How To Prevent Your Dog From Chewing Furniture When Left Alone During Work Hours

Dogs are naturally curious and energetic animals. When left alone for extended periods—especially during a typical 8-hour workday—they can become bored, anxious, or overstimulated. One of the most common behavioral issues that arise is destructive chewing, particularly targeting furniture like couch legs, table edges, or baseboards. While this behavior may seem frustrating, it’s rarely about spite. Instead, it’s usually a symptom of unmet physical, mental, or emotional needs. The good news is that with the right approach, you can effectively prevent furniture chewing and help your dog feel secure and occupied while you're away.

Understanding Why Dogs Chew When Left Alone

Before addressing the behavior, it's essential to understand its root causes. Chewing is a natural instinct in dogs—it helps relieve teething pain in puppies, maintains dental health, and serves as a stress reliever. However, when chewing becomes focused on household items during isolation, it often points to deeper issues:

• Boredom: Dogs without sufficient mental or physical stimulation may resort to chewing as a way to pass the time.
• Anxiety: Separation anxiety affects an estimated 20–40% of dogs in multi-dog or high-stress households. Destructive behavior is one of its hallmark signs.
• Lack of Training: Puppies and untrained dogs don’t inherently know which items are off-limits unless consistently taught.
• Teething (in puppies): Dogs under one year old experience discomfort as adult teeth come in, leading them to chew on anything within reach.
• Environmental Triggers: Furniture may carry scents (like food residue) or textures that attract chewing.

Recognizing the underlying cause allows for targeted solutions rather than temporary fixes.

Tip: Rotate your dog’s toys weekly to maintain novelty and reduce boredom-related chewing.

Create a Dog-Safe Environment Before Leaving

Prevention starts with modifying your home environment to minimize temptation and maximize safety. A well-prepared space reduces opportunities for destructive behavior and gives your dog clear boundaries.

1. Puppy-proof or dog-proof key areas: Use baby gates or closed doors to restrict access to rooms with vulnerable furniture. Focus on high-risk zones like living rooms or dining areas.
2. Use bitter sprays: Apply pet-safe deterrent sprays (e.g., Grannick’s Bitter Apple) to legs of tables, sofas, or baseboards. These create an unpleasant taste without harming your pet.
3. Provide acceptable chew alternatives: Leave durable, engaging chew toys such as Kong Classic, Nylabone, or bully sticks. Stuffing a Kong with peanut butter or frozen yogurt adds lasting appeal.
4. Remove tempting items: Avoid leaving shoes, socks, or papers on the floor. Even if not chewed, these can reinforce inappropriate chewing habits.

Do’s	Don’ts
Leave puzzle toys filled with treats	Leave expensive or sentimental furniture exposed
Use baby gates to limit room access	Scold your dog after returning—he won’t connect punishment with past actions
Provide safe, labeled chew toys	Use physical punishment or shock collars
Keep floors clean of food scraps	Assume crate training works for all dogs without proper introduction

Establish a Predictable Routine and Crate Training

Dogs thrive on consistency. A structured daily routine—including feeding, walks, playtime, and departure cues—helps reduce anxiety associated with being left alone.

One of the most effective tools for preventing chewing is **crate training**, provided it’s done humanely and gradually. A properly introduced crate mimics a den-like environment where many dogs naturally feel safe.

Steps to Successful Crate Training

1. Choose the right size: The crate should allow your dog to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably—but not so large that they can eliminate in one end and sleep in the other.
2. Make it inviting: Add soft bedding, a favorite toy, and treats. Never use the crate as punishment.
3. Introduce gradually: Start with short sessions while you’re home. Feed meals inside the crate to build positive associations.
4. Build duration slowly: Increase time spent in the crate from 5 minutes to several hours over weeks, always ensuring your dog remains calm.
5. Use only when necessary: Crates should not be used for more than 6–8 hours for adult dogs, and less for puppies.

If your dog shows signs of distress (excessive barking, drooling, pacing), reconsider crate use and consult a professional trainer.

“A dog who chews furniture when left alone isn't misbehaving—he's communicating distress or unmet needs. Address the emotion behind the action.” — Dr. Karen Overall, Veterinary Behaviorist

Enrichment and Mental Stimulation Strategies

Physical tiredness prevents energy buildup, but mental fatigue is equally important. A mentally stimulated dog is far less likely to engage in destructive behaviors.

Pre-Departure Activities

Engage your dog in 20–30 minutes of vigorous activity before leaving. This could include:

• A brisk walk or jog
• Fetch or tug-of-war
• Nose work games (hide treats around the house)

This reduces excess energy and promotes relaxation once you leave.

Cognitive Enrichment Tools

Interactive toys keep dogs occupied long after you’ve gone:

• Puzzle feeders: Devices like the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel or Nina Ottosson puzzles challenge problem-solving skills.
• Treat-dispensing balls: The classic Kong Wobbler rolls unpredictably, releasing kibble as your dog plays.
• DIY enrichment: Freeze a mixture of low-sodium broth and kibble in a muffin tin for a long-lasting lick mat.

Tip: Record yourself leaving and returning to observe your dog’s behavior. This helps identify triggers like pacing, whining, or immediate chewing.

Addressing Separation Anxiety Systematically

Not all chewing is due to boredom. If your dog exhibits additional symptoms—such as howling, scratching at doors, urinating indoors, or destroying items near exits—separation anxiety may be the cause.

Gradual Desensitization Plan

This method teaches your dog that your departure doesn’t mean distress. Follow this timeline over 2–6 weeks:

Week	Practice Activity	Goal
1	Pick up keys, put on jacket, then sit back down. Repeat 5x/day.	Break association between cues and actual departure.
2	Open door, step outside, return immediately.	Reduce panic response to door opening.
3	Walk to car, start engine, come back in.	Desensitize to pre-departure rituals.
4–6	Leave for increasing durations: 1 min → 5 min → 15 min → 30 min.	Build tolerance to being alone.

Always leave calmly—no emotional goodbyes—and re-enter without fanfare. Reward calm behavior upon return.

When to Seek Professional Help

If progress stalls or your dog self-injures, consult a certified animal behaviorist or veterinarian. In severe cases, short-term anti-anxiety medication combined with behavior modification can be highly effective.

Mini Case Study: Max, the Labrador Mix

Max, a 10-month-old Labrador mix, chewed through two sofa legs and shredded a throw pillow every time his owner left for work. Initial attempts—like yelling and switching rooms—failed. A behavior assessment revealed he was both teething and experiencing mild separation anxiety.

The solution included:

• Installing a baby gate to block the living room
• Introducing a stuffed Kong frozen overnight
• Implementing a 15-minute morning walk and 10-minute fetch session
• Starting desensitization exercises over three weeks

Within four weeks, Max stopped chewing furniture entirely. His owner reported he now lies quietly on his bed with a chew toy until she returns.

Essential Prevention Checklist

Follow this checklist each morning before heading to work:

• ✅ Take your dog for a walk or active play session
• ✅ Provide at least one durable chew toy (e.g., rubber bone or stuffed Kong)
• ✅ Restrict access to high-risk areas using gates or crates
• ✅ Apply pet-safe deterrent spray to previously chewed furniture
• ✅ Leave background noise (radio or TV) to reduce environmental silence
• ✅ Confirm water is available and environment is temperature-safe
• ✅ Practice brief departures to maintain low anxiety levels

Frequently Asked Questions

Will getting another dog solve the problem?

Not necessarily. While companionship helps some dogs, others become more anxious or competitive. Introducing a second dog is a major decision and shouldn’t be made solely to address chewing. Most dogs benefit more from structured routines and enrichment than from canine company.

Is it okay to leave the TV or radio on for my dog?

Yes. Background noise can mask unsettling outdoor sounds (like construction or barking) and simulate human presence. Classical music and specially designed “music for pets” playlists have been shown to reduce stress in dogs left alone.

How long is too long to leave a dog alone?

Adult dogs should not be left alone for more than 8 hours without a potty break. Puppies need relief every 3–4 hours. Extended isolation increases the risk of accidents, anxiety, and destructive behavior—even in well-trained dogs.

Conclusion: Build Trust, Not Barriers

Preventing furniture chewing isn’t about restricting your dog’s freedom—it’s about understanding their needs and creating a supportive environment. With consistent training, mental engagement, and empathy, you can transform solitary hours into peaceful downtime for your pet. The goal isn’t just to stop destruction, but to foster confidence and comfort in your dog’s ability to cope when you're away.

💬 Have a success story or a challenge with your dog chewing furniture? Share your experience below—your insight could help another pet owner find relief and build a stronger bond with their dog.