Effective Strategies To Prevent Your Dog From Chewing Remote Controls For Good

Dogs explore the world with their mouths, and while this is natural, it often leads them to destructive habits—especially when it comes to household electronics like remote controls. These small, handheld devices are particularly tempting: they’re the perfect size to carry, make interesting clicking sounds, and often carry the scent of their favorite humans. Left unchecked, this behavior can damage expensive equipment and pose serious health risks if plastic or batteries are ingested. The good news is that with consistent training, environmental management, and behavioral understanding, you can stop your dog from chewing remotes—and keep them from returning to the habit.

Why Dogs Chew Remote Controls

Destructive chewing isn’t typically about disobedience—it’s a symptom of underlying needs. Puppies chew during teething, which peaks between 3 and 6 months of age. Adult dogs may chew due to boredom, anxiety, lack of stimulation, or simply because they’ve learned it gets attention. Remote controls are especially appealing because they’re frequently handled, left within reach, and produce tactile feedback when bitten. Their shape and texture mimic toys, making them indistinguishable from acceptable chew items in a dog’s mind.

Understanding the root cause is essential. A dog left alone for long periods without enrichment is more likely to develop destructive habits. Similarly, dogs with separation anxiety may resort to chewing as a coping mechanism. Addressing only the symptom (e.g., hiding the remote) without tackling the cause (e.g., under-stimulation) leads to recurring issues with other objects.

“Dogs don’t misbehave out of malice. Chewing remotes is usually a sign of unmet physical or emotional needs.” — Dr. Laura Bongiorno, Veterinary Behaviorist

Step-by-Step Prevention Plan

Eliminating remote-chewing behavior requires a structured approach. Follow this timeline to create lasting change:

1. Secure the Environment (Day 1): Remove all remotes from accessible areas. Use drawer organizers, baskets, or shelves out of reach. Make the forbidden item physically unavailable.
2. Provide Alternatives (Day 1–7): Introduce durable chew toys made of rubber or nylon. Rotate toys weekly to maintain interest. Choose items that make noise or dispense treats to compete with the remote’s appeal.
3. Reinforce Positive Behavior (Ongoing): When your dog picks up an appropriate toy, reward immediately with praise or a treat. Consistency strengthens the association between good choices and rewards.
4. Manage Supervision (First 2 Weeks): Keep your dog leashed indoors or use baby gates to limit access to rooms with remotes. This prevents practice of the unwanted behavior.
5. Build Mental Stimulation (Weeks 2–4): Incorporate puzzle feeders, obedience drills, and scent games into daily routines. A tired dog is less likely to seek out destructive outlets.
6. Test Independence (After 4 Weeks): Gradually reintroduce a remote in a controlled setting—under supervision and paired with a high-value chew toy. If the dog ignores the remote, increase freedom slowly.

Tip: Keep a “dog-proofing kit” near your living area—a basket where you place remotes, glasses, and other tempting small items before sitting down.

Do’s and Don’ts of Remote Control Protection

Do’s	Don’ts
Store remotes in closed containers or mounted holders on walls	Leave remotes on couch cushions or coffee tables
Use bitter-tasting deterrent sprays labeled safe for pets	Spray furniture or electronics with substances not tested for pet safety
Rotate chew toys to prevent boredom	Give old shoes or socks as chew items—they teach poor discrimination
Practice “leave it” commands daily during training sessions	Yell or punish after the fact—dogs can’t connect delayed correction to the action
Enroll in group obedience classes for structured learning	Rely solely on punishment-based methods, which increase anxiety and worsen chewing

Real-Life Example: Turning Around Max’s Chewing Habit

Max, a 10-month-old Australian Shepherd, had destroyed four TV remotes in three months. His owners, frustrated and worried about his safety, consulted a certified dog trainer. Observation revealed that Max was left alone for eight hours daily with only one worn-out rope toy. He would bark at noises, then turn to chewing anything he could find—especially the remote, which sat next to the TV stand.

The solution began with environmental changes: remotes were placed in a magnetic wall holder out of reach. Max received two new chew toys filled with frozen peanut butter, rotated every three days. His owners also started a morning agility routine and used a puzzle feeder for meals. A camera revealed that Max spent his first solo hour exploring toys instead of furniture. Within three weeks, he no longer approached the TV area when unsupervised. After two months, the family safely left a dummy remote on the table during visits—Max sniffed it and walked away to his own toy.

Essential Training Commands to Reinforce Boundaries

Teaching specific cues helps your dog understand what’s allowed. Focus on these foundational commands:

• Leave it: Hold a treat in a closed hand, say “leave it,” and wait until your dog stops trying to get it. Reward with a different treat. Practice with higher-value items over time.
• Drop it: Use during play. Offer a treat while saying “drop it.” When the dog releases the object, give the treat and praise. Never chase or grab—this turns it into a game.
• Go to place: Train your dog to go to a mat or bed on command. This redirects energy and creates a safe zone when distractions arise.

Practice these for five minutes twice daily. Over time, your dog learns impulse control, which directly reduces opportunistic chewing.

Tip: Pair “leave it” with a redirect: “Leave it… take this!” and immediately offer a chew toy. This teaches replacement, not just suppression.

Prevention Checklist

Use this checklist weekly to ensure your home remains remote-safe and your dog stays mentally fulfilled:

• ✅ Store all remotes in secure locations (drawers, baskets, wall mounts)
• ✅ Provide at least three appropriate chew toys, rotated weekly
• ✅ Conduct 10–15 minutes of structured training daily
• ✅ Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical exercise (walks, fetch, play)
• ✅ Use food-dispensing toys or snuffle mats during downtime
• ✅ Reapply pet-safe bitter spray weekly if using deterrents
• ✅ Monitor for signs of anxiety (panting, pacing, excessive licking)
• ✅ Schedule regular vet checkups to rule out medical causes of restlessness

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my dog only chews the remote when I’m not home?

This suggests separation-related stress or boredom. Consider installing a pet camera to observe behavior. Solutions include hiring a dog walker, using calming aids like pheromone diffusers, or increasing pre-departure exercise to reduce excess energy.

Are bitter sprays safe for electronics and dogs?

Yes, if you use products specifically labeled as pet-safe and non-corrosive. Always test on a small area first. Popular brands like Grannick’s Bitter Apple are non-toxic and effective. Avoid homemade solutions like hot sauce, which can irritate mucous membranes.

Can older dogs learn not to chew remotes?

Absolutely. While puppies are more impressionable, adult dogs respond well to consistent training and environmental adjustments. The key is patience and repetition. Older dogs may have entrenched habits, but replacing those with better alternatives works at any age.

Final Thoughts

Stopping your dog from chewing remote controls isn’t about constant vigilance—it’s about creating an environment where good choices are easy and rewarding. By combining smart storage, mental engagement, and positive reinforcement, you address both the behavior and its root causes. This isn’t a quick fix; it’s a shift toward a more balanced, fulfilling life for your dog. When your pet has appropriate outlets for chewing and exploration, the remote loses its appeal.

💬 Have a success story or a tough chewing challenge? Share your experience below—your insight could help another dog owner break the cycle for good.