How To Stop Your Dog From Chewing Remote Controls Behavior Training Tips

Dogs explore the world with their mouths. While this is natural behavior, it can become destructive when your favorite remote control ends up in shreds on the living room floor. Not only are replacement remotes expensive, but ingesting plastic pieces poses serious health risks to your pet. The good news? This behavior is both preventable and correctable. With consistent training, environmental management, and an understanding of canine psychology, you can teach your dog to leave electronics alone for good.

Chewing isn't just mischief—it's often a sign of boredom, anxiety, or unmet needs. Addressing the root cause while reinforcing positive habits is key. Below, you’ll find practical strategies backed by animal behavior experts, real-life examples, and actionable steps to help you regain control of your living space—and keep your devices intact.

Understanding Why Dogs Chew Remote Controls

Dogs don’t target remotes out of spite. Their attraction to these small electronic devices stems from several instinctive and learned behaviors:

• Scent and taste: Remotes carry human scent and may have traces of food oils from fingers, making them appealing.
• Texture: The hard plastic with ridges mimics bones or toys, satisfying a dog’s urge to chew.
• Boredom: Without sufficient mental stimulation, dogs resort to chewing as a form of entertainment.
• Separation anxiety: Dogs left alone may chew objects associated with their owners as a coping mechanism.
• Puppy teething: Puppies between 3–6 months old chew excessively to relieve gum discomfort.

Ignoring the underlying motivation leads to temporary fixes at best. A successful approach combines redirection, training, and environmental control.

Tip: Always supervise young or high-energy dogs during unscheduled times to catch chewing early.

Step-by-Step Guide to Stop Remote Chewing

Eliminating this habit requires patience and consistency. Follow this six-step process to create lasting change:

1. Remove temptation. Store remotes in closed drawers, cabinets, or designated caddies out of reach. Make it impossible for your dog to access them.
2. Provide acceptable alternatives. Offer durable chew toys that satisfy texture cravings—rubber Kongs, nylon bones, or puzzle toys filled with treats.
3. Reinforce “leave it” command. Train your dog to disengage from off-limits items using positive reinforcement (see next section).
4. Increase physical and mental exercise. A tired dog is less likely to seek out trouble. Aim for daily walks, play sessions, and brain games.
5. Use deterrent sprays. Apply pet-safe bitter-tasting spray to remotes (only when not in use) to discourage chewing.
6. Monitor and redirect. If you catch your dog approaching a remote, calmly interrupt and guide them toward an approved toy.

This method works because it addresses both opportunity and motivation. Prevention stops the behavior before it starts, while training reshapes your dog’s choices over time.

Training Your Dog to “Leave It” – A Reliable Command

The “leave it” command is one of the most useful tools in dog training. When taught correctly, it gives you immediate control over dangerous or unwanted behaviors like chewing electronics.

To teach “leave it”:

1. Place a low-value treat in your closed hand and show it to your dog.
2. When they sniff, paw, or lick, wait silently. Do not open your hand.
3. Once they back away—even slightly—say “Yes!” and reward with a different, higher-value treat from your other hand.
4. Repeat until your dog immediately looks away from your closed fist when you say “leave it.”
5. Progress to placing the treat on the floor under your hand, then fully exposed.
6. Practice with real-world distractions, including remotes (supervised).

Consistency is crucial. Practice five minutes daily for two weeks. Use high-value rewards like small bits of chicken or cheese to maintain motivation.

“Dogs learn through consequences. If chewing a remote leads to nothing, but choosing a toy earns praise and treats, the choice becomes obvious.” — Dr. Karen Becker, DVM, Canine Behavior Specialist

Checklist: Prevent Remote Chewing in 7 Daily Actions

Prevention is more effective than correction. Use this checklist each day to reduce risk:

• ✅ Store all remotes in a drawer or organizer after use.
• ✅ Provide at least two appropriate chew toys in common areas.
• ✅ Take your dog for a walk or active play session before leaving home.
• ✅ Rotate toys weekly to maintain interest and novelty.
• ✅ Spray unused remotes with pet-safe bitter apple spray (reapply weekly).
• ✅ Practice the “leave it” command 2–3 times per day during calm moments.
• ✅ Use a baby gate or crate when supervision isn’t possible.

These actions create structure and predictability, which dogs thrive on. Over time, your dog will learn that remote controls are irrelevant, while toys bring rewards.

Do’s and Don’ts: Common Mistakes in Behavior Correction

Well-meaning owners often make errors that reinforce the very behavior they want to stop. This table outlines critical do’s and don’ts:

Do	Don’t
Redirect to a toy immediately when chewing starts	Yell or chase your dog—they may interpret it as play
Use positive reinforcement for ignoring forbidden items	Physically punish; it damages trust and increases anxiety
Supervise closely during high-risk times (e.g., after meals)	Assume your dog “knows better” without consistent practice
Make chew toys more exciting with treats or stuffing	Leave valuable items within reach as “tests”
Gradually increase freedom as behavior improves	Give full access too soon after progress

Remember: dogs live in the moment. Punishing them after the fact does not connect the consequence to the action. Immediate, calm intervention is far more effective.

Tip: Keep a “chew kit” near the couch: a basket with three rotating toys and a tube of peanut butter (xylitol-free) for stuffing.

Real Example: How Max the Labrador Stopped Destroying Remotes

Max, a 10-month-old Labrador Retriever, had chewed through four TV remotes in six weeks. His owners, Sarah and Tom, were frustrated and worried about safety. They tried scolding and hiding remotes, but Max would dig them out from under cushions.

A certified dog trainer assessed Max’s routine and found key gaps: he received only one short walk daily and had the same two toys for months. Boredom and excess energy drove his chewing.

The solution included:

• A structured schedule with two 30-minute walks and 15 minutes of fetch daily.
• Introduction of a rotating toy system: six durable toys swapped every few days.
• Teaching “leave it” using high-value treats and consistent repetition.
• Installing a remote caddy mounted on the side of the entertainment center.
• Using bitter spray on spare remotes during training phases.

Within three weeks, Max stopped showing interest in the remote. By week six, he consistently chose his rubber bone when passing the coffee table. His owners reported not only fewer chewed objects but also calmer behavior overall.

Max’s case illustrates that problem behaviors are often symptoms of unmet needs—not defiance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any bitter spray on remotes?

Only use pet-safe sprays labeled for chewing deterrents, such as Grannick’s Bitter Apple. Avoid homemade solutions with hot sauce or vinegar, which can damage electronic components or irritate your pet’s mouth.

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

This suggests separation-related stress. Consider crating with a stuffed Kong, installing a pet camera to monitor behavior, and consulting a behaviorist if anxiety is suspected. Never leave loose remotes accessible during unsupervised periods.

Is chewing a sign of intelligence?

In some ways, yes. Intelligent dogs often seek stimulation and solve problems—like retrieving hidden remotes. But this curiosity must be directed positively. Puzzle toys, obedience training, and scent games can channel intelligence constructively.

Conclusion: Build Habits That Last

Stopping your dog from chewing remote controls isn’t about winning a battle—it’s about changing the game entirely. By managing the environment, meeting your dog’s physical and mental needs, and teaching reliable commands, you create a home where both pets and electronics coexist peacefully.

The goal isn’t perfection overnight, but progress through consistency. Every time your dog chooses a toy over a remote, celebrate it. These small wins build confidence and strengthen your bond. With time, the remote becomes just another inert object, while the chew toy remains the star of the show.

💬 Have a success story or challenge with dog chewing? Share your experience below—your insight could help another pet owner avoid frustration and build a happier household.