How To Stop Your Dog From Chewing Shoes Without Resorting To Bitter Sprays

Dogs chew for a variety of reasons—teething discomfort, boredom, anxiety, or simply because they find the texture and scent of shoes irresistible. While bitter sprays are commonly recommended, many pet owners prefer not to use them due to concerns about taste aversion, potential irritation, or simply wanting a more positive, long-term solution. The good news is that you can effectively stop your dog from chewing shoes through consistent training, environmental management, and behavioral understanding. This guide outlines practical, humane, and sustainable methods that address the root causes of destructive chewing.

Understanding Why Dogs Chew Shoes

Before addressing the behavior, it’s essential to understand why dogs target shoes in particular. Unlike random objects, shoes carry your scent, making them comforting to dogs. They’re often made of soft leather, rubber, or fabric—texturally appealing materials. For puppies, chewing relieves teething pain. For adult dogs, it may stem from understimulation, separation anxiety, or learned behavior.

Chewing isn’t inherently bad; it’s a natural behavior. The problem arises when it’s misdirected. Instead of suppressing chewing with deterrents like bitter sprays, redirect it toward appropriate outlets. This approach fosters better mental health and strengthens the human-dog bond.

Tip: Never punish your dog after the fact—dogs don’t connect delayed consequences with past actions. Focus on prevention and real-time redirection.

Create a Dog-Safe Environment

One of the most effective ways to prevent shoe chewing is to manage access. If shoes are within reach, even a well-trained dog may succumb to temptation. Environmental control removes the opportunity for mistakes and sets your dog up for success.

Start by designating a storage system for footwear. Use closed closets, shoe racks behind closed doors, or baskets stored under beds. Make this a household habit—everyone should put shoes away immediately after use. Consistency is key.

Simultaneously, create a designated “dog zone” where acceptable chew items are always available. This could be a corner of the living room with a bed, water bowl, and several durable chew toys. Rotate toys weekly to maintain novelty and interest.

Do	Don't
Store shoes in closed cabinets or elevated shelves	Leave shoes scattered near entryways
Provide multiple chew-safe toys in accessible areas	Rely on one toy or low-interest options
Use baby gates to restrict access when unsupervised	Allow free roam during high-risk times (e.g., early mornings)
Label a specific area as your dog’s safe space	Let your dog wander unattended in shoe-prone zones

Redirect Chewing with Positive Reinforcement

Redirection is a cornerstone of humane dog training. When you catch your dog showing interest in a shoe, calmly interrupt the behavior and offer an approved chew toy. Praise enthusiastically when they take the toy instead. Over time, this builds a positive association with appropriate chewing.

Choose toys that mimic the qualities of shoes—flexible rubber, crinkly textures, or rope-based designs. Kong toys stuffed with peanut butter or frozen yogurt provide extended engagement. Puzzle toys filled with kibble encourage mental stimulation, reducing the urge to chew out of boredom.

Consistency across all family members is crucial. Everyone must respond the same way: no mixed signals. If one person scolds while another laughs, the dog becomes confused. Unified responses reinforce learning.

“Dogs don’t misbehave to annoy us—they act based on needs and opportunities. Redirecting chewing isn’t about suppression; it’s about teaching better choices.” — Dr. Sarah Jensen, Certified Animal Behaviorist

Step-by-Step Training Plan to Stop Shoe Chewing

Changing behavior takes time and structure. Follow this six-week plan to build lasting habits:

1. Week 1: Remove Access & Introduce Alternatives
   Secure all shoes. Stock your dog’s area with at least five different chew toys. Observe which types they prefer (rubber, plush, rope).
2. Week 2: Supervise and Redirect
   Spend several hours daily in the same room as your dog. When they approach a shoe, say “Uh-uh” calmly and hand them a toy. Reward with praise or a treat if they chew the toy.
3. Week 3: Add Short Crates or Gates
   Begin confining your dog to their safe zone for 15–30 minutes while you simulate leaving (put on shoes, pick up keys). Return before any chewing starts. Gradually increase duration.
4. Week 4: Practice Unsupervised Time
   With shoes secured, allow 10 minutes of freedom in a controlled room. Return and check for any incidents. If successful, increase time daily.
5. Week 5: Introduce Low-Risk Shoes
   Place an old, clean sneaker in a visible spot while supervising. If your dog ignores it, reward heavily. If they approach, redirect immediately.
6. Week 6: Generalize the Behavior
   Test in different rooms and with various shoe types. Continue reinforcing good choices. Celebrate progress, even small wins.

This timeline assumes moderate chewing behavior. Dogs with deep-seated anxiety or compulsive chewing may require longer timelines or professional intervention.

Tip: Rotate chew toys every few days. Familiarity reduces interest—novelty keeps your dog engaged.

Address Underlying Causes: Boredom and Anxiety

If your dog chews shoes primarily when left alone, the issue may be separation anxiety or insufficient mental stimulation. Physical exercise alone isn’t enough. A tired body doesn’t always mean a calm mind.

Ensure your dog receives daily enrichment: walks with sniffing time, training sessions, interactive games like “find the treat,” or agility drills in the backyard. Mental fatigue is more effective than physical exhaustion at curbing destructive behaviors.

For anxious dogs, consider a structured departure routine. Avoid emotional goodbyes; instead, leave quietly after a calming activity like a short training session or puzzle toy feeding. You can also record your normal household sounds and play them via a smart speaker to reduce silence-induced stress.

In severe cases, consult a veterinary behaviorist. They may recommend pheromone diffusers (like Adaptil), calming supplements, or, in extreme cases, temporary medication to support behavioral training.

Mini Case Study: Max, the Labrador Who Loved Loafers

Max, a two-year-old Labrador Retriever, had destroyed seven pairs of his owner’s leather loafers in eight months. His owner, Jenna, tried bitter apple spray, but Max chewed through it, then vomited afterward. Concerned about his health, she sought alternatives.

A trainer assessed Max’s routine and found he was walked once daily for 20 minutes and left alone for 8 hours. He had two old tennis balls as toys. The plan included three changes: longer morning walks with off-leash sniffing time, introduction of a rotating toy box with Kongs and rubber chews, and confinement to a bedroom with a baby gate when unsupervised.

Jenna also began a 5-minute daily “leave-it” training session using high-value treats. Within three weeks, Max stopped targeting shoes entirely. After six weeks, he passed a test where a new loafer was left in the living room overnight—untouched.

The solution wasn’t punishment or aversion—it was meeting Max’s physical, mental, and emotional needs consistently.

Essential Training Commands to Prevent Chewing

Teaching specific cues gives you tools to manage impulses in real time. These commands should be practiced daily in low-distraction environments before being used in tempting situations.

• Leave It: Hold a treat in a closed fist, let your dog sniff, say “leave it.” When they back away, mark with “yes” and reward with a different treat. Gradually increase difficulty—placing the treat on the floor, then using shoes as visual triggers.
• Drop It: Play tug with a toy. Say “drop it” and present a treat near their nose. When they release, reward and return the toy. This teaches voluntary release.
• Go to Place: Train your dog to go to a mat or bed on cue. Use this command when you’re putting on shoes or when guests arrive with footwear.

These commands build impulse control, a critical skill for preventing destructive behavior. Practice in 5-minute sessions daily for best results.

Checklist: How to Stop Shoe Chewing Without Bitter Sprays

• ✅ Secure all shoes in closed storage
• ✅ Provide at least 5 different chew-safe toys
• ✅ Rotate toys weekly to maintain interest
• ✅ Supervise closely during high-risk times
• ✅ Redirect chewing with praise and rewards
• ✅ Train “leave it,” “drop it,” and “go to place”
• ✅ Increase daily mental and physical exercise
• ✅ Use baby gates or crates when unsupervised
• ✅ Address anxiety with routines or professional help
• ✅ Be consistent—everyone in the household follows the same rules

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my dog only chews my shoes and not my partner’s?

Dogs often chew items that carry the scent of the person they’re most bonded to or the one who emits higher stress hormones. It’s not personal—it’s olfactory preference. Equalize attention and ensure both partners participate in training and play.

How long does it take to stop shoe chewing?

With consistent effort, most dogs improve within 3–6 weeks. Puppies may take longer due to teething, which peaks between 3–6 months. Adult dogs with ingrained habits may need 2–3 months of structured training.

Are there chew deterrents that aren’t bitter sprays?

Yes. Some owners use double-sided tape on shoe racks—dogs dislike the sticky sensation. Others cover tempting areas with aluminum foil or plastic mats with nubs. These are physical deterrents rather than taste-based, avoiding chemical exposure.

Conclusion: Build Trust, Not Fear

Stopping your dog from chewing shoes isn’t about dominance or punishment—it’s about guidance and environment. Bitter sprays might suppress the behavior temporarily, but they don’t teach your dog what to do instead. By focusing on redirection, training, and meeting your dog’s needs, you foster confidence and trust.

Every dog is capable of learning. The key is consistency, patience, and understanding. Start today by picking up your shoes and placing a chew toy within reach. Small actions, repeated over time, lead to lasting change. Your dog isn’t trying to ruin your belongings—they’re trying to cope. Help them find a better way.

💬 Have a success story or tip that worked for your dog? Share it in the comments below—your experience could help another pet owner avoid frustration and build a stronger bond with their furry companion.