Reviewed by Natural Farm Pet Team · Updated January 2026
TL;DR: How to Redirect Puppy Chewing
You cannot stop a dog from chewing, but you can redirect it. Chewing is a biological necessity that relieves anxiety, cleans teeth, and soothes teething pain. To stop destructive chewing (like furniture or shoes), you must provide high-value, species-appropriate alternatives. When your dog starts chewing an inappropriate item, firmly say "No," remove the item, and immediately replace it with a long-lasting, single-ingredient chew (like a Bully Stick or Beef Bone). Praise them when they chew the correct item.
You come home from work, ready to relax, only to find your favorite pair of shoes chewed to pieces. It is incredibly frustrating, but before you scold your pup, it is important to understand the biology behind the bite.
The simple act of chewing has been shown to increase serotonin levels in your dog's brain, naturally reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, chewing gets the stomach enzymes flowing to help your dog digest their food. Chewing is an innate behavior for dogs of all ages. If you try to completely stop this behavior, that pent-up energy will quickly turn into frustration and more destructive habits.
The goal is never to stop the chewing, but to redirect it. Below we will explore six reasons your dog may be chewing and how you can redirect the behavior to healthy, natural outlets.
📖 In This Article:
🔑 The Golden Rule of Dog Chewing: Never punish chewing — redirect it. Remove the inappropriate item, replace it with a high-value chew, and praise them when they engage with the correct option. Consistency is everything.
1. Separation Anxiety & Stress
Dogs are pack animals; they thrive in playful, stimulating, and social environments. When left isolated for long periods, a dog's anxiety can quickly manifest into destructive behavior, targeting items that smell like you (shoes, pillows, remote controls) as a coping mechanism.
2. Puppy Teething Pain
If you are wondering how to redirect puppy chewing, you first need to look at their gums. After a puppy is 12 weeks old, their adult teeth start to push through. This process is incredibly painful and causes intense inflammation in the gums.
To relieve this throbbing pain, puppies will instinctively gnaw on anything hard they can find (like chair legs or baseboards) to help the teeth break through the tissue.
3. Natural Dental Hygiene
Keeping your dog's teeth free of plaque and harmful bacteria is essential. Without a natural way to scrape their teeth, dogs develop diseased gums, which leads to difficulty eating and incredibly expensive veterinarian dental cleanings.
The redirect, not the punishment
Your dog isn't being "bad." They're fulfilling a biological need with the wrong target.
Give them something better to chew — odor-free, single-ingredient, and built to last.
Shop Redirection Chews →4. Hunger & Diet Restrictions
Just as humans might pace the kitchen looking for a snack when hungry, dogs will search for food by chewing on anything potentially edible. Chewing action physically stimulates enzyme production in the stomach, preparing the body for food.
5. Exploring the World (Curiosity)
Dogs, especially puppies, do not have hands to explore the world. They use their mouths. They will sniff an object, paw at it, and finally chew it to understand its texture and taste.
6. Pure Boredom
Often, dogs chew simply because it's fun and they have nothing better to do. If your dog is not getting enough physical exercise, they will redirect that pent-up physical energy into destructive chewing to mentally stimulate themselves.
Quick Reference: Which Chew for Which Problem?
Separation anxiety → Bully Springs
Teething pain → Collagen Sticks
Dental hygiene → Single-ingredient chews
Hunger/diet → Beef Gullet Sticks
Curiosity → Safe zone + Bully Sticks
Boredom → Beef Marrow Bones
Before we get into the FAQs — we send one exclusive deal a week to our community. Grass-fed treats, limited bundles, things the regular store doesn't carry. Join here if you're into that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dog chew everything?
Chewing is a biological necessity for dogs — not a behavioral problem. It releases serotonin (reducing stress), stimulates digestive enzymes, cleans teeth through mechanical friction, and soothes teething pain in puppies. If your dog is chewing inappropriately, it usually means they aren't getting enough mental stimulation, physical exercise, or access to appropriate chew outlets.
How do I stop my puppy from chewing furniture?
Don't punish — redirect. When you catch your puppy chewing furniture, calmly say "No," remove them from the item, and immediately offer a high-value chew like a collagen stick or bully stick. Praise them enthusiastically when they engage with the correct item. Consistency is critical — every family member must enforce the same redirect. Also manage the environment by puppy-proofing rooms and using a crate or playpen when unsupervised.
When do puppies stop teething?
Puppies typically start teething around 12 weeks and finish by 6-7 months when all 42 adult teeth have come in. During this period, they experience significant gum inflammation and will chew aggressively to relieve the pain. Providing elastic, soothing chews (like collagen sticks) during this phase helps redirect the behavior away from furniture and household items.
Do older dogs chew destructively too?
Yes. While teething is a puppy issue, adult and senior dogs chew for other reasons — separation anxiety, boredom, hunger, dental discomfort, or simply habit. If an adult dog suddenly starts destructive chewing after years of good behavior, it could signal a health issue (dental pain, cognitive changes) or increased anxiety. See your vet to rule out medical causes, then address the behavioral root cause with appropriate chew alternatives.
What's the best chew for a dog with separation anxiety?
For separation anxiety, you want a chew that provides intense mental engagement and lasts a long time. Bully Springs are excellent because their unique coiled shape forces the dog to problem-solve while chewing, which tires the brain and encourages sleep. Give the chew right as you leave so your dog associates your departure with a high-value reward rather than isolation.
Related Articles
Stop the Destruction. Start the Redirection.
Chewing is an instinctual behavior that allows dogs to survive. By providing high-quality, single-ingredient chews, you are not only keeping your shoes safe, but you are actively improving your dog's mental health and dental hygiene.
