How To Stop Puppies From Chewing Shoes Without Yelling

Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Their sharp little teeth are tools for learning, teething relief, and curiosity—not acts of defiance. When a puppy chews your favorite shoe, it’s easy to react with frustration or raise your voice. But yelling only creates fear, confusion, and a breakdown in trust. The good news is that you can stop this behavior effectively and humanely using consistent, science-backed strategies that build a stronger bond with your pup.

Chewing is natural, especially during the first six months when puppies are teething. Instead of focusing on punishment, redirect their instincts toward appropriate outlets. With patience, structure, and proactive management, you can protect your footwear while raising a well-behaved dog.

Why Puppies Chew Shoes (And Why Yelling Doesn’t Help)

Puppies chew for several biological and behavioral reasons:

• Teething discomfort: Between 3 and 6 months, puppies lose baby teeth and grow adult ones. Chewing relieves gum pressure.
• Exploration: Puppies use their mouths like hands to investigate textures, scents, and shapes.
• Boredom or excess energy: Without enough physical or mental stimulation, chewing becomes entertainment.
• Attention-seeking: Even negative reactions like yelling can reinforce the behavior if they’re the only interaction the puppy receives.

Yelling may seem like an immediate deterrent, but it often backfires. Dogs don’t connect loud voices with past actions—they live in the moment. If you shout after finding a chewed shoe, your puppy won’t understand why you’re upset. Worse, repeated yelling can lead to anxiety, fear-based behaviors, and a reluctance to approach you when they’ve made a mistake.

“Dogs learn best through positive reinforcement and clear boundaries, not fear. A calm, consistent approach builds confidence and long-term obedience.” — Dr. Karen Becker, DVM, Integrative Pet Care Advocate

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Stop Shoe Chewing Humanely

Changing chewing behavior takes time, but these steps create lasting results without damaging your relationship with your puppy.

1. Remove temptation: Store shoes in closed closets, bins, or elevated areas. Use baby gates to block access to entryways where shoes pile up.
2. Provide acceptable chew alternatives: Stock a variety of safe, durable chew toys. Rotate them weekly to maintain interest.
3. Supervise closely: Keep your puppy in sight during waking hours. Use a leash tethered to your waist indoors to prevent unsupervised roaming.
4. Redirect immediately: If you catch your puppy approaching a shoe, calmly say “Oops” or “Leave it,” then offer a chew toy. Praise when they take it.
5. Use positive reinforcement: Reward desired behavior with treats, praise, or playtime every time your puppy chooses a toy over a shoe.
6. Manage the environment: Crate train your puppy when unsupervised. A properly sized crate prevents destructive chewing and supports house training.
7. Exercise daily: A tired puppy is less likely to seek out trouble. Aim for age-appropriate walks, play sessions, and mental challenges.

Tip: Rub a bit of peanut butter (xylitol-free) on a rubber chew toy to make it instantly appealing.

Choosing the Right Chew Toys: A Comparison Table

Not all chew toys are created equal. Match the toy to your puppy’s size, chewing strength, and preferences.

Toys	Best For	Pros	Cons
Rubber Kongs	All breeds, especially strong chewers	Durable, can be stuffed with food, bounces unpredictably	May be too hard for very young puppies
Soft plush toys	Young puppies, light chewers	Comforting texture, good for cuddling	Easily destroyed; supervise use
Teething rings (chilled)	Puppies 8–16 weeks	Cools sore gums, lightweight	Not suitable for aggressive chewers
Nylon bones	Moderate to heavy chewers	Long-lasting, promotes dental health	Can wear down teeth if too rigid
Interactive puzzle toys	Mentally active pups	Engages brain, slows eating, reduces boredom	Requires training to use effectively

Real Example: Turning Around Max’s Shoe Habit

Max, a 14-week-old Labrador Retriever, had chewed through three pairs of sneakers in two weeks. His owners, frustrated, would yell and lock him in the laundry room. Max became anxious and began hiding whenever someone returned home.

A trainer recommended a new approach:

• All shoes were stored in a closet behind a gate.
• Five chew toys were introduced, rotated every two days.
• Max was leashed to his owner during the day for supervision.
• Whenever he showed interest in a shoe, he was redirected with a squeaky toy and praised lavishly for taking it.
• Before bedtime, he got a frozen Kong filled with yogurt and blueberries.

Within 10 days, Max stopped targeting shoes entirely. After three weeks, his owners reported he now runs to his toy basket when excited. The yelling stopped—and so did the destruction.

Common Mistakes That Worsen the Problem

Even well-meaning owners accidentally reinforce bad habits. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Using old shoes as chew toys: Puppies can’t distinguish between “old” and “new” shoes. If one is allowed, they’ll assume all are fair game.
• Inconsistent rules: All household members must respond the same way. Mixed signals confuse the puppy.
• Leaving high-value items within reach: Socks, slippers, and leather boots carry strong human scents that attract puppies.
• Over-correcting: Swatting, shoving, or shouting damages trust and can trigger defensive biting.
• Neglecting exercise: A puppy with pent-up energy will find its own outlet—often your belongings.

Tip: Spray a small amount of bitter apple solution on shoes (out of puppy’s sight) as a temporary deterrent—only alongside redirection, never as a standalone fix.

Checklist: Prevent Puppy Shoe Chewing Without Yelling

Follow this actionable checklist daily for the first month to establish new habits:

• ✅ Store all shoes in closed storage or elevated areas
• ✅ Provide at least 3 different types of chew toys
• ✅ Supervise your puppy at all times when out of the crate
• ✅ Redirect to a toy the moment shoe interest begins
• ✅ Reward every correct choice with praise or a treat
• ✅ Crate or confine your puppy safely when unattended
• ✅ Take your puppy for at least two short walks or play sessions daily
• ✅ Rotate toys weekly to maintain novelty
• ✅ Clean chewed shoes thoroughly to remove scent traces
• ✅ Practice “leave it” commands daily using low-distraction settings

FAQ: Common Questions About Puppy Chewing

How long does the puppy chewing phase last?

Most puppies significantly reduce inappropriate chewing by 6 to 8 months of age, once adult teeth have fully emerged and they’ve learned acceptable behaviors. However, some large breeds may continue chewing for comfort or stress relief into their first year.

What if my puppy only chews my shoes and not anyone else’s?

This is common. Your shoes carry your personal scent, which is comforting and intriguing to your puppy. It’s not about preference for the shoe itself, but for your presence. This makes redirection even more important—you become part of the solution by offering scent-soaked toys (like a worn T-shirt inside a plush toy).

Is it okay to use a spray deterrent on shoes?

Yes, but only as a secondary tool. Bitter sprays can help break the habit when used in combination with redirection and environmental management. Never rely on them alone. Always test on a small area first to avoid staining, and reapply after cleaning.

Building a Calm, Confident Puppy

The way you respond to chewing sets the tone for your entire relationship. Reacting with calm guidance instead of anger teaches your puppy that you are a reliable leader. They learn boundaries not through fear, but through understanding what earns your approval.

Every time you redirect your puppy to a toy and reward the right choice, you’re reinforcing neural pathways that support self-control. Over time, your puppy will begin making better decisions independently—not because they’re afraid of you, but because they trust your guidance and enjoy the rewards of good behavior.

Remember, your puppy isn’t being “bad.” They’re being a puppy. Your role is to guide them gently into becoming a well-mannered adult dog—one chew toy at a time.

💬 Start today: Pick one strategy from the checklist and implement it consistently for a week. Share your progress in the comments—your experience could inspire another pet parent!