How to keep your dog from chewing furniture

As a dog owner, coming home and finding your furniture in pieces can be frustrating because your furry friend decided to chew on it. Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs, especially during teething, but it can become a problem if they start chewing on inappropriate things like your furniture.  

"We at Agria Petinsure believe that prevention is key when it comes to managing destructive chewing in dogs. Pet owners can teach their dogs what is and isn't acceptable to chew on by adopting preventative actions such as giving appropriate chew toys." Bernard O’Sullivan, managing director of Agria Petinsure in Ireland. 

Here are some tips to discourage your dog from chewing on your furniture: 

Provide appropriate chew toys: Ensure your dog has appropriate chew toys, such as durable and suitably sized rubber toys or Kongs. These toys will satisfy your dog's natural desire to chew and provide a healthy outlet for their energy. 

Puzzle feeders and activity balls: These versatile and interactive dog toys help provide environmental enrichment, excellent physical exercise and mental stimulation for your dog. 

Train your dog: It's essential to teach your dog what they can and cannot chew. Start by supervising your dog and redirecting their attention to an appropriate toy whenever they try to chew on your furniture. Reward them with praise and treats when they chew on the right things. 

Exercise: Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. A tired and mentally stimulated dog is less likely to engage in destructive behaviours like chewing. 

Balanced Diet: Make sure that your pet has a healthy and balanced diet. If your pet’s diet is deficient in nutrients, it may cause them to chew and eat inappropriate items.  

Separation Anxiety:  Pets can be destructive and chew on furniture if they are experiencing separation anxiety when left alone. Creating a safe and quiet place within the home for your dog to relax and rest while you are out of the home can ease this anxiety. Training your dog to use and have a positive relationship with an indoor dog crate can prove very useful, and many dogs often go into them to rest even when their family members are home. 

Seek professional help: Do not punish your dog for chewing on furniture; it will not help the situation and may cause other behaviour issues. If your dog's chewing behaviour is severe or causing significant damage, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. 

Use deterrents: If your dog keeps trying to chew on your furniture, consider using deterrents such as bitter sprays. These products make the furniture taste terrible, which can help to deter your dog from chewing. It is recommended that this be considered as a last option, as efforts should be made to address the underlying causes first.

Agria is one of the world’s leading pet insurers. Agria Petinsure was established in Ireland in 2023 and is now a prominent feature of the Irish pet insurance industry, providing insurance for cats and dogs. Our mission is to provide the best care for pets and peace of mind for their owners by providing insurance solutions.