Destructive Chewing: Why Dogs Do It and How to Stop It
A step-by-step plan to save your shoes, your baseboards, and your sanity
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
Stop the destruction! A step-by-step plan to understand why your dog chews and fix it—without losing your mind or your furniture.
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About this book
If you're reading this, you've probably lost a pair of shoes, a corner of your couch, or maybe a whole doorframe to your dog's jaws. You're frustrated, maybe a little worried, and definitely exhausted. But here's the good news: destructive chewing is one of the most common and most fixable behavior problems in dogs. This book gives you a clear, step-by-step roadmap to stop it—starting with understanding the why behind the chewing.
You'll learn to identify whether your dog is teething, bored, anxious, or just stuck in a habit, and exactly what to do in each case. You'll get practical, specific guidance on managing your home, choosing the right chews and toys, and building a daily routine that meets your dog's physical and mental needs. You'll also find troubleshooting chapters for tricky situations, like separation anxiety or multiple dogs, and clear red flags that mean it's time to call in a professional.
Written by an experienced trainer, this book is warm, practical, and completely jargon-free. It's not about quick fixes or harsh corrections—it's about setting your dog up to succeed and changing the behavior at its root. You'll finish it with confidence, a plan, and a mostly-intact home.
Reader Reviews
Kenneth Torres
★★★★★This book covers the basics well, but I felt like some sections were repetitive. The chapter on diagnosing why your dog chews was useful, and I appreciated the specific schedules. However, I was hoping for more on advanced cases like severe separation anxiety. It's a decent starting point, but I found myself wanting more depth in a few places.
John Lopez
★★★★★I've read a lot of advice online and tried different things, but this book finally gave me a clear plan. The Week One routine was a game changer—instead of just saying 'give them toys,' it actually told me what to do hour by hour. My dog still chews sometimes, but it's way less, and I feel like I know what to do next. Worth the read.
Margaret Thomas
★★★★★I was at my wit's end after my 2-year-old Lab ate yet another couch cushion. This book saved my sanity. The diagnosis guide helped me realize it was boredom, not spite, and the routine they outlined worked like a charm. The tone is so kind and practical—I felt like a trainer was sitting with me. My house is intact now, and my dog is happier too. Can't recommend it enough.
Joseph Garcia
★★★★★A solid, practical guide for a frustrating problem. I especially liked the checklist for supplies and the section on 'Leave It' training. It's not magic, but it's honest and helpful. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is that I wish there were a few more visuals, like diagrams or photos of proper toy types. But overall, it delivered on its promise.
Mary Perez
★★★★★This book is the reason my shoes have survived the last month. I thought my 8-month-old pup was just 'being a puppy,' but the book helped me see she was actually bored and under-exercised. The exercise schedule and enrichment ideas made a huge difference. The writing is warm and friendly, not preachy. I've already recommended it to two friends with chewers.
George Lewis
★★★★★It's a decent read, but I don't think it's for someone who's already tried a lot of training. For absolute beginners, this would be great. I was hoping for more advanced troubleshooting or something about using muzzles for safety (though I understand why they don't recommend it). The tone is reassuring, but it felt a bit basic for my situation.
Sandra King
★★★★★I've had dogs my whole life, but this book still taught me a thing or two. The chapter on anxiety-related chewing was eye-opening, and I finally understand why punishment never worked. The red flags section helped me realize my dog needed a vet visit, which I appreciated. It's written for real people, not scientists. A great resource to have on hand.