Best Ways To Stop Your Dog From Chewing Remote Controls Proven Tricks

Dogs explore the world with their mouths, and remote controls—with their compact size, satisfying buttons, and lingering scents of human hands—often become irresistible chew toys. Unfortunately, this habit can lead to costly damage, broken electronics, and even health risks if plastic shards or batteries are ingested. The good news is that this behavior isn’t inevitable. With consistent training, environmental management, and a clear understanding of why dogs chew, you can effectively redirect your dog’s attention and protect your remotes for good.

This guide outlines practical, veterinarian-backed strategies that go beyond quick fixes. These methods focus on addressing the root causes of destructive chewing while reinforcing positive behaviors. Whether your dog is a curious puppy or an adult with a persistent remote-chewing habit, these proven techniques will help you regain control—without frustration or punishment.

Why Dogs Chew Remote Controls

Understanding the motivation behind chewing is essential before implementing solutions. Dogs don’t target remotes out of spite—they’re responding to instinctual drives, boredom, anxiety, or lack of appropriate outlets.

• Boredom: Dogs left alone without mental stimulation often resort to chewing household items simply to pass the time.
• Teething (Puppies): Puppies between 3–6 months old experience discomfort as adult teeth emerge, making them prone to gnawing on anything within reach.
• Attention-seeking: Some dogs learn that chewing triggers a reaction—even yelling—which reinforces the behavior.
• Anxiety or Stress: Separation anxiety or environmental changes can cause destructive chewing as a coping mechanism.
• Taste and Texture: Remotes carry the scent of their owners and have satisfying buttons that click when pressed, making them oddly appealing.

Addressing the underlying cause ensures long-term success. Simply replacing a chewed remote won’t solve the problem if the behavioral drivers remain unmanaged.

Tip: Always rule out medical issues first. Excessive chewing can sometimes indicate dental pain or nutritional deficiencies.

Proven Training Techniques to Stop Chewing

Training is the cornerstone of behavior modification. Instead of focusing solely on stopping the unwanted behavior, effective training redirects your dog toward acceptable alternatives.

1. Use Positive Reinforcement

Reward your dog immediately when they choose an appropriate chew toy over a remote. Keep high-value treats nearby during initial training sessions. When you catch your dog sniffing or pawing at the remote, calmly say “Leave it,” offer a toy, and reward them for engaging with it.

2. Teach the “Leave It” Command

1. Place a treat in your closed hand and let your dog sniff and paw at it.
2. Wait until they stop trying to get it and back away—even slightly.
3. Say “Leave it” the moment they disengage, then reward with a different treat from your other hand.
4. Repeat daily until your dog responds reliably, then practice with less tempting objects before moving to high-value targets like remotes.

3. Redirect with High-Value Alternatives

Dogs are more likely to abandon a forbidden item if something better is available. Stock a variety of durable chew toys filled with peanut butter, frozen broth, or soft treats. Kong-style toys are excellent for keeping dogs occupied and mentally stimulated.

“Dogs aren’t born knowing what’s off-limits. Consistent redirection and positive reinforcement teach them faster than punishment ever could.” — Dr. Laura Bongiorno, Certified Veterinary Behaviorist

Environmental Management: Prevent Access

No amount of training will work if your dog has constant access to remotes. Prevention is just as important as correction.

Secure Storage Solutions

Make it impossible for your dog to find remotes by storing them out of reach. Consider:

• Using decorative baskets on high shelves
• Installing magnetic mounts inside cabinet doors
• Keeping remotes in drawers with childproof latches
• Using multi-device charging stations mounted on walls

Create a Dog-Safe Living Room

Designate a space where your dog can relax without temptation. Use baby gates to block off areas with exposed electronics if needed. When you're not supervising, confine your dog to a crate or exercise pen with plenty of approved toys.

Tip: Assign a family member to do a nightly \"remote check\" to ensure all devices are safely stored.

Effective Deterrents: Taste and Scent Aversion

Dogs rely heavily on taste and smell. Applying safe, bitter-tasting sprays to remotes can make them instantly unappealing.

Recommended Deterrent Products

Product	Active Ingredient	Safety Notes
Bitter Apple Spray	Denatonium benzoate	Non-toxic; safe for pets and electronics
Grannick’s Bitter Cherry	Bitter principles from cherries	Pleasant smell for humans; deters dogs
Chew Stop by PetSafe	Methyl salicylate (wintergreen)	Strong scent; reapply weekly

Apply deterrents consistently for at least two weeks. Reapply after cleaning or handling the remote, as oils from your hands can mask the bitter taste.

DIY Options (Use with Caution)

If commercial sprays aren't available, a diluted mixture of white vinegar and water (1:3 ratio) can be lightly sprayed on remotes. Avoid citrus-based solutions, as some dogs may actually enjoy the scent, and acidic liquids can damage electronic surfaces over time.

“Taste aversion works best when paired with redirection. Never rely on sprays alone.” — Dr. Mark Reynolds, Animal Cognition Researcher

Step-by-Step Plan to Eliminate Remote Chewing

Consistency is key. Follow this 21-day plan to create lasting change in your dog’s behavior.

1. Day 1–3: Assess & Prepare
   Identify when and where chewing occurs. Remove all accessible remotes. Purchase deterrent spray and several high-value chew toys.
2. Day 4–7: Begin Training
   Start teaching the “Leave it” command. Practice multiple times daily. Introduce stuffed Kongs during TV time to build positive associations.
3. Day 8–14: Implement Deterrents
   Spray all remotes with bitter solution. Supervise closely and redirect immediately if interest is shown. Reward alternative chewing.
4. Day 15–21: Test & Refine
   Gradually reintroduce a single remote under supervision. If your dog ignores it or responds to “Leave it,” increase freedom. If not, repeat earlier steps.

By day 21, most dogs show significant improvement. Continue using deterrents and providing chew toys indefinitely to prevent relapse.

Mini Case Study: Max, the Labrador Who Loved Remotes

Max, a 10-month-old yellow Labrador, had destroyed four remotes in three months. His owners, frustrated and worried about safety, consulted a trainer. Observation revealed Max chewed only when left alone in the living room.

The solution combined environmental control and enrichment:

• All remotes were moved to a locked drawer.
• Max was given a rotating selection of stuffed puzzle toys each afternoon.
• His owners taught him “Leave it” using treats and practiced near the entertainment center.
• A bitter apple spray was applied to a decoy remote placed out of reach but visible.

Within two weeks, Max stopped showing interest in electronics. After a month, his owners safely returned one remote to a shelf—and Max didn’t touch it. The key was consistency and replacing the habit with something more rewarding.

Checklist: How to Stop Your Dog from Chewing Remotes

Use this checklist to ensure you’ve covered all bases:

• ✅ Remove all remotes from accessible areas when unsupervised
• ✅ Invest in secure storage (drawers, baskets, mounts)
• ✅ Train the “Leave it” command with positive reinforcement
• ✅ Provide at least 3 durable, engaging chew toys
• ✅ Apply pet-safe bitter spray to remotes weekly
• ✅ Increase daily physical and mental exercise
• ✅ Supervise closely during high-risk times (e.g., evening TV hours)
• ✅ Rotate toys weekly to maintain novelty

Common Mistakes That Make the Problem Worse

Some well-intentioned actions can accidentally reinforce the behavior you’re trying to stop.

Mistake	Why It’s Harmful	Better Alternative
Yelling when caught chewing	Dogs may interpret yelling as play or attention	Calmly say “Leave it,” redirect, and reward compliance
Using physical punishment	Creates fear and damages trust	Use positive reinforcement and prevention
Only intervening after damage is done	Misses opportunity for real-time training	Supervise closely and act before chewing starts
Leaving old remotes as “sacrificial” chew toys	Confuses the dog about what’s allowed	Provide clearly distinct dog toys only

Remember: Dogs don’t generalize well. Just because they leave one remote alone doesn’t mean they’ll automatically avoid others unless trained systematically.

FAQ

Can I use pepper spray or hot sauce on remotes to stop chewing?

No. Hot sauces and capsaicin-based products can irritate your dog’s mouth, eyes, and digestive tract. They’re not safe for repeated exposure and may cause vomiting or distress. Stick to veterinarian-approved bitter sprays instead.

My dog only chews remotes when I’m not home. What should I do?

This suggests separation anxiety or boredom. Consider increasing pre-departure exercise, using interactive toys like treat-dispensing cameras, or consulting a behaviorist. Crating with safe chew toys can also prevent access during absences.

How long does it take to break the remote-chewing habit?

With consistent effort, most dogs improve within 2–3 weeks. Full elimination of the behavior may take up to 6 weeks, especially if the habit is deeply ingrained. Patience and routine are critical.

Conclusion

Stopping your dog from chewing remote controls isn’t about finding a magic trick—it’s about combining smart prevention, consistent training, and empathy for your dog’s natural instincts. By removing temptation, teaching reliable commands, and offering better alternatives, you create an environment where good choices are easy and rewarding.

The habits you build today will protect your electronics and strengthen your bond with your dog. Start tonight: put the remotes away, pick up a chew toy, and begin shaping better behavior—one calm redirection at a time.

💬 Have a remote-saving tip or success story? Share it in the comments and help fellow dog owners protect their gadgets!