Dogs are natural chewers and enjoy exploring objects with their mouths. However, sometimes they can chew on things that are not intended for chewing, such as shoes, furniture, and other personal belongings. To prevent this behavior, you can train your dog to not chew on things they’re not supposed to. Here are some tips on how to do it for free:

1. Provide appropriate chewing toys: Dogs need to chew, so provide them with appropriate chew toys, such as bones, rope toys, or chew sticks. This will help satisfy their chewing needs and redirect their attention away from household items. Make sure the toys are safe for your dog to chew on and avoid giving them anything that can easily break apart and be swallowed.
2. Supervise your dog: When you cannot provide your dog with appropriate chew toys, keep an eye on them to prevent them from chewing on inappropriate items. If you notice your dog chewing on something they shouldn’t, interrupt the behavior by using a loud noise, such as clapping your hands, to startle them. Then redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy.
3. Use positive reinforcement: When your dog chews on an appropriate item, praise and reward them with treats, toys, or affection. This will reinforce the behavior and encourage them to continue chewing on appropriate items.
4. Teach the “leave it” command: Train your dog to respond to the “leave it” command by rewarding them for ignoring an item they are not supposed to chew on. To do this, hold a treat in your closed hand and offer it to your dog. When they try to get the treat, say “leave it” and wait for them to stop trying. When they do, reward them with a treat from your other hand. Repeat this process, gradually increasing the difficulty by placing the treat on the floor or adding distractions.
5. Make sure your dog gets enough exercise: Dogs often chew out of boredom, stress, or lack of exercise. Make sure your dog gets enough exercise and mental stimulation through regular walks, playtime, and training sessions.
6. Use deterrents: You can use bitter-tasting sprays or repellents to discourage your dog from chewing on household items. These products can be found at most pet stores and are safe for your dog to ingest.

Overall, training your dog to not chew on things they’re not supposed to requires patience and consistency. By providing appropriate chew toys, supervising your dog, using positive reinforcement, teaching the “leave it” command, ensuring your dog gets enough exercise, and using deterrents, you can prevent your dog from chewing on inappropriate items and develop a healthy chewing habit.