Does your dog bite shoes? Discover 5 proven solutions

Damn! My dog ​​is chewing shoes!

An expensive pair of high heels from a designer or worn slippers that have served you for several years? It probably doesn't matter to your dog! They all taste the same ;-)

Are you wondering why your dog is notoriously biting your shoes? Do you want to stop your four-legged friend from destroying more slippers? Are you looking for effective advice to deal with this problem once and for all?

You are in the right place! In our guide, we have collected the most valuable tips for owners of unruly dogs. Let's start!

Identify the cause of the problem

Be sure to take the time to identify the cause of the problem before you take action. This is the most effective way to completely eliminate it.

Are you dealing with a puppy? It's easy! Most likely, this is how your dog learns about the world around him. Its mouth and teeth are perfect tools. As with babies, teething in puppies can cause anything in their path to almost automatically go into their mouths, soothing their swollen gums.

Does your dog miss you so much, even when left alone for a short while? Remember that the owner's scent remains on the shoes. Carrying them in the mouth, a stressed quadruped can feel its presence and it is easier to deal with separation anxiety and strong longing.

Depending on the cause of the problem, take specific actions. Especially for you, we have collected 5 effective methods thanks to which teeth marks will stop appearing on your shoes.

#1 Avoid leaving shoes within your dog's reach

If you leave your shoes in an easily accessible place, the likelihood that your dog will eventually get to them increases significantly. After all, footwear has the perfect texture for him. Relatively high flexibility and sufficient strength make quadrupeds simply love them. Especially when the shoes are made of natural leather. 

Fortunately, you can easily prevent the problem from escalating. All you have to do is hide your shoes in a closed wardrobe after returning home. If they are out of sight of your pet, they will probably not be so temptingly attractive anymore. See how simple it is?

#2 Make sure your pet is properly stimulated

Mongrel, purebred dog or crossbreed - none of them likes boredom. All active animals need variety and activity. If your dog is constantly chewing on your shoes, it may be entertaining.

To prevent this problem, all you need to do is to properly stimulate your pet. An excellent replacement for shoes will be pet chews. Choose rubber products or natural bones. In this way, you will not only get rid of the problem, but also support the oral hygiene of your furry friend.

#3 Give your pet more attention

Dogs love to play. When you don't spend enough time with them, they may find half measures in your shoes. After all, the sight of a four-legged friend with his favorite sneaker in his mouth makes you almost automatically drop everything you're doing to go in pursuit of your pet. 

In this way, your dog engages you in a joint activity. To effectively stop him, all you need to do is pay more attention to him. Instead of lounging in front of the TV, take your dog for a walk or throw his favorite ball around the room.

If you don't have the opportunity to spend extra time with your pet, invest in logical toys designed for dogs that will prevent boredom and allow them to train their mind.

#4 Don't treat old shoes as toys

You think your old shoes will be a great toy for your dog and instead of throwing them away, you decided to recycle them and treat them as a way to provide additional entertainment for your quadruped?

This is one of the most common mistakes! After all, your dog may have a hard time telling the difference between old, worn-out slippers and new designer stilettos that cost a fortune.

#5 Don't be afraid to use the help of specialists

If none of the methods worked and you still have unsightly tooth marks on your shoes, it is worth using the help of an experienced specialist. A veterinarian or behaviorist will diagnose any problems in the blink of an eye and implement effective treatment.

Caught red-handed?

Now that you know how to deal with the problem of your dog biting shoes, it's also worth focusing on the appropriate response.

When you catch your quadruped red-handed, under no circumstances start chasing him around the house. Approach the dog with a chew or bone and calmly make the exchange.

Be firm and let your dog know that this behavior is unacceptable.

Over time, you can teach your dog the "leave it" command. It will certainly prove useful on walks, when your pet decides to taste something that could harm it.

Problem solved!

As you can see, there are many ways to effectively deal with the problem of dog biting shoes. Identify the cause of this state of affairs, and then try our solutions until successful. Be consistent and you will definitely notice the effects quickly. Good luck!