How to Stop Dog from Chewing Shoes

Shoes are one of the most common targets for dogs that chew — they smell strongly of their favorite person, have interesting textures, and are usually left right at dog level by the front door. The good news: stopping shoe chewing is straightforward with the right combination of management, deterrents, and redirection.

What You'll Need

• Bitter apple spray: Bitter apple chew deterrent spray makes shoes taste unpleasant without damaging them. Apply to shoes your dog targets and reapply every few days.
• Chew toys: Your dog needs satisfying alternatives. A Kong toy stuffed with treats and a durable Nylabone chew provide long-lasting chewing satisfaction that competes with shoes.
• Treats and a treat pouch: Reward your dog when they choose their toy over your shoes. A treat pouch with magnetic closure keeps rewards ready for instant reinforcement.

Why Dogs Target Shoes

Shoes are irresistible to dogs for several reasons. They carry your scent intensely — which is comforting to dogs, especially when you're away. They have interesting textures — rubber soles, leather, laces — that feel satisfying to chew. And they're almost always accessible, sitting right by the door at the perfect height. For puppies, shoes are also ideal teething targets.

Step-by-Step: How to Stop Shoe Chewing

Step 1: Remove Access Immediately

The fastest fix is the simplest one: put your shoes away. Use a closed shoe cabinet, a high shelf, or a closet with the door shut. A dog can't chew shoes they can't reach. Management is not failure — it's the fastest way to stop the habit from reinforcing itself.

Step 2: Apply Bitter Apple Spray

For shoes that must stay accessible — or shoes your dog has already targeted — spray them with bitter apple deterrent. Apply to the entire surface, including laces and soles. Reapply every 2–3 days. Most dogs avoid bitter-tasting surfaces after just a few encounters.

Step 3: Provide Better Chewing Alternatives

Make sure your dog always has appropriate chew options available near the door — the same place they're tempted by shoes. A stuffed Kong or a Nylabone placed right where the shoes are gives your dog an immediate alternative when the chewing urge strikes.

Step 4: Redirect in the Moment

If you catch your dog going for a shoe, calmly interrupt and immediately offer their chew toy. When they take the toy, praise and reward with a treat. Never chase or punish — just redirect calmly every time.

Step 5: Reward Good Choices

When you see your dog chewing their toy near the shoe area, reward them. This builds the habit of choosing the toy over the shoes. Active reinforcement of good behavior is faster than just managing bad behavior.

Step 6: Increase Exercise and Enrichment

Shoe chewing driven by boredom or excess energy responds well to more exercise and mental stimulation. A tired, mentally satisfied dog is far less likely to seek out shoes to chew. Add a training session, a puzzle toy, or a longer walk to your daily routine.

Step 7: Supervise or Confine When Away

When you leave the house, confine your dog to a dog-proofed area away from shoes. Shoe chewing when you're gone is often anxiety-driven — your scent on the shoes is comforting. Provide a worn t-shirt or a stuffed Kong as a comfort item instead.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

My dog only chews shoes when I'm not home

This is often separation anxiety or boredom. Confine your dog when you leave, provide a stuffed Kong to keep them occupied, and leave a worn item of clothing (not a shoe) as a comfort scent. If anxiety is severe, consider working with a trainer.

My dog ignores the bitter spray

Some dogs aren't deterred by bitter apple. Try a different brand or formula, or focus entirely on management — put shoes completely out of reach and provide better alternatives.

My puppy is obsessed with shoes

Puppies are drawn to shoes during teething. Focus on management (shoes out of reach) and redirection (always have a chew toy available). The obsession typically fades after teething is complete around 6 months.

How Long Does It Take?

With consistent management and redirection, most dogs stop targeting shoes within 2–3 weeks. The bitter spray provides immediate protection while the training takes effect. Puppies may take longer due to teething drives.

Final Thoughts

Stopping shoe chewing is mostly about management and redirection. Put shoes away, apply bitter spray to any that stay accessible, provide satisfying chew alternatives near the door, and reward good choices. With consistency, most dogs redirect their chewing within a few weeks — and your shoes will thank you.