How To Stop Your Puppy From Chewing Shoes Using Positive Reinforcement

Puppies explore the world with their mouths. It’s a natural instinct driven by curiosity, teething discomfort, and the need to learn about their environment. Unfortunately, this often leads to one of the most common frustrations for new dog owners: chewed-up shoes. While it's tempting to scold or punish a puppy for this behavior, doing so can damage trust and fail to address the root cause. A far more effective and compassionate solution lies in positive reinforcement—a method grounded in behavioral science that rewards desired behaviors instead of punishing unwanted ones.

Positive reinforcement not only stops destructive chewing but also strengthens the bond between you and your puppy. By redirecting their energy toward appropriate outlets and consistently rewarding good choices, you create long-term habits that last well beyond the puppy stage. This guide walks through the psychology behind chewing, actionable strategies, and real-world applications to help you protect your footwear—and raise a well-behaved dog.

Why Puppies Chew Shoes (And Why Punishment Doesn’t Work)

Understanding the motivation behind shoe chewing is the first step toward solving it. Puppies typically chew for three primary reasons:

1. Teething: Between 3 and 6 months of age, puppies lose their baby teeth and grow adult ones. This process causes gum discomfort, prompting them to chew on anything soft and textured—like leather, fabric, or rubber.
2. Exploration: Unlike humans, puppies use their mouths to investigate objects. Chewing helps them understand size, texture, and taste.
3. Boredom or Anxiety: A puppy left alone without stimulation may resort to chewing as a way to relieve stress or expend pent-up energy.

When a puppy chews a shoe, they’re not acting out of spite. They aren’t “bad” dogs—they’re simply following instinctual drives. Reacting with yelling, rubbing their nose in the mess, or physical correction does more harm than good. These methods confuse the puppy, erode trust, and fail to teach what they *should* do instead.

“Punishment suppresses behavior temporarily but doesn’t replace it. Positive reinforcement teaches the puppy an alternative, making the change permanent.” — Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, Applied Animal Behaviorist

The goal isn’t to stop chewing altogether—it’s to redirect it to appropriate items. That’s where positive reinforcement comes in.

How Positive Reinforcement Works in Practice

Positive reinforcement means rewarding your puppy immediately after they perform a desired behavior, increasing the likelihood they’ll repeat it. In the context of chewing, this means praising and treating your puppy when they choose a toy over a shoe.

The key components are timing, consistency, and clarity:

• Timing: Rewards must come within 1–2 seconds of the correct behavior. Delayed treats confuse the puppy.
• Consistency: Every household member must respond the same way. Mixed signals slow learning.
• Clarity: Make the right choice obvious. Keep shoes out of reach and provide appealing alternatives.

For example, if your puppy picks up a chew toy instead of your sneaker, say “Yes!” or click a clicker, then give a treat. Over time, your puppy learns that toys lead to rewards, while shoes do not.

Tip: Use high-value treats like small pieces of chicken or cheese during training sessions to maximize motivation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prevent Shoe Chewing

Follow this structured approach to eliminate shoe chewing using positive reinforcement:

1. Remove Temptation
   Start by making shoes inaccessible. Store them in closed closets, behind baby gates, or in cubbies. Out of sight, out of mind applies to puppies too. This prevents rehearsal of the bad habit while you train the new one.
2. Provide Appealing Alternatives
   Stock your home with a variety of safe chew toys—rubber, rope, plush, and dental chews. Rotate them weekly to maintain novelty. Place toys near where your puppy spends time, especially near entryways where shoes accumulate.
3. Supervise Closely
   For the first few weeks, keep your puppy on a leash indoors or within arm’s reach. This allows you to intervene the moment they show interest in a shoe.
4. Redirect and Reward
   When your puppy sniffs or approaches a shoe, calmly say “Oops,” remove the shoe, and hand them a toy. The moment they take the toy, say “Yes!” and give a treat. Repeat this every time.
5. Practice “Leave It” Command
   Train the “leave it” command using two types of items—one low-value (a toy), one high-value (a shoe). Place the item under your hand, say “leave it,” and when your puppy stops trying to get it, reward them with a treat from the other hand. Gradually increase difficulty.
6. Build Independence Gradually
   Once your puppy consistently chooses toys over shoes during supervised time, begin leaving them unattended for short periods (5–10 minutes) with a stuffed Kong or chew toy. Gradually extend duration as they prove reliable.

This process takes days to weeks, depending on the puppy’s age, breed, and prior habits. Patience and repetition are essential.

Do’s and Don’ts of Puppy Chewing Management

Do’s	Don’ts
Keep chew toys easily accessible	Leave shoes lying around as “tests”
Use praise and treats to reward good choices	Yell or chase the puppy when they have a shoe
Rotate toys to maintain interest	Use bitter sprays as the sole solution
Supervise closely during early training	Assume the puppy will “grow out of it” without guidance
Exercise your puppy daily to reduce excess energy	Leave the puppy alone for long periods unsupervised

While deterrent sprays (like bitter apple) can support training, they should never replace active teaching. Relying solely on punishment-based tools fails to build positive habits.

Real-Life Example: Turning Around Max, the Shoe-Loving Labrador

Max, a 14-week-old yellow Labrador, had destroyed six pairs of shoes in his first month at home. His owners, frustrated and confused, initially tried yelling and confinement. But Max continued chewing, even becoming anxious when left alone.

A certified trainer recommended a positive reinforcement plan. The owners began storing all shoes in a locked closet, placed durable chew toys by the front door, and started supervising Max constantly with a hands-free leash indoors. Whenever Max approached a misplaced slipper, they said “Oops,” swapped it for a frozen peanut-butter-stuffed Kong, and rewarded him lavishly.

Within ten days, Max stopped targeting shoes entirely. After three weeks, he would pick up his blue tug rope whenever he felt the urge to chew—even without prompts. His confidence grew, and his separation anxiety improved because he now had clear rules and rewarding alternatives.

Max’s story shows that with structure and kindness, even persistent chewing habits can be reshaped.

Essential Checklist for Success

Use this checklist to ensure you're setting up your puppy—and yourself—for success:

• ✅ Remove all shoes and personal items from puppy-accessible areas
• ✅ Stock a variety of chew toys (soft, hard, rope, flavored)
• ✅ Supervise your puppy at all times during initial training
• ✅ Carry treats during waking hours for immediate reinforcement
• ✅ Practice “leave it” and “take it” commands daily
• ✅ Rotate toys every 3–4 days to prevent boredom
• ✅ Provide at least 30–60 minutes of exercise and play daily
• ✅ Crate-train or use a puppy-proofed space when unsupervised
• ✅ Involve all family members in consistent training
• ✅ Celebrate small wins—every correct choice counts

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to stop a puppy from chewing shoes?

With consistent training, most puppies show improvement within 2–3 weeks. Complete reliability may take 6–8 weeks, especially if the habit was well-established. Factors like breed energy level, supervision quality, and environmental enrichment affect progress.

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

This is common. Puppies are drawn to items with strong human scent, especially those worn frequently. Your shoes carry your unique odor, making them particularly enticing. The solution is the same: remove access and reinforce better choices. Over time, the scent association loses its appeal when no reward follows.

Can I use a clicker for training?

Yes. A clicker provides a precise, consistent signal that marks the exact moment your puppy makes the right choice. Pair each click with an immediate treat. Clickers are especially useful for shaping behaviors like picking up a toy or ignoring a shoe.

Conclusion: Build Habits That Last a Lifetime

Stopping your puppy from chewing shoes isn’t about dominance or discipline—it’s about guidance. Puppies don’t come into our homes knowing our rules. They rely on us to show them what’s acceptable and what’s not, using methods that foster trust and confidence.

Positive reinforcement transforms a frustrating habit into an opportunity for connection and learning. Each time you redirect your puppy to a toy and celebrate their choice, you’re not just saving your sneakers—you’re building a foundation of mutual respect and understanding.

💬 Ready to start today? Pick up a chew toy, hide your shoes, and catch your puppy making a good choice. Share your progress in the comments—your journey could inspire another pet parent facing the same challenge.