Dogs love to chew, and it’s a natural behavior for them. However, when your dog starts chewing on things they shouldn’t, such as shoes, furniture, or electrical cords, it can be frustrating and even dangerous. Here are some strategies to help you teach your dog to stop chewing on things they shouldn’t:

1. Provide appropriate chew toys: Make sure your dog has plenty of appropriate chew toys to play with. This will help satisfy their urge to chew and redirect their chewing behavior to the right things. Make sure the chew toys are safe and durable for your dog.
2. Keep tempting items out of reach: Keep tempting items, such as shoes or electrical cords, out of your dog’s reach. This will help prevent your dog from chewing on them and reinforce the idea that those items are off-limits.
3. Supervise your dog: Supervise your dog at all times, especially when they are in a new environment or when there are new objects around. This will allow you to redirect their behavior if they start chewing on something they shouldn’t.
4. Use positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to encourage your dog to chew on appropriate items. Reward your dog with praise and treats when they chew on their toys, and redirect them to their toys if they start chewing on something else.
5. Train the “leave it” command: Teach your dog the “leave it” command, which can help stop them from chewing on things they shouldn’t. To teach the command, hold a treat in your hand and say “leave it.” When your dog backs away from your hand, reward them with a different treat.
6. Correct inappropriate chewing behavior: If you catch your dog chewing on something they shouldn’t, correct the behavior with a firm “no” and redirect them to an appropriate chew toy. Avoid physical punishment, as it can make the behavior worse.
7. Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to teaching your dog to stop chewing on things they shouldn’t. Make sure everyone in the household is on the same page and reinforces the same rules.

Remember, teaching your dog to stop chewing on things they shouldn’t takes time and patience. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, your dog can learn to chew on appropriate items and leave the things they shouldn’t alone.