Does your dog chew shoes? Get to know 5 proven solutions

Dog bone! My dog ​​chews shoes!

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

Are you wondering why your dog constantly bites your shoes? Do you want to stop your pet from destroying more slippers? Are you looking for effective advice that will help you deal with this problem once and for all?

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

Identify the cause of the problem

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

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

Does your dog miss you very much, even when he is left alone for a short while? Remember that the owner's scent remains on the shoes. By carrying them in its mouth, a stressed pet can feel its presence and it is easier to cope 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 that will stop tooth marks from 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 them increases significantly. After all, footwear has the perfect texture for him. Relatively high flexibility and sufficient durability make pets simply love them. Especially when the shoes are made of natural leather. 

Fortunately, you can easily prevent the problem from escalating. All you need to do is put your shoes in a locked wardrobe when you get home. If they are out of your pet's sight, they will most likely not be as temptingly attractive. See how simple it is?

#2 Make sure your pet is properly stimulated

A mutt, a purebred dog or a mixed breed - none of them likes boredom. All active animals need variety and activity. If your dog constantly chews on your shoes, he may be entertaining himself in this way.

To prevent this problem, all you need to do is ensure that your pet is properly stimulated. Animal chews are a perfect substitute for shoes. Choose rubber products or natural bones. This way, you will not only get rid of the problem, but also support the oral hygiene of your furry friend.

#3 Pay more attention to your pet

Dogs love to play. When you don't devote enough time to them, they may look for half-measures in the form of your shoes. After all, the sight of a pet with your favorite sneaker in its mouth makes you almost automatically drop everything you are doing to chase after your pet. 

This way, your dog engages you in a shared activity. To stop it effectively, all you need to do is pay more attention to it. 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 devote additional time to your pet, invest in logical toys for dogs that will prevent boredom and also allow them to train their minds.

#4 Don't treat old shoes as a toy

Do you think that 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 pet?

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

#5 Don't be afraid to seek help from specialists

If none of the methods worked and unsightly tooth marks still appear on your shoes, it is worth seeking the help of an experienced specialist. A veterinarian or behaviorist will quickly diagnose any problems and implement effective treatment.

Caught red-handed?

Now that you know how to deal with the problem of your dog biting shoes, it is also worth focusing on reacting appropriately.

If you catch your pet red-handed, do not under any circumstances start chasing him around the house. Approach your 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 also on walks when your pet decides to eat something that could be harmful.

Problem solved!

As you can see, there are a lot of methods that will help you effectively deal with the problem of your dog biting shoes. Identify the cause of this state of affairs and then try our solutions until you succeed. Be consistent and you will surely notice the results quickly. Good luck!