Save Your Soles: Proven Ways to Stop Destructive Dog Chewing

Shoes are convenient, smelly, and—let’s be honest—irresistible to a bored or teething dog. The good news: chewing shoes is a behavior you can change without drama. It takes consistency, prevention, and a few clear training moves. Below is a step-by-step plan with every important tip and trick, plus troubleshooting and safety notes, so you stop the chewing and keep your shoes (and your dog) safe.

Why dogs chew shoes (quick reality check)

Before you fix it, understand why it happens:

• Teething (puppies) — chewing soothes sore gums.

• Boredom or excess energy — chewing is self-entertainment.

• Attention-seeking — chewing gets a reaction, even if it’s negative.

• Stress, separation anxiety, or medical pain — chewing can be coping.

• Attraction to scent — shoes smell like you. That’s appealing.

Knowing the reason points you to the right solution.

Step 1 — Remove temptation (management, immediate win)

Do this first so you stop new damage while you train.

• Shoe storage: keep shoes in closed closets, bins with lids, or a high shelf. A laundry basket is not enough.

• Create a “no-access” zone: use baby gates or close doors to keep dogs out of entryways.

• Rotate and hide: put shoes away right when you come home; don’t leave them in a pile.

• Temporary quarantine: if you can’t supervise, crate your dog or use a safe pen with toys.

Why it matters: management prevents reinforcement. If the dog keeps getting shoes, training won’t stick.

Step 2 — Replace the object (redirection)

Dogs chew things that are available. Give them better options.

• High-value chew toys: frozen Kong with peanut butter (xylitol-free), bully sticks, nylon chews.

• Texture variety: offer rubber, rope, and plush so they have something that satisfies their jaw and mouth feel.

• Rotate toys weekly to keep novelty high.

• Toy placement: stash chew toys where shoes used to be so the dog learns “this is mine now.”

Actionable routine: when you see your dog sniffing or picking up a shoe, calmly take the shoe away and immediately offer a chew toy. Praise when they chew the toy.

Step 3 — Teach the “drop it” and “leave it” commands (core training)

These two commands save your shoes and your peace of mind.

Teaching “drop it”

1. Start with a low-value toy and treat ready.

2. Offer the toy; when your dog grabs it, hold a treat near their nose. Say “drop it.”

3. When the dog drops the toy, mark with “Yes!” or a clicker and give the treat.

4. Repeat in short 3–5 minute sessions, gradually increasing toy value.

5. Practice with shoes only after they reliably drop toys.

Teaching “leave it”

1. Place a treat in your closed hand. Let the dog sniff and try; wait until they stop.

2. The moment they stop, say “leave it” and reward with a different treat from the other hand.

3. Move to treats on the floor, then to toys, then to shoes. Increase distance and duration.

Timing and frequency: do multiple short sessions daily (5 minutes, 3–4 times). Training works faster with frequent, predictable practice.

Step 4 — Build better habits (exercise, enrichment, schedule)

Chewing declines when the dog’s physical and mental needs are met.

• Daily exercise: at least one brisk walk plus play. Small breeds often need intense 15–20 minute bursts.

• Mental work: 10–15 minutes of training, puzzle feeders, or snuffle mats after exercise helps settle them.

• Chew schedule: give a chew toy after walks and before you leave the house. This reduces anxiety chewing.

• Nap environment: a comfy bed or crate with a safe chew can prevent destructive boredom.

Pro tip: a mentally tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Never skip the enrichment.

Step 5 — Use deterrents smartly (not cruelty)

Deterrents help but must be used carefully.

• Taste deterrent sprays (bitter apple, citrus) can discourage chewing. Test first on a small area to make sure it doesn’t damage leather.

• Noise deterrents (clap or shaker) can interrupt an active chew; follow immediately with redirection and a treat.

• Avoid harsh punishment: hitting, yelling, or shaking the dog teaches fear and hides the behavior rather than fixing the cause.

Remember: deterrents work best alongside training and management, not as the only solution.

Step 6 — Supervise and phase out management

Supervision is temporary; the goal is a reliable “leave it” and stable routine.

• Leash in the house: for early training, keep the dog on a loose leash so you can redirect quickly.

• Increase freedom slowly: when the dog consistently ignores shoes and responds to commands, allow more access.

• Reinforce intermittently: reward non-chewing behavior occasionally so the habit sticks.

Consistency across family members is essential. If one person allows shoe access, progress stalls.

Troubleshooting — persistent chewers and red flags

If chewing continues despite the steps above, check these:

• Age and teething: puppies under 6 months need more teething relief and supervision. Frozen toys help.

• Separation anxiety: destructive chewing when left alone, plus pacing or house soiling, needs a vet or behaviourist.

• Medical pain or dental issues: sudden onset chewing or unusual patterns—get a vet check.

• Lack of exercise: increase walks and play for two weeks before changing other strategies.

When to call a pro: if your dog chews destructively only when alone or shows other anxiety signs, consult a certified trainer or veterinary behaviourist.

Quick training timeline (sample 2-week plan)

Week 1: Management + toy replacement + basic “drop it” practice (5 min, 3x/day).
Week 2: Increase “leave it” work, add leash-in-house sessions, rotate toys, start short alone-time drills with a favorite chew.
By Week 3–4: Gradually remove management controls if the dog reliably ignores shoes and obeys commands.

Final tips (real owner tricks)

• Rub a small dab of a dog-safe treat or spread a bit of your shoe’s scent on a toy to teach “that scent = toy,” not shoes.
• Freeze a Kong stuffed with safe food for longer-lasting chewing.
• Praise loudly and give a tiny treat when you find shoes untouched—catching good behavior matters.
• Keep a designated “shoe box” and train the dog to leave shoes in it for a tidy habit.