Dogs can chew on things they shouldn’t for many reasons, such as teething, boredom, stress, hunger, or simply out of curiosity. To stop your dog from chewing on things they shouldn’t, it is important to understand why they are doing it and address the underlying cause. Here are some strategies that can help:

1. Provide Appropriate Chew Toys: Offer your dog appropriate chew toys, such as bones, rawhides, or rubber toys. Make sure they are the right size for your dog and appropriate for their chewing strength.
2. Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Regular exercise and mental stimulation can help alleviate boredom and reduce the urge to chew on inappropriate items. Take your dog for daily walks, play games with them, or sign them up for obedience or agility training classes.
3. Manage Separation Anxiety: If your dog is chewing on things when you are not home, they may be suffering from separation anxiety. Try gradually getting your dog used to being alone by starting with short periods of time and gradually increasing the length of time you are gone. You can also try leaving your dog with a special toy or treat to help distract them from chewing on inappropriate items.
4. Address Medical Issues: If your dog is chewing on things excessively, it could be due to an underlying medical issue, such as tooth or gum pain, or a digestive issue. It is important to take your dog to the veterinarian to rule out any medical problems.
5. Use Positive Reinforcement: When your dog chews on an appropriate toy, praise them and give them a treat. This will help reinforce the behavior you want to see and discourage the behavior you don’t.
6. Supervise your dog: When you’re not able to give your dog attention or toys, it is important to keep them in a secure area where they cannot access items they shouldn’t chew on. Use gates, crates, or baby gates to restrict access to certain areas.
7. Discourage Chewing: When you catch your dog chewing on something they shouldn’t, say “no” firmly and immediately redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy. If necessary, you can use bitter sprays or deterrents to discourage them from chewing on inappropriate items.

It’s important to remember that chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, and it can take time and patience to break the habit. Consistency is key, and it may take several weeks or even months to see improvement. If your dog continues to chew on things they shouldn’t, it may be a sign of a deeper issue, such as separation anxiety or fear, and it may be necessary to seek professional help from a veterinarian or a certified dog behaviorist.