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Dog Chewed Couch? Learn How to Repair & Stop It for Good! [10 Steps]

If you’re struggling with a dog that loves to chew on your couch, I feel your pain. In this article, “Dog Chewed Couch? Learn How to Repair & Stop It for Good!,” we’ll tackle this issue head-on. We’ll explore the possible reasons for your dog’s couch-chewing behavior and provide helpful tips on how to put a stop to it.

You’ll also find guidance on repairing the damage, whether it’s a regular couch or a leather sofa. We’ll talk about puppies and their chewing habits, as well as ways to keep your dog away from tempting couch cushions. Plus, we’ll touch on potential injuries your dog might sustain from their couch-chewing antics.

Ready to save your couch from your furry friend? Let’s get started below!

How to Stop Dog Chewing Couch

Dog Chewed Couch

To stop your dog chewing the couch:

  1. Ensure your dog always has a proper outlet for their chewing such as a toy that will keep them busy.
  2. Spray a deterrent, such as a 1:1 mix of distilled white vinegar and water on a cloth and wipe the couch with it (safe for leather, but you may want to condition after).
  3. The smell will not be detectable after about an hour, but your dog will continue to be repelled.
  4. Give a calm but firm “no” or “stop” immediately when you notice that your dog is again chewing the couch.
  5. Don’t scream or get mad, because if they’re behaving like this stemming from anxiety (which is extremely likely), this will only make their issues worse.
  6. Place them in a brief time-out in their crate or a closed-off room for roughly 10 minutes.
  7. If you notice them beginning to go for the couch, redirect their attention to a toy.
  8. Give them pets, a small treat, and praise when they pick a toy instead of biting on the couch.
  9. Be sure that everyone else in the home is also using these steps.
  10. Stay patient and consistent.

These steps will get your dog to stop chewing the couch, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issue (anxiety) that was causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address that, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“Well, how do I make these changes stick?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like when your dog chews on the couch and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog chewing the couch ever again!

Why is My Dog Chewing the Couch?

Anxiety is often the primary reason for dogs chewing on couches. Like humans, dogs can experience anxiety, and chewing on objects can be a way for them to cope with stress. Separation anxiety, in particular, can cause a dog to act out by chewing on furniture when their owner is away.

Boredom is another common reason for dogs chewing couches. If a dog isn’t getting enough physical and mental stimulation, they may turn to chewing as a way to alleviate boredom and burn off excess energy.

Teething is yet another cause for dogs, particularly puppies, to chew on couches. As puppies go through the teething process, their gums can become sore and irritated, causing them to seek relief through chewing. While teething is a natural part of a puppy’s development, it’s essential to address the behavior to prevent it from becoming a habit.

Spraying your couch with a 1:1 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water will deter your dog, but it’s important to remember that this won’t fix the underlying problem. Your dog will merely search for other items to destructively chew to cope with their issue.

Your dog might chew your table legs, chew your recliner, chew your coffee table, or chew your chairs. Practically anything within their grasp could become an attractive target. It’s clear why addressing the root cause of the issue is crucial. To learn the exact steps to achieve that, go back to the first section of this article now.

Why is My Dog Chewing Leather Sofa?

Dogs chew on leather sofas for similar reasons as they do other types of couches. Anxiety, boredom, and teething are all common factors. However, the unique texture and scent of leather could make it more appealing to dogs, especially if they’re bored or teething.

Leather has a distinct smell and feel, which might be more attractive to dogs than fabric materials. Remember that dogs have incredible senses of smell that are much more sensitive than ours. Additionally, the act of chewing leather can be especially satisfying for a dog, as it provides more resistance than fabric.

How to Fix Dog Chewed Couch

Fixing a dog-chewed couch can be quite a task, depending on the extent of the damage. For minor damage, such as small punctures or scratches, you can use a fabric or leather repair kit. These kits typically come with patches, adhesives, and coloring agents to help you repair and blend the damaged area.

For more extensive damage, like large holes or torn upholstery, you may need to consult a professional furniture repair service. They’ll assess the damage and provide you with options for restoring your couch. To learn how stop your dog from chewing the couch, go back to the first section where we’ll teach you how.

Will My Puppy Grow Out of Chewing Couches?

Puppies will of course age out of teething, but it’s essential to address the chewing behavior right away. That’s because even though the teething phase will eventually pass, it’s important not to let it become a learned behavior now as they will still find it pleasurable and soothing even as an adult.

To prevent long-term chewing habits, make sure to provide your puppy with appropriate toys and chews to satisfy their teething needs and keep them mentally stimulated.

How to Keep Dog Away from Couch Cushion

To keep your dog away from couch cushions, try creating a designated space for your dog to relax, such as a dog bed or a designated room with toys and treats. Make this area more appealing than the couch by providing a comfortable and cozy environment.

Additionally, you can use positive reinforcement techniques to train your dog to stay off the couch. Reward your dog when they choose to lie on their bed or in their designated area instead of the couch. To learn more about keeping your dog away from the couch, go back to the first section now where we’ll teach you the exact steps to follow.

Can Dogs Get Hurt Chewing Couches?

Dogs can get hurt chewing couches. Chewing on furniture can lead to dental issues, such as broken teeth or gum injuries. Additionally, ingesting parts of the couch, like fabric or stuffing, can cause gastrointestinal blockages, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

To prevent injury, it’s essential to monitor your dog’s chewing behavior and take steps to redirect their attention to appropriate chewing toys and activities.

I’m sure you’re ready to get started so your dog will quit chewing your couch, so I’ll let you get going. Best wishes, and thanks for checking out our article “Dog Chewed Couch? Learn How to Repair & Stop It for Good!”

The Author

KB Williams

KB Williams

Hey there! I'm a dog behavior expert and lover of travel. Since 2016, I've been sharing my knowledge of dog training and behavior while exploring the Pacific Northwest with my two rescues.