Effective Strategies To Stop Your Dog From Chewing Shoes For Good A Step By Step Guide 2

Dogs chew. It’s natural. But when that chewing targets your favorite pair of loafers or your partner’s running shoes, it becomes more than a habit—it’s a household crisis. Shoe-chewing is one of the most common behavioral issues reported by dog owners, especially those with puppies or high-energy breeds. The good news? With consistency, understanding, and the right approach, you can stop this behavior for good. This guide walks you through proven, humane strategies backed by canine behavior experts to redirect your dog’s chewing instincts and preserve your footwear.

Why Dogs Chew Shoes: Understanding the Root Causes

Before correcting the behavior, it’s essential to understand why dogs target shoes in particular. Unlike random objects, shoes carry scent, texture, and accessibility—making them highly appealing to dogs.

• Scent attraction: Shoes are saturated with your scent, which comforts and excites dogs.
• Teething discomfort: Puppies between 3–7 months often chew to relieve gum pain.
• Boredom or excess energy: Under-exercised dogs seek stimulation—and shoes are easy prey.
• Separation anxiety: Chewing may be a coping mechanism when left alone.
• Lack of training: Without clear boundaries, dogs don’t know what’s off-limits.

Addressing shoe-chewing isn’t just about punishment—it’s about replacing the behavior with better alternatives and managing the environment effectively.

Tip: Never yell or physically punish your dog for chewing. This creates fear and confusion, worsening behavioral issues.

Step-by-Step Plan to Stop Shoe-Chewing

Breaking the cycle requires patience and structure. Follow this six-phase plan to achieve lasting results.

1. Remove temptation: Store shoes in closed closets or bins. Use over-the-door organizers or elevated shelves to keep them out of reach.
2. Provide appropriate chew toys: Introduce durable, dog-safe chews like rubber Kongs, bully sticks, or dental chews. Rotate toys weekly to maintain interest.
3. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog immediately when they choose a toy over a shoe. Treats, praise, and playtime reinforce good choices.
4. Redirect in the moment: If you catch your dog with a shoe, calmly say “Leave it,” remove the item, and replace it with an approved chew toy.
5. Increase mental and physical exercise: A tired dog is less likely to misbehave. Aim for at least 30–60 minutes of daily activity tailored to breed needs.
6. Establish a routine: Dogs thrive on predictability. Feed, walk, and play at consistent times to reduce anxiety-driven chewing.

Consistency across all family members is critical. Mixed signals—like allowing chewing sometimes but not others—confuse dogs and delay progress.

Effective Training Techniques and Tools

Training isn’t just about saying “no.” It’s about teaching your dog what *to* do instead. Here are three proven techniques:

1. The Trade-Up Method

When your dog picks up a shoe, offer a higher-value item—a frozen peanut butter-stuffed Kong or a squeaky toy. Say “Trade” and gently exchange. Over time, your dog learns that giving up forbidden items leads to better rewards.

2. Scent Deterrents

Bitter apple sprays or citrus-based deterrents make shoes unappealing without harming your pet. Spray lightly on shoes stored in open areas (but avoid delicate materials). Reapply weekly or after cleaning.

3. Crate Training for Supervision

A properly used crate gives your dog a safe den and prevents unsupervised access to shoes. Never use the crate as punishment. Pair crating with chew toys and calming music to build positive associations.

“Dogs don’t chew shoes because they’re ‘bad’—they chew because their needs aren’t being met. Address the cause, not just the symptom.” — Dr. Karen Becker, Veterinary Behaviorist

Do’s and Don’ts: What Works (and What Doesn’t)

Do’s	Don’ts
Keep chew toys easily accessible	Leave shoes on the floor, even briefly
Use bitter sprays on off-limit items	Punish after the fact—dogs can’t connect actions to delayed consequences
Exercise your dog daily	Yell or rub the dog’s nose in the mess
Rotate toys to prevent boredom	Use shock collars or aversive tools
Supervise during early training phases	Assume the dog will “grow out of it” without intervention

Real-Life Example: Turning Around Max the Labrador

Max, a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever, destroyed three pairs of shoes in two weeks. His owners were frustrated and considered rehoming him. A certified trainer assessed the home and identified key issues: lack of exercise, no designated chew zone, and inconsistent rules.

The solution was structured:

• Shoes were moved to a locked closet.
• Max received two 30-minute walks daily plus 15 minutes of fetch.
• He was given four rotating chew toys, including a frozen marrow bone for teething relief.
• His owners used a clicker to mark good behavior and rewarded him with treats when he chose toys.

Within three weeks, shoe-chewing stopped. By week six, Max consistently went to his toy basket when excited. His owners reported improved overall obedience and stronger bonding.

Essential Checklist for Success

Use this checklist to ensure you're covering all bases in stopping shoe-chewing:

• ✅ Remove all shoes from accessible areas
• ✅ Stock a variety of durable chew toys
• ✅ Establish a daily exercise routine
• ✅ Use positive reinforcement consistently
• ✅ Apply taste deterrents to vulnerable items
• ✅ Supervise or confine your dog when unsupervised
• ✅ Crate-train if needed for safety and structure
• ✅ Monitor progress weekly and adjust as needed

Tip: Label a bin “Dog Chews” and keep it near the entryway. When you come home, grab a toy before letting your dog off-leash to prevent shoe-targeting excitement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to stop a dog from chewing shoes?

Most dogs show improvement within 2–3 weeks with consistent training. Full correction typically takes 4–8 weeks, depending on age, breed, and prior habits. Puppies may require longer due to teething and shorter attention spans.

Are some dog breeds more prone to chewing?

Yes. High-energy breeds like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers are more likely to chew out of boredom. Terriers and hounds may chew due to strong oral fixation. However, any dog can develop the habit without proper guidance.

Can I let my dog chew old shoes if they’re designated for that purpose?

No. It’s too confusing for dogs to distinguish between “okay” and “not okay” shoes. Even if one old sneaker is allowed, your dog won’t understand why others are off-limits. Stick to clearly labeled chew toys only.

Final Steps: Building a Long-Term Solution

Stopping shoe-chewing isn’t a one-time fix—it’s part of raising a well-adjusted dog. The goal isn’t just protection of your belongings, but fostering self-control and mental wellness in your pet. As your dog matures and learns, continue reinforcing good habits. Celebrate small wins, like choosing a toy when excited or dropping a slipper when asked.

Remember, every dog is capable of change with the right support. You’re not just saving your shoes—you’re building trust, communication, and a happier home life for both of you.

🚀 Start today: Pick up one chew toy, store your shoes away, and practice one redirection. Small actions lead to big changes. Share your progress in the comments—we’d love to hear how your dog is improving!