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How to stop my dog from chewing furniture outside her crate?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year and 1 month old | 35 lbs

My puppy only likes chewing on her chew toys when she’s in her crate. She doesn’t play with them outside her crate. So she’ll chew on the furniture. And I try using spray on the furniture but it doesn’t work. I’m not sure what to do.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 4th, 2018

This is very hard. Dasle isn't really a puppy anymore at 1 year old, so it seems like she's developed preferences for chewing on inappropriate materials. I recommend treating her like a puppy and never letting her out of your sight. If you need to focus on something else (like cooking or talking to someone) she goes in the crate with toys. Attaching a relatively short leash five to six feet) to her and your belt can help with this. If you catch her trying to chew something inappropriate, give her something better to chew. Avoid punishment as this is usually confusing for dogs. Finally, try to find toys that are similar to the furniture that she likes -- a wood toy or fabric toy for example.

Good luck and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on February 15th, 2017
Chewing on lots of things is very normal behavior for young dogs - it normally diminishes on its own with age, but in the meantime you can do some things to help. First and foremost, make sure that she has plenty of chew items and long-lasting treats available to provide an appropriate outlet for this behavior - things like bully sticks, cow or pig ears, large rawhide chews, and puzzle toys such as a Kong stuffed with peanut butter are all good options. Keep clothing, shoes, and other objects put away out of her reach, just as you would for a toddler or small child. I would also recommend supervising her closely so that you can redirect her to one of her chews if she starts to chew on something she shouldn't. Finally, Bitter Apple spray can be used on furniture, baseboards, or other areas to help discourage chewing.

If the destructive behavior is only happening when you're not home, I would be concerned that she may have separation anxiety - you can video tape her one day while you're gone to find out for sure.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on October 3rd, 2017
A stern "No" should distract her then offer an appropriate item to chew. When she complies, praise and reward her. Be firm and be consistent. A bitter agent, such as Bitter Apple or Fooey, may also deter inappropriate chewing. Be sure to spot test it on fabrics first.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My 2-year-old dog chews everything. How can I stop her at night?

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My 1-year-old dog suddenly chews everything again. How to stop it?

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