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5 Tips to Stop Puppies From Chewing Everything in Sight

Rachel M.
by Rachel M.
Published:  August 20th, 2025

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but many new dog owners are quickly reminded that puppies have a natural tendency to chew anything within reach—shoes, furniture, cords, and sometimes even your hands. 


While chewing is a normal behavior that helps with teething, exploration, and stress relief, it can become destructive if it’s not managed properly. 


The good news is that with the right guidance and consistency, you can redirect this behavior and protect your belongings. Here are five effective tips to stop puppies from chewing everything in sight.


Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Puppy chewing woman's foot - image via Canva

Table of contents

1. Provide Plenty of Chew Toys

Puppies chew because they need an outlet. Instead of scolding them, give them appropriate alternatives. Durable chew toys, rubber bones, and teething rings are great choices. Rotate toys frequently to keep things exciting.

2. Puppy-Proof Your Home

Just like baby-proofing, puppy-proofing your space is essential. Keep shoes, remote controls, cables, and small objects out of reach.


You can also use baby gates to block off rooms with valuable or fragile items. The less temptation your puppy has, the easier it will be to teach them what’s acceptable to chew.

3. Use Deterrent Sprays

If your puppy is drawn to furniture legs or cords, a safe bitter apple spray can discourage chewing. These sprays don’t harm your pup but make the surface taste unpleasant.


Combine this with positive reinforcement, such as offering a toy when they back off from chewing the wrong thing.

Puppy chewing toy - image via Canva

4. Redirect With Training and Play

Chewing is often a sign of boredom or excess energy. Make sure your puppy gets daily exercise through walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation like puzzle toys or basic training games.


When you catch them chewing something off-limits, calmly redirect them to a chew toy instead of yelling, which can create anxiety.

5. Be Consistent and Patient

Training takes time. Everyone in the household needs to follow the same rules. If one person allows chewing on old slippers but another scolds, your puppy will only get confused.


Reward good chewing behavior with praise or treats and stay patient. Puppies eventually grow out of the heavy chewing phase, but consistent redirection speeds up the process.

Puppy chewing toy - image via Canva

Final Thoughts

Chewing is a natural part of puppy development, but it doesn’t have to mean destroyed furniture or endless frustration.


With chew toys, a puppy-proof environment, deterrents, plenty of playtime, and consistent training, you can guide your pup toward healthy habits.


Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are your best tools for raising a well-behaved, happy dog.


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Rachel M.
Rachel M.

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