Common Behavior Problems in Adolescent Dogs - Chewing
The sweet puppy who once followed every cue can suddenly seem like a different dog. One week they come when called, walk politely, and settle after dinner. The next, they bark at every sound, chew the baseboards, launch at guests, drag you down the sidewalk, or grow tense around other dogs.
This stage can feel frustrating, but it is also normal. Adolescent dogs are growing fast, testing boundaries, gaining confidence, and reacting to a world that feels exciting, distracting, and sometimes overwhelming. The goal is not to “win” against the dog. The goal is to guide them with clear rules, calm repetition, and training that fits what they are capable of learning right now.
Consistent training helps adolescent dogs understand which behaviors work and which do not. It also gives owners a plan, which makes daily life far less stressful. This series addresses some common adolescent dog behaviors and provides tips on how to address them. This post is dedicated to destructive chewing.
Understanding why adolescent dogs act out
Adolescence in dogs usually happens somewhere between puppyhood and full social maturity. The exact timing varies by breed, size, and individual dog. A small dog may mature faster than a large breed. Some dogs move through this stage with mild challenges. Others seem to forget everything they learned. The adolescent period for most dogs occurs from 5 months to about 18 months. In large breed dogs it ends around 2 years.
The behavior is not “spite.” Dogs do not chew shoes, bark at windows, or pull leashes to get revenge. Most behavior problems come from one or more basic causes:
Too much energy and not enough suitable activity
Too little sleep or rest
Confusing rules that change
Big feelings such as fear, frustration, or excitement
Lack of practice around real-world distractions
Reinforcement of unwanted behavior, even by accident
For example, a dog who jumps and gets touched, talked to, or pushed away may learn that jumping makes people interact. A dog who barks at passing dogs and then the dogs leave may feel the barking “worked.” A dog who steals socks and turns it into a chase game has just found a very fun hobby.
Training works best when it answers two questions:
What need is driving the behavior?
What should the dog do instead?
Adolescent dogs need structure, but structure does not mean harshness. It means predictable routines, clear cues, and rewards for the behaviors you want repeated.
How to stop destructive chewing
Chewing is normal for dogs. Chewing becomes a problem when the dog chooses furniture, shoes, drywall, blankets, or anything unsafe. Adolescent chewing can happen for several reasons. The dog may have excess energy, be teething through the late stages of mouth development, feel anxious when alone, or simply lack access to chew toys. Some dogs also chew because it feels soothing.
The first step is management. Training cannot work if the dog keeps practicing the unwanted behavior. Set up your home:
Use baby gates, crates, or exercise pens when needed.
Keep shoes, remotes, laundry, and trash out of reach.
Rotate chew items so they stay interesting.
Offer different textures, such as rubber, rope, and edible chews that are appropriate for the dog.
Teach drop-it
When the dog picks up something off-limits, trade rather than chase. Offer a treat or toy, say “drop-it,” and reward when they release. Chasing often turns stolen objects into a game.
A helpful daily habit is a scheduled chew session after exercise.
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