How to Train Your Dog to Not Eat Shoes

Puppies are an adorable addition to your family. However, sometimes we create little shoe eating machines when they are cute and chewing on anything and everything around. Then we are left wondering when they adult dogs why we often find our shoes in their mouths. There could be many reasons why your dog chews on your shoes. Maybe you gave him old shoes to chew on when he was a puppy, and he cannot tell the difference between a ratty old shoe and your very expensive Italian leather loafer or stiletto. Allowing your dog to continue to eat your shoes could lead to him chewing on other things as well. So, the best time to teach a dog not to chew or eat certain items is when he is a puppy. Some owners end up with full grown dogs who exhibit bad behavior as a result of habits developed in puppyhood.

Teaching your dog to stop chewing on your shoes requires patience and persistence. Your dog may need to be reminded for several weeks that this is bad behavior. He will also need rewards and alternatives. Sometimes eating indigestible objects such as shoes stems from boredom. For some dogs, eating objects stems from lack of nutrition. However, if your dog is chewing on your shoes, it might be because they remind him of you. You could work on a few habits with your dog and start changing his patterns, ensure he has proper treats and meals to eat, along with enough toys to keep him entertained and give him positive time away from you while you are away from him in ways which won’t destroy your shoes.

As stated, you will need time and patience. Be prepared for repetition. Your dog will need to be reminded several times to completely change her behavior. New chew toys, a cloth, towel, or an old t-shirt that smells like you, and some good treats to eat instead of your shoes are just a few things you could use to make these methods work in your home.