Effective Ways To Stop Your Dog From Chewing Remote Controls Behavioral Tips That Work

Dogs chew for a variety of reasons—boredom, anxiety, teething, or simply because they find certain objects irresistibly interesting. Among the most commonly targeted household items are remote controls. Their size, texture, and satisfying click when bitten make them prime targets for curious canines. Unfortunately, this habit poses serious risks: broken electronics, costly replacements, and even health hazards if pieces are swallowed.

The good news is that remote-chewing behavior is both preventable and correctable. With consistent training, environmental management, and an understanding of canine psychology, you can redirect your dog’s chewing instincts toward appropriate outlets. This guide outlines practical, humane, and evidence-based strategies to stop your dog from destroying remotes—and keep them safe in the process.

Understanding Why Dogs Chew Remotes

Before addressing the behavior, it's essential to understand its root causes. Chewing is a natural instinct in dogs, especially puppies between 3 and 6 months old who are teething. Adult dogs may chew due to stress, lack of stimulation, or learned reinforcement—if they've been allowed to chew on similar objects before, they’ll assume it's acceptable.

Remote controls are particularly appealing because:

• Size and shape: They fit perfectly in a dog’s mouth.
• Texture: Plastic has a satisfying crunch.
• Scent: Human scent lingers on remotes, making them more enticing.
• Sound: The clicking buttons provide auditory feedback, which some dogs find stimulating.

Without intervention, this behavior can escalate. A dog that learns it can chew remotes without consequence may begin targeting other electronics or personal belongings.

Tip: Always supervise your dog during unscheduled times at home—especially during the first few weeks of training.

Immediate Environmental Management

The fastest way to stop remote chewing is to remove access. You cannot train a dog not to chew something they’re constantly exposed to. Start by making your living space less tempting.

Implement these changes immediately:

1. Store remotes out of reach: Use drawers, cabinets, or elevated shelves. Consider using remote control holders mounted behind couches or under tables.
2. Use remote covers: Silicone or rubber covers add an unappealing texture and protect against damage.
3. Designate a “dog-safe” zone: When you're not supervising, confine your dog to a gated area or crate free of tempting objects.
4. Keep surfaces clear: Make it a habit to put away all small electronics after use.

Environmental control isn’t a long-term fix—it supports training by reducing opportunities for mistakes. But paired with behavioral techniques, it dramatically increases success rates.

Behavioral Training Techniques That Work

Effective dog training relies on consistency, positive reinforcement, and redirection. Here are three core methods backed by animal behaviorists:

1. Redirection with Appropriate Chew Toys

Dogs need to chew. Instead of trying to eliminate the behavior, channel it appropriately. Keep high-value chew toys nearby—those filled with treats, made of durable rubber, or flavored with natural scents like peanut butter or chicken.

When you catch your dog approaching or picking up a remote:

1. Interrupt with a calm but firm “uh-uh” or “leave it.”
2. Immediately offer a preferred chew toy.
3. Reward with praise or a treat when they engage with the toy instead.

Over time, your dog will learn that choosing the toy leads to better outcomes than grabbing forbidden items.

2. Leave-It Command Training

This command teaches impulse control. Practice daily in low-distraction environments before applying it to real-world situations.

“Teaching ‘leave it’ gives dogs the mental tools to resist temptation. It’s one of the most valuable commands for preventing destructive behavior.” — Dr. Karen Becker, Veterinary Behaviorist

Step-by-step training:

1. Place a treat in your closed hand and show it to your dog.
2. When they sniff, paw, or lick, wait silently.
3. As soon as they back away or stop trying, say “yes” and give them a different treat from your other hand.
4. Gradually increase difficulty: place the treat on the floor, cover it with your hand, then use verbal cue “leave it.”
5. Once mastered, apply to remotes and other off-limits items.

3. Positive Reinforcement for Desired Behavior

Reward your dog for being near the remote without interacting with it. This is called “differential reinforcement of alternative behavior” (DRA).

For example, if your dog lies down calmly on their bed while the remote sits on the coffee table, toss a treat or praise them. This strengthens calm, non-reactive behavior around tempting objects.

Common Mistakes That Undermine Progress

Even well-intentioned owners can accidentally reinforce unwanted chewing. Avoid these pitfalls:

Mistake	Why It’s Harmful	Better Alternative
Yelling or chasing the dog when caught chewing	Turns it into a game; attention reinforces the behavior	Calmly interrupt and redirect without excitement
Using physical punishment	Creates fear, damages trust, doesn’t teach replacement behavior	Use positive reinforcement and prevention
Only intervening after damage is done	Misses critical learning window	Supervise closely and act proactively
Providing too many inappropriate chew options	Confuses boundaries (e.g., old shoes vs. new ones)	Offer only approved toys; keep personal items hidden

Consistency across all family members is crucial. If one person allows chewing on remotes “just once,” the dog won’t understand the rule.

Real-Life Example: Fixing Max’s Remote Habit

Max, a 10-month-old Labrador Retriever, had destroyed four remotes in two months. His owners loved him but were frustrated. They tried yelling, hiding remotes, and even covering them in bitter spray—but nothing stuck.

A certified dog trainer assessed the situation and found key issues: Max was left alone for hours with no chew toys, and his owners inconsistently responded when he chewed things. The solution included:

• Installing a magnetic remote holder behind the TV stand.
• Introducing a rotation of frozen Kongs and durable rubber toys.
• Training Max to respond to “leave it” using daily 5-minute sessions.
• Setting up a camera to monitor behavior when unsupervised.

Within three weeks, Max stopped showing interest in remotes. By week six, he consistently chose his chew toy when the remote was left out during training exercises. The owners reported a calmer, more confident dog overall.

Tip: Rotate chew toys weekly to maintain novelty and interest—dogs get bored just like people do.

Prevention Checklist: Stop Remote Chewing Before It Starts

Follow this checklist to create a dog-friendly environment that discourages destructive chewing:

• ✅ Store remotes in enclosed spaces or use lockable storage boxes.
• ✅ Provide at least 3–5 durable, dog-safe chew toys at all times.
• ✅ Supervise your dog during high-risk periods (e.g., after meals, when excited).
• ✅ Crate or gate your dog when you can't watch them.
• ✅ Train and practice the “leave it” command daily for at least 2–3 weeks.
• ✅ Use taste deterrents (bitter apple spray) on remotes as a temporary aid—not a permanent solution.
• ✅ Exercise your dog adequately—mental and physical fatigue reduces destructive urges.
• ✅ Reward calm behavior near off-limits objects to build positive associations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bitter sprays on remotes safely?

Yes, food-grade bitter sprays like Grannick’s Bitter Apple are generally safe for use on plastic surfaces. However, test on a small area first to avoid residue or damage. These sprays work best as a short-term deterrent while training takes effect—they should never replace supervision or training.

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

This suggests separation-related anxiety or boredom. Consider increasing pre-departure exercise, providing puzzle toys stuffed with food, or using a pet camera to observe behavior. If chewing coincides with signs of distress (howling, pacing), consult a veterinary behaviorist. Remote chewing in isolation may be a symptom of deeper emotional needs.

How long does it take to stop this behavior?

With consistent effort, most dogs improve within 2–6 weeks. Puppies often require more time as their chewing peaks during teething. The key is consistency—every lapse in supervision or correction sets progress back. Track improvements weekly and celebrate small wins.

Conclusion: Building Long-Term Success

Stopping your dog from chewing remote controls isn’t about punishment—it’s about guidance, structure, and meeting your dog’s natural needs in healthy ways. By combining smart environmental design with compassionate training, you create an environment where good choices are easy and bad ones are nearly impossible.

Remember, every dog can learn. Some just need more time, repetition, and patience. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Start today by putting your remote in a drawer, grabbing a chew toy, and practicing one round of “leave it.” Small actions compound into lasting change.

💬 Have a story about your dog and remote controls? Share your experience or tip in the comments below—your insight could help another pet owner avoid frustration and save their TV remote!