Dogs love to chew, but some seem to chew more intensely and destructively than others. If your dog shreds toys, destroys furniture, or gnaws through anything in sight, you might be dealing with an aggressive chewer.
This topic explores why dogs become aggressive chewers, how to manage their chewing behavior, and what types of chew toys are best for them.
Understanding Aggressive Chewing in Dogs
Chewing is a natural instinct for dogs. It helps them explore their environment, relieve stress, and keep their teeth healthy. However, aggressive chewing goes beyond normal behavior and can become destructive if not properly managed.
Common Reasons for Aggressive Chewing
1. Teething in Puppies
If you have a puppy, aggressive chewing may be caused by teething. Puppies start teething around 3 to 6 weeks old, and their adult teeth come in between 3 to 6 months old.
During this stage, they chew to:
- Soothe gum pain.
- Help their teeth grow properly.
- Explore their surroundings.
Providing the right teething toys can help reduce destructive chewing.
2. Boredom and Lack of Stimulation
Dogs need mental and physical exercise. If they don’t get enough, they may resort to chewing as a way to entertain themselves.
Signs your dog is chewing out of boredom:
- Excessive chewing when left alone.
- Destructive behavior when not exercised.
- Chewing random household objects instead of toys.
To prevent boredom, provide your dog with interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular playtime.
3. Anxiety or Stress
Dogs chew when they feel anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed. Common triggers include:
- Separation anxiety – Dogs left alone for long periods may chew to cope with stress.
- Loud noises – Thunderstorms, fireworks, or household sounds can make dogs nervous.
- Changes in environment – Moving to a new home or a change in routine can increase anxiety.
If your dog chews excessively when anxious, try calming treats, training exercises, or anxiety-relief toys.
4. High Energy Levels
Some breeds have higher energy levels and stronger chewing instincts than others. Working breeds, herding dogs, and hunting breeds often need more stimulation to stay satisfied.
Examples of high-energy aggressive chewers include:
- Labrador Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Border Collies
- Jack Russell Terriers
These dogs need plenty of exercise, training, and strong chew toys to keep them engaged.
5. Lack of Proper Chew Toys
If dogs don’t have appropriate chew toys, they will chew on anything available—furniture, shoes, or even walls.
To prevent this, provide:
- Durable rubber toys (e.g., Kong, Nylabone).
- Rope toys for tugging and chewing.
- Hard chews like antlers or beef bones (supervised).
6. Instinctual Behavior
Some dogs are naturally strong chewers due to their breed history. For example:
- Retrievers and Sporting Dogs – Bred to carry objects in their mouths.
- Terriers – Have strong jaws for catching small prey.
- Mastiffs and Pit Bulls – Known for powerful bite strength.
Understanding your dog’s breed tendencies can help you choose the right toys and training methods.
7. Dental Health Issues
If your dog suddenly becomes an aggressive chewer, they might have dental problems. Chewing can relieve pain from:
- Tooth decay or cavities.
- Gum disease.
- Broken or loose teeth.
Regular vet check-ups and dental cleanings are essential to rule out health issues.
How to Manage Aggressive Chewing
If your dog’s chewing is becoming a problem, follow these steps to control and redirect their behavior.
1. Provide Durable Chew Toys
Invest in tough, long-lasting chew toys designed for aggressive chewers. Some of the best options include:
- Kong Extreme – Stuff it with treats or peanut butter for extra engagement.
- Nylabone Power Chew – Designed for strong chewers.
- Benebone Wishbone – Tough, flavored chews for long-lasting enjoyment.
- Goughnuts Rings – Nearly indestructible rubber chew toys.
2. Rotate Toys Regularly
Dogs can get bored with the same toys. Rotate different chew toys every few days to keep their interest and prevent destructive chewing.
3. Supervise and Correct Chewing Behavior
If your dog chews on something inappropriate, follow these steps:
- Interrupt the behavior – Say “No” or “Leave it” firmly but calmly.
- Redirect to an appropriate toy – Hand them a chew toy instead.
- Reward good behavior – Praise and give a treat when they chew the right item.
Consistency is key to teaching them what’s acceptable to chew.
4. Increase Physical Exercise
A tired dog is less likely to chew out of boredom. Make sure your dog gets enough daily exercise, including:
- Walks (at least 30-60 minutes).
- Playtime (fetch, tug-of-war, agility).
- Training sessions (mental stimulation).
5. Use Chew Deterrent Sprays
If your dog chews furniture, shoes, or other household items, try using a bitter-tasting chew deterrent spray like:
- Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray.
- Rocco & Roxie No Chew Spray.
- Vet’s Best Bitter Cherry Spray.
These sprays make objects taste unpleasant, discouraging chewing.
6. Address Anxiety and Stress
If your dog chews due to anxiety, try:
- Calming supplements (CBD treats, chamomile-infused chews).
- Anxiety wraps (ThunderShirt).
- Desensitization training for separation anxiety.
7. Avoid Giving Household Items as Chew Toys
Never give old shoes or socks as chew toys. This can confuse dogs and make them think all shoes are fair game.
8. Consider Professional Training
If aggressive chewing continues despite your efforts, consult a dog trainer or behaviorist for personalized guidance.
When to Be Concerned
While aggressive chewing is normal for many dogs, it can become a serious issue if:
- Your dog chews obsessively or frantically.
- They swallow pieces of objects, which can cause choking or intestinal blockage.
- Their chewing habits suddenly change, indicating dental pain or illness.
In these cases, a veterinary check-up is recommended.
Aggressive chewing in dogs is usually caused by natural instincts, teething, boredom, anxiety, or a lack of proper chew toys. While chewing is a normal behavior, destructive chewing can be managed through training, exercise, and durable toys.
By understanding why your dog chews aggressively and using the right strategies, you can keep their chewing habits under control while keeping them happy and healthy.