly toys, such as:
Rubber toys (like KONGs stuffed with peanut butter)
Rope toys
Natural chews like bully sticks or antlers
Frozen treats or puzzle toys
Rotate toys every few days to keep things interesting. North Dallas pet owners can find great options at local pet stores or order from trusted online retailers.
Don’t punish—redirect
It’s easy to get frustrated when you find a chewed-up cushion. But yelling or punishing your dog after the fact won’t help—they won’t connect your anger to their earlier actions.
Instead, focus on redirecting the behavior:
If you catch them in the act, say a firm “no” and immediately offer a toy.
Praise them generously when they chew the right thing.
Be consistent, calm, and patient.
Over time, your dog will start to understand what’s okay to chew—and what isn’t.
Rule out medical or dietary issues
If your dog seems obsessed with chewing or eating non-food items (a condition called pica), it may be time to check with your vet. Nutrient deficiencies, dental pain, or even digestive issues can cause dogs to chew on strange objects.
North Dallas veterinarians are a great local resource for checking on your pup’s overall health and making sure there’s no underlying issue causing the behavior.
Consistency is key
Whether you’re training a new puppy or re-training an adult dog, consistency is everything. North Dallas pet owners should stick to a routine, set clear boundaries, and keep up with positive reinforcement.
It won’t change overnight, but with time, your dog will learn what’s theirs to chew—and what’s off-limits.
Let DoodyCalls of North Dallas help with the not-so-fun part of pet ownership
While you're working on training and protecting your furniture, don't forget that a clean yard can help reduce stress—for both you and your pup. At DoodyCalls of North Dallas, we specialize in pet waste removal services so you can spend more time playing and less time cleaning.
Ready to make life with your dog a little easier? Contact us today to learn more about how we help North Dallas pet owners enjoy a cleaner, fresher outdoor space.