A dog chewing furniture can be expensive and frustrating, but it is worth looking beyond the damaged chair leg. Chewing may be a normal behaviour, a sign your dog needs a more suitable outlet, or a clue that something else is going on. The aim is to prevent further damage while working out the likely reason.
Start with management, not punishment
Make furniture harder to access when you cannot supervise, tidy tempting items away and give your dog a calm area with things they are allowed to use. Punishment after the event is unlikely to show a dog what you wanted instead; it can also add stress to an already difficult situation.
Give your dog legal things to do
Dogs benefit from a mixture of appropriate activity: walks suited to their needs, sniffing, training, play, rest and safe enrichment. For some dogs, a supervised chew can be one part of that picture. It is not a cure for boredom, anxiety or destructive behaviour, but it can be a useful, calm activity when chosen properly.
If you are considering a chew, start with our dog chew safety guidance and choose the correct size using our yak chew size guide. Our comparison of yak chews and antlers may also help you think about texture and ingredients.
Look for patterns
Keep a simple note of when the chewing happens. Is it only when your dog is left alone? Is it focused on one room or one item? Has the behaviour appeared suddenly? These details can help a vet or qualified behaviour professional understand the situation.
Destructive chewing can be one sign of separation-related distress, and pain or other medical issues can also influence behaviour. PDSA advises speaking to a vet or qualified behaviourist if you think a dog is struggling with separation anxiety. Read PDSA’s guidance on separation anxiety.
A practical reset for the next few days
For the immediate future, prevent rehearsal of the behaviour: close doors, use a safe barrier where appropriate and remove easy targets. Build in calm, supervised activities rather than waiting for your dog to find their own activity. Then note the time, place and circumstances whenever chewing occurs. This is useful information, not a test your dog can fail.
Avoid taking an item from a dog by force. If your dog guards objects, growls, appears frightened or you feel unsafe, seek help from a qualified professional rather than trying to manage the situation alone.
When to get professional help
Speak to your vet promptly if the behaviour is new, intense, linked with signs of fear or distress, or accompanied by changes in appetite, sleep, toileting or movement. Ask for a behaviour referral where appropriate.
Guidance only: this article is not a diagnosis or a substitute for veterinary or professional behaviour advice. Never leave a dog unsupervised with a chew.