Effective Strategies To Stop Your Dog From Chewing On Comforters And Blankets

Dogs chewing on household items like comforters and blankets is a common but frustrating behavior for pet owners. While it may seem harmless at first, this habit can lead to damaged property, costly replacements, and even health risks if your dog ingests fabric or stuffing. The good news is that with the right approach—combining training, environmental management, and behavioral understanding—this behavior can be effectively managed and often eliminated.

Chewing is a natural instinct for dogs. Puppies explore the world through their mouths, and adult dogs may chew to relieve stress, boredom, or dental discomfort. However, when that chewing targets bedding, it crosses the line from normal behavior to problematic habit. Addressing it requires more than just scolding; it demands consistency, empathy, and proactive solutions.

Understanding Why Dogs Chew on Blankets

Before correcting the behavior, it’s essential to understand its root cause. Dogs don’t chew on comforters out of spite—they do so for specific reasons tied to their physical or emotional needs.

• Boredom: Dogs left alone for long periods without stimulation may resort to chewing as a way to pass the time.
• Anxiety: Separation anxiety, noise phobias, or changes in routine can trigger destructive chewing as a coping mechanism.
• Dental Discomfort: Puppies teething (typically between 3–6 months) chew to relieve gum pain. Adult dogs may chew if they have dental issues.
• Attention-Seeking: Some dogs learn that chewing gets a reaction—even negative attention is rewarding.
• Texture Preference: Soft, fluffy materials like fleece or down-filled comforters mimic prey or nesting textures, making them particularly tempting.

“Destructive chewing is rarely about disobedience. It’s usually a symptom of unmet needs—whether mental, physical, or emotional.” — Dr. Karen Becker, Integrative Veterinarian

Step-by-Step Guide to Stop the Chewing

Stopping blanket chewing isn’t about punishment—it’s about redirection and prevention. Follow this five-step process to address the issue systematically.

1. Remove Access: Keep bedrooms and laundry areas off-limits when unsupervised. Store comforters in closed closets or behind baby gates.
2. Provide Alternatives: Offer durable, appealing chew toys such as rubber Kongs, nylon bones, or plush toys filled with treats.
3. Use Taste Deterrents: Spray bitter apple or citrus-based deterrents on edges of blankets. Most dogs dislike the taste and will avoid treated items.
4. Reinforce Positive Behavior: Praise and reward your dog immediately when they choose a toy over a blanket.
5. Gradually Reintroduce Items: Once consistent progress is made, allow supervised access to blankets while monitoring behavior closely.

Tip: Rotate chew toys weekly to maintain novelty and prevent boredom.

Effective Training Techniques

Training is the cornerstone of long-term success. Use positive reinforcement to teach your dog what is acceptable to chew.

Start by introducing the “Leave It” command. Hold a treat in a closed fist near your dog. When they sniff or paw, wait silently. The moment they back away, say “Yes!” and reward with a treat from your other hand. Repeat until they consistently disengage on cue. Then practice with low-value items like a sock, progressing to high-temptation targets like a comforter edge.

Pair this with the “Drop It” command for situations where your dog already has the item in their mouth. Say “Drop it” once, then show a high-value treat. When they release the object, reward immediately. Never chase or wrestle—the struggle reinforces the game.

Common Mistakes in Training

Mistake	Why It’s Harmful	Better Alternative
Yelling or physical punishment	Increases anxiety and damages trust	Calm redirection and positive reinforcement
Ignoring the behavior	Allows the habit to become ingrained	Immediate intervention and consistent correction
Using human blankets as dog bedding	Blurs boundaries between off-limits and acceptable items	Designate dog-only bedding with distinct textures

Environmental Management and Prevention

Even the best-trained dog can slip up if temptation is too great. Managing your environment reduces opportunities for mistakes.

• Crating when unsupervised: A properly sized crate with safe chew toys prevents access to forbidden items while providing a den-like sense of security.
• Using baby gates: Restrict access to rooms with soft furnishings during high-risk times (e.g., when you’re cooking or sleeping).
• Scent masking: Some dogs are drawn to the scent of their owners on bedding. Washing comforters with unscented detergent or storing them in sealed containers can reduce appeal.
• Increasing exercise: A tired dog is less likely to engage in destructive behaviors. Aim for at least 30–60 minutes of daily physical and mental activity.

Tip: Hide treats in puzzle toys or scatter kibble in the yard to stimulate natural foraging instincts.

Mini Case Study: Bella the Border Collie

Bella, a 2-year-old Border Collie, began shredding her owner’s down comforter every time she was left alone. Her owner initially thought it was separation anxiety, but after consulting a trainer, they discovered the real issue: under-stimulation.

Bella received two 20-minute walks daily but lacked mental challenges. The trainer recommended increasing aerobic exercise (jogging, fetch) and introducing advanced obedience drills and scent games. They also replaced the comforter with a heavy-duty dog bed and used a bitter spray on any accessible bedding.

Within three weeks, the chewing stopped. Bella now spends solo time in a gated living room with a stuffed Kong and calming music. Her owner reports not only an end to destruction but also improved focus and calmness overall.

Checklist: How to Stop Comforter Chewing

Follow this actionable checklist to create a comprehensive plan:

• ✅ Identify when and where chewing occurs (patterns reveal triggers)
• ✅ Remove access to comforters when unsupervised
• ✅ Provide multiple appropriate chew toys
• ✅ Apply taste deterrents to off-limits items
• ✅ Train “Leave It” and “Drop It” commands
• ✅ Increase daily physical and mental exercise
• ✅ Crate or confine during high-risk periods
• ✅ Reward desired behavior consistently
• ✅ Consult a vet to rule out medical causes (e.g., pica, dental pain)
• ✅ Consider a behaviorist if anxiety is suspected

FAQ

Is it normal for adult dogs to chew on blankets?

Occasional chewing may occur, especially if stressed or bored, but persistent chewing beyond puppyhood is not typical and usually indicates an underlying issue such as anxiety, lack of stimulation, or nutritional deficiency.

Can I use vinegar to deter my dog from chewing?

Yes, a diluted white vinegar spray can act as a natural deterrent due to its strong smell and sour taste. Test on a small area first to ensure it won’t damage fabric. Note: Some dogs may not be deterred, so combine with other methods.

Should I punish my dog if I catch them chewing?

No. Punishment after the fact is ineffective because dogs don’t connect delayed consequences with past actions. Instead, interrupt the behavior calmly, redirect to an appropriate toy, and reinforce that choice with praise.

Conclusion

Stopping your dog from chewing on comforters and blankets is entirely achievable with patience, consistency, and the right tools. Focus on meeting your dog’s physical and emotional needs, set clear boundaries, and reinforce good choices. Remember, every chew mark is a communication—not defiance, but a signal that something is missing.

By applying these proven strategies, you’re not just protecting your bedding—you’re building a healthier, happier relationship with your dog. Start today: pick one strategy from the checklist, implement it consistently, and observe the change.

💬 Have a tip that worked for your dog? Share your experience in the comments—your solution might help another pet owner break the cycle of destruction.