How To Train Your Puppy Not To Bite Furniture And Redirect Chewing Behavior

Puppies explore the world with their mouths. This natural instinct drives them to chew, nibble, and gnaw on anything within reach—especially furniture legs, baseboards, and dangling cords. While this behavior is normal, it can be destructive and frustrating for pet owners. The key isn’t to stop a puppy from chewing altogether, but to guide them toward appropriate items and teach them what’s off-limits. With consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement, you can successfully redirect your puppy’s chewing behavior and protect your home.

Understanding Why Puppies Chew

Chewing is a fundamental part of puppy development. From teething discomfort to curiosity and boredom, multiple factors drive puppies to chew on household objects. Puppies typically begin teething between 3 and 6 months of age, during which their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth emerge. This process causes gum irritation, prompting them to chew on hard surfaces for relief.

Beyond physical needs, chewing also satisfies mental stimulation. A bored or under-exercised puppy will seek outlets for excess energy. Furniture often becomes a target because it’s accessible, textured, and sometimes carries interesting scents. Without guidance, a puppy may not distinguish between an old shoe and a sofa leg.

“Puppies don’t misbehave out of defiance—they act based on instinct and opportunity. Our job is to shape those instincts into acceptable habits.” — Dr. Karen Becker, Integrative Veterinarian

Recognizing the root cause of chewing allows you to respond effectively. Punishment rarely works and can damage trust. Instead, focus on prevention, redirection, and reinforcement of desired behaviors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Redirect Chewing Behavior

Training a puppy not to chew furniture requires a structured approach. Follow these steps consistently over several weeks to instill long-term habits:

1. Identify high-risk times. Most chewing occurs when puppies are left unsupervised or during peak energy periods like early morning or after naps. Track when your puppy tends to chew so you can intervene proactively.
2. Remove temptation. Use baby gates or close doors to restrict access to rooms with vulnerable furniture. Cover exposed corners with deterrent sprays (safe for pets) or wrap them in aluminum foil, which most puppies dislike.
3. Provide appealing alternatives. Stock your puppy’s area with a variety of chew toys made from rubber, nylon, or dental-safe materials. Rotate toys weekly to maintain interest.
4. Catch and redirect. When you see your puppy approaching furniture, calmly interrupt with a verbal cue like “Uh-uh” or “Leave it,” then immediately offer an approved chew toy. Praise enthusiastically when they take it.
5. Reinforce good choices. Whenever your puppy chooses a toy over furniture—even if prompted—reward with treats, praise, or playtime. This strengthens the association between good behavior and positive outcomes.
6. Gradually increase freedom. As your puppy consistently makes better choices, slowly allow access to more areas of the house. Supervise closely during this phase and reset boundaries if setbacks occur.

Tip: Freeze a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter (xylitol-free) or wet food to soothe sore gums during teething.

Choosing the Right Chew Toys

Not all chew toys are created equal. The right options should be safe, durable, and engaging enough to compete with household objects. Consider your puppy’s size, breed, and chewing strength when selecting toys.

Toy Type	Best For	Examples	Avoid If…
Rubber Toys	Teething, moderate chewers	Kong Classic, West Paw Zogoflex	Puppy swallows small pieces
Nylon Bones	Strong chewers, long-lasting use	Nylabone DuraChew, Benebone	Puppy has sensitive teeth
Plush Toys (with caution)	Carrying, light chewing	Outward Hound puzzle plush	Puppy shreds and ingests stuffing
Edible Chews	Dental health, short-term distraction	Rawhide alternatives, bully sticks	Puppy gulps without chewing
Interactive Puzzle Toys	Mental stimulation, food motivation	Nina Ottosson games, StarMark Bob-A-Lot	Puppy loses interest quickly

Rotate at least four to six toys weekly to prevent habituation. Introduce new textures and shapes gradually. Always inspect toys for wear and discard any with loose parts or sharp edges.

Prevention and Environmental Management

Even the best training can fail without proper environmental setup. Puppies thrive on routine and clear boundaries. Managing their space reduces opportunities for inappropriate chewing and reinforces learning.

• Use confinement strategically. Crates, exercise pens, or puppy-proofed rooms give your dog a safe zone when you can’t supervise. Make these spaces inviting with bedding, water, and toys.
• Apply bitter sprays. Products like Grannick’s Bitter Apple or PetSafe Spray Shield deter chewing through taste and smell. Test on a small area first and reapply as needed.
• Cover tempting spots. Use plastic corner guards, furniture wraps, or double-sided tape (like Sticky Paws) on legs and baseboards. These create unpleasant textures that discourage contact.
• Increase physical and mental exercise. A tired puppy is less likely to chew destructively. Aim for multiple short walks, play sessions, and training drills each day.
• Establish a chew schedule. Offer chew time after meals or walks when your puppy naturally seeks to gnaw. This builds predictability and reduces random chewing.

Tip: Tether your puppy to you with a leash indoors during high-risk periods to maintain supervision and prevent unnoticed chewing.

Real Example: Training Max, the Labrador Puppy

Max, a 14-week-old yellow Labrador, was brought home by a first-time owner named Sarah. Within days, he began chewing the legs of her dining chairs and scratching at the doorframe. Despite scolding him, the behavior continued. Frustrated, Sarah reached out to a certified dog trainer.

The trainer assessed Max’s environment and routine. She noticed he was left alone for two hours each morning while Sarah worked, had only two soft toys, and received minimal structured play. The plan implemented included:

• Installing a baby gate to block the dining room
• Providing a rotating set of rubber and nylon toys
• Scheduling three 15-minute play and training sessions daily
• Using a bitter spray on chair legs
• Introducing a frozen Kong before naptime

Within two weeks, Max stopped targeting furniture. By week six, he consistently chose his toys when given free rein. Sarah reported that consistency and proactive management were the turning points. “I used to think he was being stubborn,” she said. “But once I understood it was about needs, not defiance, everything changed.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Well-intentioned actions can sometimes reinforce unwanted chewing. Be mindful of these pitfalls:

• Punishing after the fact. Yelling at a puppy hours after they chewed a table leg teaches nothing. They won’t connect the punishment with the action.
• Using unsafe chew items. Old shoes, socks, or children’s toys may seem like good options, but they blur the line between acceptable and forbidden objects.
• Over-relying on crates. While useful, excessive crating can increase anxiety and lead to obsessive chewing when released.
• Ignoring signs of stress. Some chewing stems from separation anxiety or fear. If your puppy destroys items only when alone, consult a behaviorist.
• Skipping socialization. Puppies who lack exposure to different environments may become overstimulated at home, leading to hyperactivity and chewing.

“Management is 70% of puppy training. Set up the environment so success is inevitable, then reward the behavior you want to see again.” — Victoria Stilwell, Dog Trainer & TV Host

Checklist: How to Stop Furniture Chewing in 30 Days

Follow this actionable checklist to make measurable progress within a month:

• ✅ Remove access to chew-prone furniture using barriers or covers
• ✅ Purchase 5–6 safe, varied chew toys
• ✅ Apply pet-safe deterrent spray to targeted areas
• ✅ Supervise your puppy during waking hours for at least 2 weeks
• ✅ Interrupt chewing attempts and redirect to a toy every time
• ✅ Reward correct choices with treats or praise
• ✅ Establish a daily routine including walks, play, and chew time
• ✅ Gradually expand access as your puppy demonstrates reliability
• ✅ Inspect toys weekly for damage and replace as needed
• ✅ Consult a professional if chewing persists beyond 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most puppies significantly reduce destructive chewing within 3 to 6 weeks of consistent training. Full maturity and impulse control typically develop by 12 to 18 months, but early intervention sets the foundation for lifelong habits.

Is it okay to let my puppy chew on wood-safe bones?

Only if they are specifically designed for dogs and monitored closely. Natural wood chews can splinter and cause intestinal blockages. Opt for manufactured, digestible alternatives labeled as safe for puppies.

What if my puppy only chews when I’m not home?

This may indicate separation anxiety or insufficient stimulation. Record your puppy when alone to assess behavior. Consider increasing pre-departure exercise, providing puzzle feeders, or consulting a certified animal behaviorist.

Conclusion: Building Lasting Habits Through Positive Guidance

Redirecting a puppy’s chewing behavior isn’t about suppression—it’s about redirection and education. By understanding your puppy’s needs, managing their environment, and reinforcing smart choices, you create a home where both pet and owner can thrive. The furniture stays intact, the puppy feels satisfied, and the bond between you grows stronger through trust and consistency.

💬 Ready to transform your puppy’s chewing habits? Start today by removing one piece of tempting furniture and replacing it with a durable chew toy. Share your progress or questions in the comments—your journey can inspire others facing the same challenge!