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Why Dogs Chew and How to Manage It

  • Writer: Marek Drzewiecki
    Marek Drzewiecki
  • Apr 2
  • 7 min read

Chewing is one of the most instinctive behaviours in dogs—deeply embedded in their biology and essential for their physical and emotional wellbeing. From the moment they start teething, dogs explore their world with their mouths. But beyond puppyhood, dog chewing continues to serve a vital role in maintaining jaw strength, dental health, and emotional balance.


A dog chewing.

Unfortunately, many owners misunderstand or mismanage this natural need. They see it as destructive, rather than as an expression of a basic drive. By recognising and supporting the urge to chew in appropriate ways, you can prevent damage in the home, reduce anxiety in your dog, and build a stronger relationship with your canine companion.


This guide will help you understand the why behind dog chewing, give you tools to redirect inappropriate chewing, and show you how to support this behaviour so it becomes a healthy, positive part of your dog’s daily life.


1. Why Dogs Chew: The Natural Drive Behind the Behaviour


Dog chewing begins as early as three weeks old. At this stage, puppies chew to soothe their aching gums as their teeth erupt. But chewing doesn't stop once teething ends. For adult dogs, it remains a source of comfort, entertainment, and a way to clean their teeth and strengthen their jaws.


Chewing is also a way dogs relieve stress and work through pent-up energy. Dogs don’t reach for a journal or a walk in the park when they’re anxious—they chew. If a dog doesn’t have suitable chew items available, it will choose whatever’s at paw-level: shoes, remote controls, even skirting boards.


Understanding this drive helps owners reframe chewing as a need to be met, not a nuisance to eliminate. With this mindset, you can meet your dog’s instinctive needs in a way that’s safe, constructive, and rewarding.


  • Dogs chew for both physical and emotional reasons.

  • Redirecting chewing is more effective than punishing it.


2. Supporting Teething Puppies Through Healthy Chewing


Teething is one of the most challenging stages in a puppy’s development. Between 3 to 6 months of age, puppies go through intense gum discomfort as baby teeth fall out and adult teeth grow in. During this time, dog chewing becomes their main coping mechanism.


To support teething without frustration, provide a variety of puppy-safe chew toys. Soft, flexible toys help soothe gums, while frozen chew toys offer additional pain relief. Rotate the toys frequently to keep your puppy interested, and always supervise to prevent choking on broken parts.


This phase is temporary, but how you guide your puppy through it leaves a lasting impact. Reward chewing on appropriate items with praise and affection. Interrupt and redirect chewing on household items calmly and consistently. This is the foundation of healthy chewing habits for life.


  • Teething puppies need safe, soothing, and interesting chew toys.

  • Early redirection builds a lifelong habit of appropriate chewing.


Discover puppy chew toys perfect for teething pups!


3. Dog Chewing in Adulthood: Purposeful, Healthy, and Essential


Even after teething ends, dog chewing remains crucial for a dog’s health. Dogs chew to scrape plaque off their teeth, to exercise their jaw muscles, and to calm themselves during periods of stress or boredom. A dog without a productive outlet for chewing is likely to develop unwanted habits.


Providing strong, long-lasting chew toys tailored to your dog’s size and strength is vital. Hard rubber toys, durable nylon bones, and natural chews like antlers or raw bones (under supervision) can all satisfy this need. Chews that also provide dental benefits offer a two-in-one solution.


Incorporating chew time into your dog’s daily routine not only improves oral hygiene but also promotes calm behaviour. It’s a powerful mental enrichment tool, especially for dogs left alone during work hours or bad weather.


  • Chewing remains essential for adult dogs' mental and dental health.

  • Give chews daily to meet natural needs and prevent boredom.


Find the perfect chew toys to keep your dog entertained!


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4. Redirecting Inappropriate Dog Chewing


At some point, every dog owner encounters the horror of a chewed shoe or sofa arm. But punishment doesn’t teach the dog what to do—it just teaches fear. The key is redirection. When your dog chews on something inappropriate, calmly interrupt and offer an appropriate alternative.


The success of this approach depends on your consistency. Make sure chew toys are always available, especially during high-energy times of day like early morning or after meals. Reinforce correct chewing with calm praise and the occasional treat.


For particularly stubborn chewing behaviours, use dog-safe deterrent sprays on furniture or items your dog tends to target. These work best when combined with environmental enrichment, physical exercise, and plenty of positive attention.


  • Always redirect, never punish. Dogs need guidance, not guilt.

  • Make the right choice easy: have chew toys always within reach.


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5. How Dog Chewing Supports Emotional Balance


Many dogs chew as a form of emotional regulation. When they’re left alone, exposed to loud noises, or feeling insecure, dog chewing helps calm their nervous systems. It releases endorphins and creates a sense of safety and satisfaction.


To support this, ensure your dog has access to their favourite chew toys during stressful situations. For example, if your dog becomes anxious when you're away, give them a frozen Kong filled with food before you leave. It redirects their focus and soothes them emotionally.

A dog that can self-soothe through chewing is less likely to develop destructive behaviours, excessive barking, or separation anxiety. Chewing is more than a distraction—it's a powerful emotional tool when used properly.


  • Chewing releases calming chemicals in the canine brain.

  • Use chewing proactively to manage stress and prevent behavioural issues.


Explore the best dog calming aids on Amazon!


6. Dental Health and Dog Chewing: More Than Just Clean Teeth


Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs, and prevention starts at home. Daily dog chewing helps clean teeth, reduce tartar buildup, and stimulate the gums. Dogs that chew regularly often need fewer professional cleanings.


Use dental-specific chews approved by vets, or offer natural chews that have a mild abrasive texture. Always match the hardness of the chew to the strength of your dog’s bite to avoid cracked teeth. For added benefit, integrate tooth brushing into your routine a few times per week.


The link between chewing and health is strong. By investing in your dog's oral care through chew time, you’re giving them a longer, healthier life free from painful dental problems.


  • Chewing prevents costly and painful dental issues.

  • Choose chews that clean without risking damage to teeth.


7. Training and Chewing Behaviour


Using training approach means combining clear structure with rewards, boundaries, and calm correction. Chewing is a perfect behaviour to shape using this method. Reward chewing on toys with treats and praise. Interrupt chewing on forbidden items and redirect consistently.


Use markers like “Yes” to affirm correct behaviour, and gentle corrections like “Ah-ah” to interrupt unwanted chewing. Pair redirection with positive reinforcement to create lasting habits. Avoid harsh discipline—it damages trust and fails to address the root of the behaviour.


  • Combine reward, redirection, and routine for lasting change.


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8. The Science of Dog Chewing: Neural, Behavioural, and Evolutionary Insights


Scientific research supports the idea that dog chewing is not only a behavioural instinct but also a neurologically and evolutionarily significant activity. Chewing activates the canine brain's reward system, triggering the release of endorphins that promote relaxation and emotional regulation. This is especially relevant when managing stress-related behaviours in domestic dogs.


In a 2022 paper published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, researchers found that environmental enrichment through chewing activities significantly reduced stress markers in shelter dogs. Chew items not only enhanced welfare but also improved behaviour and social interaction with humans. These findings reinforce that chewing is a critical component of a dog’s mental and emotional wellbeing, not just a physical outlet.



From an evolutionary perspective, chewing has long been essential for survival. Wolves and early canids relied on chewing tough prey parts not only for nutrition but also to maintain strong jaws and teeth. Domesticated dogs have retained this ancestral trait. According to the Wikipedia article on Dog Behaviour, chewing is part of a suite of inherited behaviours that remain embedded in domestic breeds, often expressed more prominently when stimulation is lacking.


Understanding the neural and evolutionary basis of chewing equips owners with a deeper respect for the behaviour. Rather than simply managing it, we can strategically support it, improving the life of our dogs through targeted enrichment.


  • Chewing activates reward pathways in the brain and reduces stress.

  • Science confirms chewing is both inherited and essential for welfare.


Conclusion


Dog chewing is not just normal—it’s necessary. It supports your dog’s physical health, emotional balance, and behavioural stability. Whether your dog is a teething puppy, an anxious adolescent, or a senior with sore gums, chewing serves a vital role in their life.


By understanding the instinct, providing the right outlets, and using balanced training methods, you can turn chewing from a problem into a powerful, enriching habit. It’s a gift your dog gives themselves—and a responsibility we hold as owners to guide wisely.


  • Chewing is a natural behaviour that must be supported, not suppressed.

  • When understood and managed well, chewing builds a happier, calmer dog.


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