I still remember the afternoon my Labrador mix, Max, decided my favorite running shoes were the enemy. I sat on the floor, heart pounding, watching tiny white teeth leave stains in the leather. I wondered aloud: when do dogs stop chewing? That moment taught me how personal and unsettling chewing can feel when it happens in your home.
Chewing is a normal part of being a dog. Dogs chew to explore, ease teething pain, exercise their jaws, and soothe mild anxiety. As I learned from caring for Max, understanding puppy chewing behavior makes it easier to respond with patience instead of frustration.
Puppies often intensify chewing during teething as baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in; for many dogs this phase eases by about six months. But juvenile and adolescent chewing can continue longer. Knowing when does puppy chewing phase end depends on breed, energy level, training, and environment.
In this article I’ll explain why dogs chew, typical timelines for when dogs stop chewing, and practical strategies to redirect chewing toward safe items. This way, you can protect your home and keep your dog comfortable.
Key Takeaways
- Chewing is normal and serves several physical and emotional needs.
- Puppy teething chewing often eases by about six months.
- Adolescent chewing can persist; many dogs improve by 12–18 months.
- When does puppy chewing phase end varies by breed, energy, and training.
- Understanding puppy chewing behavior helps you redirect chewing to safe options.
Understanding why dogs chew: normal behavior and instincts
I watch dogs chew and think about what drives that need. Dogs chew for many reasons, both instinctual and learned. It's how they explore, soothe, and interact with their world.
I divide the reasons into two main groups. One is about their body's needs and growth. The other is about their feelings and the world around them. Knowing this helps me find the right solution for each dog.
Biological reasons for chewing
Puppies chew to ease teething pain and to test new textures. Adult dogs chew to keep teeth clean and to exercise their jaw muscles. It's a way for them to explore with their mouths, like babies do with their hands.
Chew toys, frozen treats, or dental chews can calm an overactive mouth. I always suggest vet-approved options for dental health.
Emotional and environmental triggers
Chewing can be due to boredom, mild anxiety, or frustration. Dogs without enough to do will chew. Some dogs chew to get a reaction from their owners, which can make the habit worse.
Specific reasons include separation anxiety chewing, fabric-sucking from early weaning, and hunger chewing on restricted diets. Knowing these triggers helps me choose the right approach, like enrichment, training, or a vet visit.
| Trigger | Typical Signs | Common Interventions |
|---|---|---|
| Teething | Gnawing, swollen gums, sudden interest in textures | Cold chew toys, teething rings, supervised chewing time |
| Jaw exercise & dental care | Steady chewing on safe chews, preference for firm textures | Dental chews, regular dental checks, durable toys |
| Boredom | Destructive chewing when alone, mixed activity level | Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, daily walks |
| Mild anxiety / separation anxiety | Chewing accompanied by whining, pacing, accidents | Gradual desensitization, safe confinement, professional behavior help |
| Learned attention-seeking | Chewing when people react, repeating after attention | Ignore unwanted chewing, reward calm alternatives, consistent routines |
| Hunger-driven chewing | Targeting food-related items, searching trash or wrappers | Adjust diet with vet guidance, timed feeding, secure storage |
when do dogs stop chewing
Many people ask me about when dogs stop chewing. Chewing is a natural part of a dog's growth. But, owners want to know when it will stop and why it might not.
Typical ages and stages
Puppies usually chew a lot between three and six months. This is because their baby teeth are falling out and their adult teeth are coming in. By six months, most dogs start to chew less as their adult teeth settle.
Young dogs may keep chewing until they are about a year old. This is because they are still learning and exploring. For some, chewing starts to decrease by 12–18 months as they mature and learn.
I've noticed that every dog is different. Small changes in breed, size, and personality can affect how long a dog chews.
Factors that influence timing
The energy level of a dog's breed is important. High-energy dogs like Border Collies and Jack Russell Terriers might chew more if they don't get enough to do.
How well a dog is trained and watched also matters. Dogs that are taught clear rules and are redirected often chew less as they get older.
Exercise and mental stimulation are key. Dogs that get regular walks, playtime, and puzzle toys chew less and grow out of it faster.
I always tell people to not expect too much. Some adult dogs will still chew sometimes. But, if chewing is a big problem or dangerous, it's time to get help from a trainer or vet.
When dogs chew everything in sight: causes and solutions
Many people wonder when dogs stop chewing everything in sight. They also ask what to do when a puppy or adult dog turns their home into a chew zone. I start by finding the root of the behavior. This helps me pick the right fixes and keep my house safe.
Some dogs chew because they are bored, anxious, or need more exercise. Medical issues and hunger can also make them chew on things that smell like food.
When I look into why dogs chew everything, I check their daily routine and what they have access to. I also look for any recent changes in their environment. These clues help me figure out if it's curiosity, lack of outlets, or stress.
Why some dogs chew indiscriminately
Puppies chew because they are curious. As they grow and get trained, they stop chewing as much. This answers the question of when do dogs stop chewing everything in sight for many owners.
Not enough stimulation makes dogs chew more. Dogs left alone without anything to do will chew on things like socks. Medical or hunger issues can also cause a dog to chew obsessively. A vet check is needed in these cases.
Practical solutions to reduce widespread chewing
First, I dog-proof my space. I keep shoes and laundry out of reach and use secure bins for trash and toiletries. Crating or confining a dog to a safe area works when I'm not around.
To keep them busy, I rotate safe chew toys and add puzzle feeders at peak chewing times. I also increase exercise with daily walks, training sessions, or play with a flirt pole. These changes cut boredom and reduce impulse chewing.
Behavior management is key. I supervise closely, praise good chew choices, and use deterrent sprays as part of a broader plan. Consistency helps the dog learn what is acceptable.
| Problem | Quick Fix | Long-Term Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy teething and oral exploration | Offer chilled rubber chew toys | Short training sessions and toy rotation |
| Boredom and lack of stimulation | Increase daily walks and supervised play | Enroll in dog sports or regular training classes |
| Access to tempting items (shoes, laundry, trash) | Dog-proof storage and secure bins | Designated out-of-reach storage routines |
| Stress or separation anxiety | Crate with comfort items and safe chews | Behavioral training with a certified trainer or vet |
| Hunger or medical causes | Vet check and adjusted feeding schedule | Medical treatment and consistent meal plan |
When dogs stop chewing on shoes: redirecting shoe-focused chewing
Shoe chewing is often about scent, easy access, and texture. Many wonder when dogs stop chewing on shoes. Puppies usually grow out of it by six to nine months. But some adults keep chewing unless we change things.
Shoes are a favorite because they smell like us, are easy to reach, and feel good to chew. Dogs repeat this behavior because they live in the moment. They don't connect scolding later to chewing earlier.
How to stop shoe chewing
First, make shoes hard to get. Use closed closets, high shelves, or a lidded hamper. I also use puppy gates in rooms with lots of shoes.
- Teach a strong trade: offer a tasty treat or favorite toy and say “drop it.” Reward the trade immediately.
- Practice recall instead of chasing. Call your dog, reward with attention or a treat, and the dog learns that coming to you beats guarding a shoe.
- Supply durable, attractive chews. Rotate items so novelty stays high and your dog prefers approved chews over footwear.
- Use bitter deterrent sprays as a backup. I apply them to shoes before problems start, not after a single chew episode.
For dogs that chew a lot, watch them closely and redirect right away. If you catch a dog chewing a shoe, calmly replace it with a toy and reward them. This teaches them quickly, unlike waiting to scold them later.
If you're wondering when dogs stop chewing on shoes, remember it's different for everyone. Focus on redirecting their chewing, managing well, and rewarding them for good behavior. With consistent effort, most dogs will choose other things to chew on.
When dogs stop chewing up stuff in the house: managing destructive household chewing
Many owners wonder when their dogs will stop chewing on household items. This worry is common, especially when it's due to teething or deeper issues like separation anxiety. I'll share how to identify the causes and practical ways to protect your home.
Identifying underlying drivers
First, observe when and where your dog chews. If it's only when you're away, it might be separation anxiety. Look for signs like pacing, whining, or accidents. If your dog loves chewing on fabric or stuffed animals, it could be due to early weaning or compulsive behavior.
Hunger, dental pain, or health issues might also lead to chewing on food items. A vet can rule out these health problems. Keeping a log of chewing incidents helps spot patterns and discuss with your vet or a behaviorist.
Management and prevention strategies
Crating or confining your dog to a safe room can help. But, make sure it's not for too long. Fill the space with safe toys and puzzle feeders to keep them busy.
Keep tempting items away from your dog's confinement area. Make sure shoes, clothes, and small objects are out of reach. For dogs with separation anxiety, slow introductions to leaving and calm routines can help.
Before leaving, give your dog exercise and mental stimulation. A quick walk or playtime can help. Interactive toys or stuffed KONGs keep them focused while you're away.
If chewing persists, seek help from a vet behaviorist or certified animal behaviorist. They might recommend medical treatment or a behavior plan for severe cases.
| Driver | Signs | Immediate Management | When to Seek Professional Help |
|---|---|---|---|
| Separation anxiety chewing | Chewing only when alone, whining, pacing, house-soiling | Short confinement, puzzle feeders, graduated departures | Persistent distress despite training |
| Compulsive fabric-sucking | Frequent chewing of blankets or clothing, repetitive motion | Remove fabrics, provide long-lasting chews, redirect | No reduction after environmental changes |
| Hunger or medical causes | Targeting food-related items, weight loss, dental pain | Veterinary checkup, adjust feeding schedule, safe chews | Signs of illness or sudden behavior change |
| Boredom or excess energy | Random chewing, digging, hyperactivity | Increase exercise, introduce training games, rotate toys | Behavior escalates despite enrichment |
When dogs stop chewing up toys and toy-related management
I watch dogs learn about the world through their mouths. Chewing toys is normal play and teething relief. Owners often ask when do dogs stop chewing up toys and what steps help keep play safe and fun.
I separate normal wear from destructive toy chewing by checking for loose parts and small pieces. Small, thin fragments, exposed stuffing, and cracked rubber are red flags. If a toy breaks into swallowable pieces, I remove it right away to prevent choking or ingestion.
I focus on choosing safe chew toys that match the dog's size and chewing strength. Durable options like Kong Classic, West Paw Zogoflex, and GoughNuts suit heavy chewers. I avoid cooked bones and hard antlers that can splinter. For edible chews such as bully sticks or properly processed Himalayan chews, I supervise each session and limit time to prevent gulping.
My toy-related management plan includes rotation, supervision, and prompt replacement. Rotating toys keeps novelty and reduces obsessive chewing. I reserve the toughest, favorite toys for supervised play to maintain their value. I replace damaged toys before they pose a hazard.
I use treat-stuffed puzzle toys and frozen chew centers when chewing peaks, like during teething or long alone periods. These give mental work and safe oral relief. When resource guarding appears, I separate dogs during chew time and teach calm trade games to protect safety.
Below is a quick comparison to help with choosing safe chew toys and managing wear.
| Type | Best for | Safety notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber durable (Kong, West Paw) | Powerful chewers, long play | Inspect for cracks; replace when damaged |
| Thermoplastic elastomer (GoughNuts) | Aggressive chewers | Designed to show wear; retire at core exposure |
| Edible chews (bully sticks, compressed hides) | Short supervised reward | Watch for choking; supervise and limit time |
| Puzzle toys (stuffable) | Mental enrichment, alone time | Use appropriate size; clean regularly |
When do dogs stop chewing up toys varies by age, breed, and individual drive. I monitor behavior, replace hazards, and use smart toy-related management so chewing stays healthy rather than dangerous.
When dogs stop chewing walls and other dangerous chewing behaviors
I find it interesting when dogs chew on walls or baseboards. They might do it because they're bored, frustrated, or see animals outside. Dogs in shelters or left alone for long times can chew a lot, causing damage and stress.
To stop this, I use a three-step plan: find out why they chew, limit their access, and give them something else to chew on. Here's how to keep your home safe and your dog happy.
Why dogs chew walls and fixed structures
Dogs chew on walls when they feel trapped, anxious, or not stimulated enough. If they see animals outside and can't go after them, they might chew. Puppies and young dogs might grow out of it, but adult dogs can keep doing it.
Chewing walls can be dangerous if they eat paint, plaster, or insulation. If your dog is pacing, scratching, or chewing alone, it's stress, not just teething.
How to prevent chewing of walls and structural items
First, block their access to walls and other things they shouldn't chew. Use gates, playpens, or block off rooms. This stops them from chewing when you're not watching.
Make sure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation before leaving them alone. A tired dog is less likely to chew. Short training, puzzle toys, and walks can help.
Give them chew toys that are safe and fun. Toys like Kong rubber and braided ropes are good. Change them often to keep things interesting.
If chewing is a big problem, get help from a pro. Certified animal behaviorists and trainers can help. They can make a plan to stop the chewing and check for health issues.
| Issue | Immediate step | Long-term fix |
|---|---|---|
| Boredom-driven chewing | Provide puzzle feeders and supervised play | Daily exercise routine and rotating enrichment toys |
| Confinement stress | Limit access to walls with gates | Train calmly for alone time and short, progressive departures |
| Redirected prey or visual triggers | Close blinds or cover windows | Teach calm responses at windows and increase outdoor supervision |
| Compulsive or dangerous chewing behaviors | Immediate supervised confinement and remove hazards | Consult CAAB or Dip ACVB for assessment and plan |
How to stop dogs from chewing: training tips for stopping dog chewing
I share quick fixes and long-term strategies to stop dogs from chewing. I focus on immediate actions and routines that help dogs learn good behavior. These tips include quick fixes and simple training methods.
When I catch a dog chewing, I interrupt with a calm "Eh eh!" and remove the item if it's safe. Then, I give the dog a chew toy and praise them when they choose the right one.
I never punish dogs for chewing later. Dogs don't connect delayed punishment to their chewing. Positive actions are more effective than scolding.
I teach three important cues: leave it, drop it, and recall. For drop it, I trade a toy for a treat and praise the dog. For recall, I reward them with a treat when they return, so I don't have to chase them.
- Immediate interruption: short vocal cue, remove item if safe, swap for toy.
- Teach cues: practice drop it with exchanges, rehearse leave it with low-value items.
- Recall training: reward returns so the dog brings items back willingly.
In the long run, I use consistent rules and watch the dog closely until they're reliable. If needed, I use short confinement periods and gradually give them more freedom as they make better choices.
Daily exercise and mental games help reduce destructive chewing. I add puzzle feeders, scent games, and supervised play to keep the dog busy and happy.
| Focus | Action | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate redirection techniques | Short interruption, swap to toy, praise | Prevents reinforcement of bad habit and rewards correct item choice |
| Training cues | Teach leave it, drop it, reliable recall | Gives control and safe ways to recover items without chasing |
| Supervision & management | Use crate or confinement, remove temptations | Makes rules clear while building reliability |
| Enrichment | Puzzle toys, walks, training sessions | Reduces boredom and the drive to chew destructively |
Puppy chewing prevention and enrichment: ways to redirect dog chewing behavior
I take simple steps to keep puppies safe and homes intact. Before they chew, I set up a safe area. This area has a crate or gated room and no shoes, remotes, pillows, or cords.
I show how to set up a safe space for puppies in busy homes. I close closet doors and hamper lids. I stash valuables high and use cord covers or hide cords behind furniture. The best way is to keep things out of reach until they learn.
I suggest teething aids to soothe sore gums and stop chewing. I use frozen wet washcloths, ice-cube-safe toys, or Kong toys with yogurt or mashed banana. I also rotate toys to keep them interesting and prevent chewing on household items.
I add daily enrichment to prevent boredom chewing. I give short walks, play sessions, and quick training. Puzzle feeders and treat-stuffed toys are great for when I'm away.
I have ways to stop chewing when it happens. I swap the item for a safe chew toy and praise the puppy. I keep high-value chews ready for quick swaps until they prefer the toy.
I adjust enrichment based on age and energy to avoid destructive chewing. High-energy breeds get more play and puzzles. Young puppies need short, frequent sessions. I plan supervised play, nap times, and quiet play to manage chewing.
When does the puppy chewing phase end and when to seek professional help
I keep a close eye on puppy behavior to help owners know what to expect. Teething usually ends by six months. Many puppies stop chewing a lot between 12 and 18 months. But, boredom, not enough exercise, or anxiety can make chewing last longer.
Typical timeline and warning signs
I've seen a common pattern in most litters. Between 3–6 months, puppies chew a lot because of teething. Then, from 6–12 months, chewing goes down as their adult teeth come in. By 12–18 months, most dogs settle into adult chewing habits.
Look out for clear warning signs that it's time to get professional help. If chewing hurts, causes fabric-sucking, or destroys dangerous items, act fast. Also, if chewing is linked to severe separation anxiety or doesn't stop with exercise and fun activities, seek help.
Who can help and what to expect
Start with your vet to check for pain, hunger, or health issues. A vet can help with behavior plans and suggest safe chew toys like Nylabone or Kong.
For training, I suggest certified professionals. A Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) or a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) can create a training plan. In tough cases, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (Dip ACVB) might suggest medication and behavior therapy.
Expect a plan that starts with a vet check, a detailed behavior history, and a customized plan. This plan will use management, enrichment, and specific training tips. If needed, specialists will offer follow-up sessions and goals to track progress.
Conclusion
Chewing is a normal part of a dog's life. Teething usually stops by about six months. But, some dogs may still chew destructively until they are 12–18 months old.
This depends on the dog's breed, how active they are, their training, and their environment. So, when do dogs stop chewing? It varies and depends on many factors.
To help your dog stop chewing, try a mix of management, training, and enrichment. Use dog-proofing and safe areas for them to play. Teach them to leave things alone and drop items.
Give them puzzle toys, take them for walks, and change their chew toys often. These steps can help reduce damage and teach them to chew on the right things.
If your dog's chewing is too much, linked to anxiety, or seems to be a health issue, get help from a vet or a certified behaviorist. With patience, consistent rules, and the right activities, most dogs can learn to chew less and behave better.
I've seen many dogs improve when their owners follow these steps carefully and with kindness. It's all about being patient and consistent.
