At some point in every dog owner's life, there will be a need to stop dog chewing problems. Dogs, in particular puppies, chew for a variety of reasons.

One thing they don't do is chew out of spite.
Dogs do what comes naturally to them. Trying to stop dog chewing can be a challenge. Below I'll explain some of the reasons why dogs chew and then give you tips on how to stop dog chewing.

Puppies Are A lot Like Little Kids

Puppies are like little kids and babies. That means they like to crawl around and explore. Everything to them is strange and so they need to explore their surroundings.

But unlike little kids who explore with their hands, puppies explore with their mouths. Puppies chew for a variety of reasons. In order to stop dog chewing problems, you need to know why they are chewing.

Here are a few reasons they chew:

1. Teething
2. Boredom or loneliness
3. Anxiety
4. Attention

Teething

Puppies don't know the difference between a $200 pair of Nikes and an old pair of tennis shoes. So when they are teething, which ever of those items are in his path, those items will get chewed on.

If you want to stop dog chewing problems then you need to be able to train your dog to differentiate between acceptable items to chew on from unacceptable items.

Boredom or Loneliness

If you are gone for long periods of time (say for instance you work long hours) and your dog is left alone, chewing relieves boredom and loneliness for them. Again, your puppy cannot distinguish between the arm of your sofa and a rag doll.

Separation Anxiety

Believe it or not, puppies have feelings too. If you're gone for a while, they get frightened. They have abandonment issues just like humans. They need to feel reassured that you are there for them.

Attention

Like little kids, puppies want attention. Ever notice when you don't pay attention to a 2 year-old what happens? They do whatever it takes (temper tantrums) to get your attention.

If you ignore puppies, they get annoyed and try to get your attention any way they can. Chewing is one of those ways.

How To Stop Dog Chewing

In order to stop dog chewing, it's always best to prevent it, rather than trying to extinguish a well ingrained habit.

Puppy Proof Your House

Cover up all exposed wires for starters. Dogs love to chew on wires. Remove all items of temptation and replace them with chew toys.

Chew toys should be tasty. In order to train your dog to stop chewing, you must make sure that there is a negative association to him chewing something you don't want him to chew on and a positive association with the item you do want him to chew on.

For instance:

If you see your dog chewing on your furniture, in a sharp voice yell, "No chewing." Then immediately (when he stops chewing on the furniture) give him his favorite treat or chew toy.

Stuff the chew toy with some tasty morsels of his favorite treats and leave it with him before you leave for work.

Keep Him in a Crate

Another way to stop dog chewing is to put your dog in a crate while you're away from home. It could be a kennel or dog crate.

Lots of Exercise

Chewing is a way to release stress. If you're planning to stop dog chewing, be sure you give your dog plenty of exercise.

Play Frisbee with him or tug of war with a rope. Take him to a dog run and let him play with the other dogs. This will burn up a lot of pent up energy.

Hot Pepper Solution
As a last resort, you can always spray bitter apple, cayenne pepper or hot sauce on the item you wish to keep the dog from chewing on.

But this seems cruel to me. I personally like giving my dog lots of exercise and chew toys with treats hidden in them. Following some of the tips outlined will help stop dog chewing problems.