Why Dogs Chew Furniture & How To Help Them Stop

Is your pup giving your couch legs a bit too much love? If you’ve found tooth marks on your furniture, you’re not alone. Many Kiwi dog parents face this frustrating—and often costly—chewing habit. In this guide, we’ll dig into the reasons behind why dogs chew furniture and give you practical ways to help them chew on the right things instead.

Common Reasons Why Dogs Chew Furniture

Understanding the “why” behind the chewing is key to curbing it. Dogs typically chew furniture for one or more of these reasons:

• Teething: Puppies, like human babies, chew to soothe sore gums during teething. This usually peaks between 3–6 months of age.
• Boredom: If dogs don’t get enough physical or mental stimulation, they’ll find their own fun—and your furniture becomes their playground.
• Separation anxiety: Dogs who feel stressed when left alone can act out by chewing as a way to self-soothe.
• Lack of appropriate chew toys: If they don’t have suitable items to gnaw on, they’ll turn to whatever they can sink their teeth into.
• Curiosity or instinct: Especially in younger dogs, chewing can be an exploratory behaviour.

How To Redirect Chewing With Toys And Enrichment

Chewing is a perfectly normal behaviour—it just needs directing! Here’s how to encourage your dog to chew the right things:

• Offer chewable alternatives: Replace furniture legs with dedicated dog chew toys made for every style of chomper. Look for toys from trusted brands like KONG, Benebone, or Nylabone.
• Rotate toys: Keep things novel to maintain their interest. Rotating toys weekly helps keep the excitement levels high.
• Use interactive enrichment: Try interactive dog toys or calming enrichment options for mentally stimulating fun when you’re not at home.
• Reward good chewing: Treat your dog with training treats when they use their toys instead of the furniture. Positive reinforcement helps teach them what’s acceptable.

Training Strategies That Help Curb Chewing

If chewing continues, training can help reinforce your expectations and encourage better behaviour:

• Use commands like “leave it”: With consistent practice, you can teach your dog to back off when they start chewing something they shouldn’t.
• Redirect and reward: If you catch them in the act, offer a chew toy in exchange and praise them enthusiastically for choosing the right target.
• Make furniture unappealing: Consider safe, dog-friendly deterrent sprays like dog repellents to discourage repeat offences.

Support For Anxious Chewers

If your dog’s chewing is linked to stress or anxiety, calming support may help:

• Comfort your dog with a routine: Regular exercise, feeding and sleep schedules create a reassuring rhythm.
• Try calming aids: Explore natural calming products or calming supplements made for dogs who need a little extra peace.
• Consider a crate or safe space: For some dogs, a crate (used positively!) can help reduce anxiety when they’re left alone.

When To Call In Additional Help

If the chewing is causing damage to your dog’s teeth or becoming a sign of deeper behavioural issues like severe separation anxiety, it might be time to speak to your vet or a local animal behaviourist. Persistent chewing can sometimes indicate underlying stress, pain or digestive discomfort, which deserves a closer look.

Support Your Chewer With Smart Food Choices Too

It may surprise you, but your dog’s diet can influence many behaviours, including chewing! Make sure your pooch is eating a nutrient-rich, age-appropriate food—like Royal Canin or Black Hawk—which supports overall wellbeing and energy regulation.

Need help choosing the right food or treats? Our pet-loving team is here to help. Because at Petdirect, We Get Pet.

Redirect, Don’t Punish

It can be frustrating to see your furniture chewed up, but the key is to understand your dog’s motivation and offer better options. With the right mix of toys, enrichment, training and diet, you can guide your dog toward chew-approved alternatives and away from the couch legs.

Ready to tackle chewing head-on? Start with our top picks of dog chew toys, or browse our full range of dog toys to keep tails wagging—and furniture safe!

Plus, don’t forget to join our Pet Perks loyalty programme for exclusive deals and earn Airpoints while you shop.