How to Stop a Dog from Chewing Shoes

I. Identify the Cause

Your furry companion’s mischievous habit of chewing shoes can be a frustrating and costly problem. However, understanding the underlying causes and implementing effective remedies can help you curb this unwanted behavior.

I. Identify the Cause

The first step in solving the shoe-chewing problem is to determine the root cause. Here are some common triggers:

Boredom: Dogs with insufficient mental stimulation or physical activity may resort to chewing as a way to entertain themselves.
Anxiety: Stress, fear, or separation anxiety can lead to destructive chewing behaviors.
Attention-seeking: Chewing shoes can be a way for dogs to get your attention or fulfill their need for social interaction.
Medical issues: Dental pain or teething can prompt dogs to chew on objects for relief.

II. Address the Underlying Cause

Once you have identified the cause of the shoe chewing, you can take appropriate steps to address it:

Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation: Ensure your dog gets sufficient daily exercise and engage them in interactive games or training sessions to keep their minds active.
Manage anxiety: Consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to develop strategies to reduce your dog’s stress levels, such as providing comfort items, creating a calm environment, or using calming aids.
Provide appropriate chewing outlets: Offer your dog safe and durable chew toys that satisfy their chewing needs. This could include dental chews, rawhide bones, or interactive toys like Kongs.
Rule out medical issues: If you suspect any underlying medical problems, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a checkup and treatment.

III. Establish Boundaries and Training

Establish clear rules: Make it clear that chewing shoes is unacceptable behavior by firmly saying “no” or “leave it” whenever your dog attempts to chew on them.
Redirect chewing: If you catch your dog chewing a shoe, calmly take it away and offer an appropriate chew toy instead.
Reward good behavior: When your dog exhibits appropriate chewing behavior, reward them with praise, treats, or affection to reinforce the desired behavior.

IV. Environmental Management

Make shoes inaccessible: Keep shoes out of reach of your dog by storing them in closed containers or higher-up shelves.
Use deterrent sprays: Apply bitter apple spray or other pet deterrent sprays on shoes to make them less appealing to chew.

V. Other Considerations

Avoid punishment: Punishment will only damage your bond with your dog and make them more likely to engage in covert chewing behavior.
Be patient and consistent: Breaking the shoe-chewing habit requires patience and consistency in training and management techniques.
Consider professional help: If you are unable to resolve the shoe-chewing problem on your own, consult with a qualified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist for personalized guidance and support.

By understanding the underlying causes and implementing a combination of remedies, you can effectively curb your dog’s shoe-chewing habit and restore harmony to your home.

II. Provide Alternatives

Chewing is a natural instinct for dogs, and while it’s cute when they’re puppies, it can become a frustrating problem when they target your shoes. Here are some effective strategies to stop your dog from chewing shoes:

I. Eliminate Access

Keep shoes in a closed container or out of the dog’s reach.
Use baby gates or pet barriers to block access to rooms where shoes are stored.

II. Provide Alternatives

Offer your dog plenty of acceptable chew toys, such as chew ropes, stuffed toys, and bones.
Treat your dog when it chews on its toys to reinforce positive behavior.

III. Exercise and Enrichment

Provide your dog with regular exercise and mental stimulation through play, walks, and training.
A tired and engaged dog is less likely to engage in destructive behavior.

IV. Bitter Spray or Tape

Apply a bitter spray or double-sided tape to the shoes. The unpleasant taste or sticky sensation will deter most dogs.
Note: Test these products on a small area of the shoe to ensure they don’t damage the material.

V. Time-Outs

If you catch your dog chewing on a shoe, immediately say “No!” firmly and remove it.
Place your dog in a time-out area for a short period, such as a crate or quiet space.

VI. Positive Reinforcement

Reward your dog for appropriate chewing behavior, such as chewing on its toys or playing with you.
Praise and give treats to encourage positive associations.

VII. Professional Help

If all else fails, consult with a certified veterinarian or animal behaviorist. They can help identify underlying causes of destructive chewing and recommend tailored solutions.

Additional Tips:

Avoid punishing your dog for chewing shoes, as this can make the problem worse.
Be consistent with your training methods and supervise your dog when it’s unsupervised.
Remember that training takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if your dog doesn’t stop chewing shoes immediately.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively deter your dog from chewing shoes and preserve your footwear for years to come.

III. Remove Temptations

One of the most effective ways to prevent shoe-chewing is to remove the temptation. Here are a few tips:

Keep shoes out of reach: The best way to prevent your dog from chewing shoes is to keep them out of reach. This means storing shoes in a closet, on a high shelf, or behind a closed door.
Use shoeboxes to deter chewing: If you can’t keep shoes out of reach, try using shoeboxes to deter chewing. The closed space and lack of visibility will make it less likely that your dog will be tempted to chew on the shoes.
Put shoes in a dedicated spot: If you have a specific spot where you always put your shoes, your dog will learn to associate that spot with shoes and avoid chewing on them.
Don’t leave shoes unattended: If you’re not wearing your shoes, don’t leave them lying around where your dog can get to them. Even if you’re just going to be gone for a few minutes, it’s best to put your shoes away.

IV. Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Excessive chewing is often a sign that your dog is bored or under-stimulated. Providing adequate exercise and mental enrichment can help curb destructive behavior by redirecting their energy in appropriate ways.

Exercise:

Engage in daily walks, runs, or playtime that lasts at least 30 minutes for small dogs and 1 hour for larger breeds.
Consider activities like fetch, hide-and-seek, or agility training to keep the dog mentally and physically active.

Mental Stimulation:

Provide interactive toys such as puzzle feeders, treat dispensers, or chew toys that encourage problem-solving and mental engagement.
Engage in training sessions that teach obedience commands, tricks, or agility exercises. This not only stimulates the dog’s mind but also builds a strong bond.
Consider hiring a professional dog walker or doggy daycare to provide additional exercise and socialization opportunities while you’re away.

By meeting your dog’s physical and mental needs through exercise and stimulation, you can help reduce boredom and the desire to chew on inappropriate objects like shoes.

V. Training and Commands

Training and commands are crucial in curbing destructive chewing behavior. By teaching your dog basic commands, you can effectively communicate your disapproval of shoe chewing and redirect their behavior to more appropriate activities.

1. Teach the “Leave It” Command:

Hold a shoe or other tempting object in front of the dog.
Say “leave it” in a firm and clear voice.
If the dog releases the object, immediately reward them with a treat or praise.
Repeat this process until the dog consistently responds to the command by leaving the object.

2. Use the “No” Command:

When you catch your dog chewing a shoe, say “no” firmly and immediately.
Do not punish the dog, as this can create fear or aggression.
Instead, simply remove the shoe and redirect the dog to an appropriate chew toy.

3. Practice Regularly:

Practice these commands in different situations and environments to ensure that the dog understands them in various contexts.
Gradually increase the difficulty by using more tempting objects or offering different rewards to reinforce the desired behavior.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement:

Reward your dog for leaving shoes alone or chewing appropriate toys.
Offer treats, praise, or play sessions to reinforce positive behaviors and motivate your dog to follow commands.

5. Limit Access to Shoes:

Keep shoes out of your dog’s reach to prevent temptation.
Store shoes in closets, drawers, or shoe racks that are inaccessible to the dog.

By consistently using these training techniques and commands, you can effectively deter your dog from chewing shoes and teach them to behave appropriately. Remember to be patient, consistent, and positive throughout the training process to achieve the desired results.

VI. Bitter Apple Spray

As a pet owner, dealing with a dog that chews shoes can be a frustrating experience. Thankfully, there are several effective methods you can employ to curb this undesirable behavior.

VI. Bitter Apple Spray

Bitter apple spray is a non-toxic deterrent that can effectively deter dogs from chewing shoes. This spray contains a bitter substance that is highly unpalatable to dogs.

How to Use Bitter Apple Spray:

Shake the spray bottle thoroughly before use.
Hold the bottle upright and spray a thin, even layer of the solution directly onto the shoes.
Allow the spray to dry completely before offering the shoes to your dog.
Reapply the spray as needed, especially after your dog has been playing with or chewing on the shoes.

Tips:

Test the spray on an inconspicuous area of the shoes first to ensure it does not discolor or damage the material.
Avoid spraying the spray directly into your dog’s eyes or mouth.
If your dog ingests the spray, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Be patient and consistent with the application of the spray. It may take several applications for the spray to deter your dog from chewing on shoes.
Consider using the spray on other objects that your dog may be prone to chewing, such as furniture or toys.

Additional Considerations:

Provide your dog with plenty of appropriate chew toys to redirect their chewing behavior.
Ensure your dog is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation to minimize boredom and anxiety, which can lead to destructive chewing.
If the problem persists despite these measures, it is advisable to consult with a professional dog trainer or veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical or behavioral issues.

VII. Punishment

While it may be tempting to resort to punishment to deter your dog from chewing shoes, this approach is highly discouraged for several reasons:

It can damage your bond with your dog: Punishment can create fear and resentment, leading to a strained relationship between you and your pet.
It can reinforce the behavior: If your dog associates chewing shoes with negative consequences, they may become anxious or defensive and resort to chewing them in secret to avoid punishment.
It can fail to address the underlying reason: Chewing can be a symptom of boredom, stress, or anxiety. Punishment alone will not address these emotional triggers.

Instead of relying on punishment, focus on positive reinforcement techniques to reward your dog for appropriate behavior and redirect their attention away from shoes.

VIII. Reward Positive Behavior

Positive reinforcement is a crucial aspect of training your dog to stop chewing shoes. When your dog chews on appropriate items, such as its toys or designated chew bones, reward it with verbal praise, treats, or playtime. This will reinforce the desired behavior and encourage your dog to associate chewing on acceptable items with positive experiences.

Key Points:

Consistency: Ensure that you consistently reward your dog for chewing on approved items.
Immediate reward: Give the reward as soon as possible after the desired behavior occurs.
High-value rewards: Choose rewards that your dog finds particularly enticing, such as their favorite treats or a fun game.
Variety: Use different types of rewards to keep your dog interested and motivated.
Avoid punishing: Never punish your dog for chewing shoes. Punishment can lead to fear and anxiety, which can worsen the problem.

By consistently rewarding positive behavior, you can help your dog learn to differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable chewing targets. This approach will promote a positive training experience and strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.

IX. Consistency

Consistency is paramount in training your dog to refrain from chewing shoes. It involves adhering to the following principles:

Regular Training Sessions: Establish scheduled training sessions each day, even for short durations. Consistency reinforces the desired behavior and creates a structured learning environment.
Immediate Reactions: Respond immediately when your dog chews shoes. A stern “no” or clap can interrupt the behavior and associate it with negative consequences.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog profusely with treats, praise, or toys when they avoid shoe chewing. This positive reinforcement will motivate them to continue the desired behavior.
Environmental Management: Remove shoes from accessible areas or use barriers, such as baby gates or crates, to prevent opportunities for chewing. This creates a safe and suitable environment that reduces temptation.
Duration of Training: Remain consistent with training and deterrents over an extended period. It may take time and patience to establish a reliable habit, but consistency will accelerate the process.

Additional Tips for Consistency:

Involve All Family Members: Ensure that everyone in the household is aware of the training and follows the same protocol. A unified approach will prevent confusion and mixed messages.
Avoid Punishment: Physical punishment or harsh verbal reprimands will only deter your dog from chewing shoes in your presence, not address the underlying issue.
Consider Underlying Causes: If your dog is excessively chewing shoes, consult with a veterinarian or certified dog trainer to rule out any underlying medical or behavioral issues that may be contributing to the behavior.

Remember, consistency is the cornerstone of effective training. By adhering to the principles outlined above, you can establish a clear path for your dog to learn and unlearn the habit of shoe chewing, fostering a harmonious relationship between you and your beloved companion.