Few things test a pet owner’s patience quite like finding chewed-up shoes or shredded furniture. While these behaviors can be frustrating, they’re not signs of a “bad” pet—they’re signs of a bored, anxious, or curious one. At Haven Animal Health Services, your Cherry Hill, NJ animal clinic, we understand that pet behavior training is about communication, not punishment. With the right techniques, you can teach your dog or cat what’s off-limits while preserving their natural instincts to explore, play, and relieve stress.

Understanding Why Pets Chew or Scratch

Both dogs and cats chew or scratch for perfectly natural reasons. The goal isn’t to stop the behavior entirely—it’s to redirect it to acceptable outlets.

For Dogs:

Dogs chew to relieve stress, exercise their jaws, and soothe teething discomfort. Adult dogs may also chew out of boredom or separation anxiety.

For Cats:

Scratching serves multiple purposes. It sharpens claws, stretches muscles, and marks territory with scent glands in their paws. Without appropriate outlets, cats turn to furniture, door frames, or carpet.

Understanding what motivates the behavior is the first step to redirecting it.

Stop Dog Chewing: Managing and Redirecting the Urge

Puppy Chewing

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, especially during teething, which happens when they are around 3–6 months old. Provide durable chew toys made for teething pups and rotate them regularly to keep things interesting.

Adult Dog Chewing

If your dog chews household items, identify potential causes:

• Boredom: Increase physical exercise and mental enrichment.
  
• Anxiety: Provide comfort items, safe spaces, and consistent routines.
  
• Lack of boundaries: Reinforce training commands such as “leave it” or “drop it.”
  

Redirection Techniques

• Offer approved chew toys immediately when your dog grabs something inappropriate.
  
• Praise your pup enthusiastically when they choose their toy over your shoe.
  
• Keep personal belongings out of reach—management is part of prevention.
  
• Use deterrent sprays with safe, unpleasant flavors on problem items.
  

If your dog’s chewing is accompanied by signs of distress when you leave (pacing, whining, destruction near doors), separation anxiety may be at play. Our veterinarians at Haven Animal Health Services can help create a behavior plan or recommend calming options.

Prevent Cat Scratching

Unlike dogs, cats rarely respond to commands. However, they can be guided toward better choices with patience and positive reinforcement.

Provide the Right Scratching Surfaces

Offer a variety of scratching options to match your cat’s preferences:

• Vertical posts: Great for cats who stretch upward.
  
• Horizontal pads or mats: Ideal for cats who prefer scratching carpets.
  
• Sisal rope or cardboard textures: Most cats love the resistance these materials provide.
  

Placement Matters

Put scratching posts near your cat’s favorite hangout spots, sleeping areas, or problem zones (like near the sofa corner). If your cat uses the post, reward them with praise or treats.

Protecting Furniture

• Use double-sided tape or aluminum foil on frequently scratched surfaces.
  
• Apply cat-safe pheromone sprays to reduce stress-related scratching.
  
• Trim claws regularly or use soft vinyl caps as a gentle, temporary measure.
  

Declawing is never recommended; it’s painful, unnecessary, and can lead to long-term behavioral problems.

Behavior Correction for Pets: Training Without Punishment

Training should always focus on positive reinforcement. Punishment can increase anxiety and worsen unwanted behaviors.

Reinforce the Positive

Reward your pet immediately for calm, appropriate behavior. Over time, they’ll associate the right actions with good things, such as attention, treats, and affection.

Redirect, Don’t Scold

If your pet chews or scratches something inappropriate, calmly interrupt and redirect to a suitable object. Stay consistent and patient—habits form through repetition.

Use Environmental Enrichment

• Dogs: Try food puzzles, slow feeders, or scent games to keep their minds busy.
  
• Cats: Offer climbing shelves, window perches, and interactive toys to satisfy hunting instincts.
  

Mental stimulation often prevents boredom-based destructive behaviors before they start.

When to Seek Veterinary or Behavioral Help

If your pet’s chewing or scratching seems compulsive, sudden, or linked to stress, professional guidance can help. At Haven Animal Health Services, your Cherry Hill, NJ animal clinic, we can:

• Rule out dental pain or skin irritation that may trigger chewing or scratching.
  
• Assess for anxiety, boredom, or medical issues.
  
• Recommend behavior modification techniques or calming supplements.

Click here to find another blog we’ve written on feline stress. Chewy did an article on why cats scratch, which you can read here. Humane World for animals also has a post on scratching in kitties. Click here for that one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Behavior Training

Why does my dog chew when I’m not home?

This may be a sign of separation anxiety or boredom. Try leaving puzzle feeders or background noise to comfort them.

How do I keep my cat from scratching the couch?

Provide scratching posts next to the couch, use deterrent tape, and reward your cat for using appropriate surfaces.

Can older pets be retrained?

Absolutely! Dogs and cats of any age can learn new habits through patience and consistency.

Are chew toys safe for all dogs?

Only if they are the right size and made of a safe material. Choose size-appropriate, non-toxic toys that can’t be swallowed. Avoid cooked bones or hard materials that may break teeth.

Visit Our Cherry Hill, NJ Veterinary Clinic for Behavior Support

If your home is starting to look like a chew toy or scratching post, don’t lose hope. At Haven Animal Health Services, your Cherry Hill, NJ animal clinic, our team offers compassionate pet behavior training advice and customized solutions to curb destructive habits. If you’ve been searching for a vet near me, schedule a visit today to discuss training tips, anxiety management, and ways to keep your pet’s paws (and teeth) busy in positive ways.

Click here to visit our Service page and learn more about our pet clinic and the animals we treat.

This blog is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice about your pet’s health or behavior.