It’s a horrible moment when you walk through the door and find the cushions ripped up or the shoes chewed to pieces. Many owners feel angry or let down, and it’s easy to assume the dog is being naughty on purpose. In truth, most of the time destructive behaviour in dogs is a signal that something is missing, or something has upset them. It’s a sign your dog is stressed, and chewing or scratching is their way of coping.
The comforting part is that it can be fixed. Once you understand what’s behind it, you can make changes that settle your dog and protect your home.
Why Dogs Get Destructive
Boredom is probably the biggest reason. A dog that doesn’t get enough stimulation or exercise has to find its own fun. That might be raiding the bin, pulling apart the sofa, or digging up the garden. It isn’t spite, it’s pent-up energy.
Anxiety is another common trigger. A dog with separation anxiety often panics the moment you leave. They might chew doorframes, tear at bedding or bark until you come home. Stress from loud noises or sudden changes in routine can cause the same thing.
Puppies add their own challenges. When they’re teething, chewing relieves the pain in their gums. If you don’t give them safe things to gnaw, they’ll grab whatever is closest. It feels personal when it’s your best shoes, but to a puppy, it’s just relief.
And then there’s simple lack of training. Dogs don’t automatically know that the chair leg isn’t fair game. Unless someone shows them what’s allowed, they can’t make that distinction.
Finally, some dogs just have too much energy. Without enough exercise or play, they’ll use whatever’s in front of them to burn it off. It isn’t malice, it’s restlessness.
What You Can Do About It
The first step is exercise. A tired dog is less likely to rip things up. Longer walks, a change of scenery, or a game of fetch can burn off the edge. Mental stimulation matters too. Ten minutes of scent work, hide and seek, or a puzzle feeder can tire them out more than an hour’s walk.
Chewing itself isn’t the problem. It’s natural. What matters is giving your dog the right things to chew. Provide sturdy toys, frozen carrots, or natural chews, and swap them around so they don’t get boring. When they pick the right thing, praise them. If they go for the wrong one, calmly redirect.
Training makes a huge difference. Commands like “leave it” and “drop” can save your shoes in seconds. Short, positive sessions each day build up structure. The important thing is consistency. If one person in the house lets the dog chew an old trainer while another tells them off for chewing a new one, it’s confusing. Everyone needs to follow the same rules.
If anxiety is part of the problem, focus on creating calm. Some dogs relax with a crate that feels like a den, others prefer a quiet corner with a bed and blanket. Gradually increasing the time they spend alone helps them feel safe when you leave. Background music or dog-safe calming sprays can also take the edge off.
With puppies, the answer is patience. Give them teething chews, supervise them closely, and keep valuables out of reach. It feels never-ending at the time, but most grow out of it with the right guidance.
When the Problem Runs Deeper
Sometimes the behaviour is linked to fear or past trauma. In these cases, progress can be slow without help. A professional behaviourist can identify triggers that owners might miss and create a plan tailored to that dog. At Pawsitive Solutions, we’ve seen countless families who felt overwhelmed by destructive behaviour in dogs. Once the real cause was uncovered, the change was remarkable. Dogs that once shredded everything in sight became calmer, more confident, and happier.
Everyday Tips That Help
Keep valuable items out of reach while you’re working on the issue. Prevention reduces stress for everyone. Try not to leave your dog alone for long stretches at first. Build up gradually.
Celebrate the small wins. If your dog chooses their toy over your slipper, let them know you noticed. And above all, stay consistent. Results rarely happen overnight.
Why Patience is So Important
It’s tempting to scold or punish when you find a mess. But dogs don’t connect your anger with something they did half an hour ago. Shouting usually adds stress, which can actually make the behaviour worse. Calm redirection, clear rules and steady praise teach more than punishment ever could.
Think of the destruction as a message rather than a crime. Your dog isn’t trying to get back at you. They’re bored, anxious, teething, or just not sure of the rules yet. Once you meet those needs, the behaviour starts to fade on its own.
Final Thoughts
Living with destructive behaviour in dogs is frustrating, but it’s also an opportunity. Every chewed item is a clue to what your dog needs. With more exercise, enrichment, safe chewing options and steady training, you can guide them towards better habits. Some dogs just need more outlets for their energy. Others need reassurance that they’re safe when you leave. And when the problem feels too big, professional help can make all the difference.
At Pawsitive Solutions, we believe no dog is beyond help. With patience and the right plan, destructive behaviour gives way to calmer, happier living. Your furniture will thank you, and your relationship with your dog will grow stronger than ever.