How I Got My Dog to Stop Chewing the Couch

Getting a dog to stop chewing the couch can feel like a battle of wills, but with patience, consistency, and understanding, it’s absolutely fixable. Here’s how I turned my destructive chewer into a calm, content pup—and saved my furniture in the process.

Understanding the Root Cause

Before diving into solutions, I had to figure out why my dog was chewing the couch in the first place. Dogs don’t destroy furniture out of spite; there’s always a reason. Common causes include:

• Teething (in puppies)

• Boredom

• Anxiety

• Lack of physical or mental stimulation

• Separation anxiety

• Attention-seeking behavior

In my case, it turned out to be a combination of boredom and mild separation anxiety. Understanding that helped me create a targeted plan instead of just reacting to the damage.

Step 1: Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. I upped my dog’s physical activity by adding an extra walk each day and incorporating more playtime. Fetch, tug-of-war, and even short training sessions with treats kept him engaged.

Mental stimulation played a huge role. I introduced puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and frozen treat dispensers. Not only did these keep him busy, but they also redirected his urge to chew onto something acceptable.

Step 2: Use Deterrent Sprays (Strategically)

I tried a few different bitter sprays to make the couch less appealing. Some worked better than others—Grannick’s Bitter Apple was the one that finally clicked for my dog. I sprayed it on the corners and areas he targeted most.

Important tip: Always test sprays on a hidden section of fabric first to make sure they don’t stain or damage the material.

Step 3: Provide Appealing Alternatives

Replacing the couch with something my dog could chew was crucial. I offered a variety of textures: rubber toys, antlers, rope toys, and stuffed animals designed for heavy chewers. I also rotated the toys every few days to keep them exciting.

Chew-approved options included:

• KONG toys stuffed with peanut butter and frozen

• Nylabones

• Bully sticks (supervised)

• Soft plush toys with squeakers (if your dog doesn’t tear them apart and swallow stuffing)

Step 4: Crate Training and Boundaries

I started crate training my dog when I couldn’t supervise him directly. It gave him a safe, cozy space and kept the couch protected. At first, I used treats and meals to make the crate a positive place. Over time, he’d go in there willingly when he needed downtime.

When the crate wasn’t practical, I used baby gates to limit his access to the living room. This prevented him from returning to his “chewing spot” and helped break the habit.

Step 5: Train with Positive Reinforcement

Every time I caught him chewing an appropriate toy, I praised him and gave a small treat. This reinforced the idea that this behavior was desirable. If I saw him even sniffing the couch, I gently redirected him to a toy instead.

I used the “leave it” and “drop it” commands consistently. It took repetition, but he gradually responded better over time.

Step 6: Address Anxiety Directly

Since part of his chewing came from separation anxiety, I worked on desensitizing him to my departures. I started by grabbing my keys, walking out for 10 seconds, then returning. Slowly, I increased the duration. I avoided making a big deal about leaving or returning, which helped reduce the emotional spike.

I also left calming music or white noise playing and used a calming pheromone diffuser. These small touches made a big difference in how relaxed he felt when I wasn’t home.

Step 7: Consistency Was Key

The biggest turning point was consistency. I couldn’t allow him to chew the couch sometimes and then scold him other times. Mixed signals are confusing for dogs. I had to be clear and firm every single time.

Over time, he stopped associating the couch with chewing. Instead, he learned to seek out his toys when he needed to gnaw.

Step 8: Consider Professional Help if Needed

If things hadn’t improved, I would’ve brought in a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. Thankfully, my efforts paid off, but some dogs need that extra level of help—especially if the chewing is tied to deep-seated anxiety or trauma.

The Result: A Peaceful Home and an Intact Couch

It took a few weeks of dedication, but the transformation was worth it. Not only is my couch intact, but my dog is happier and calmer overall. He gets the stimulation he needs, knows his boundaries, and enjoys his designated chew toys.

Stopping couch chewing isn’t about punishment—it’s about redirection, understanding, and consistent communication. Once I aligned my approach with what my dog needed, the destructive behavior disappeared, and our bond grew stronger.