Have you ever come home to find your favorite pair of shoes in tatters, or a cushion from your sofa ripped open and its stuffing littered throughout your living room? You’re not alone.

Many dog owners have had to deal with the frustrating behavior of their pets destroying their personal belongings. But why do dogs do this? Let’s take a closer look.

The Instinctual Need to Chew

Dogs are natural chewers. In the wild, their ancestors would use their jaws to tear apart prey or gnaw on bones to keep their teeth sharpened.

Even domesticated dogs still have the instinctual need to chew, but they may not always have access to appropriate chew toys or bones. This can lead them to turn to household items, such as shoes or furniture, to satiate their chewing needs.

Boredom and Anxiety

In addition to their need to chew, dogs also require mental stimulation and physical exercise to prevent boredom and anxiety.

When left alone for long periods of time without any stimuli or activity, dogs may resort to tearing things apart as a way to alleviate their boredom or release pent-up energy and frustration. This is especially true for high-energy or high-anxiety breeds, such as border collies or terriers.

Lack of Training

Dogs need to be taught what is acceptable behavior and what is not. If a dog is not properly trained, they may not understand that chewing on items like shoes or furniture is not allowed.

It’s important to establish boundaries and provide positive reinforcement training to teach your dog what is and is not acceptable behavior. Providing appropriate chew toys and bones can also help redirect and reinforce good chewing behavior.

Separation Anxiety

Some dogs may tear apart belongings when their owners are away, as a result of separation anxiety. This is a serious behavioral issue that can lead to destructive behavior, excessive barking, and other unwanted behaviors.

If your dog shows signs of separation anxiety, such as vocalization or pacing when left alone, it’s important to seek professional help to address the issue.

Medical Issues

In some cases, a dog may destroy personal belongings as a result of underlying medical issues, such as dental problems or gastrointestinal discomfort.

Dogs may chew on objects as a way to alleviate pain or discomfort, so it’s important to rule out any medical issues if your dog is exhibiting destructive behavior.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why dogs chew and destroy personal belongings.

It’s important to understand the underlying reasons and address them appropriately, whether that means providing appropriate chew toys and mental stimulation, establishing boundaries through training, or seeking professional help for behavioral or medical issues. With patience and consistency, you can help your dog break the habit of destructive chewing and prevent future damage to your belongings.