Is your dog using your chair legs as their personal chew toy? You’re not alone! In “Dog Chewing Chairs? How to Repair & Stop It for Good!,” we’ll help you understand why dogs engage in this behavior and how to put an end to it.

We’ll also give you some insight on getting those chewed up chair legs repaired. For those with puppies, we’ll discuss if they’ll grow out of this habit eventually. And, of course, we’ll address the potential risks for your dog while they’re chewing on chair legs. Are you ready to save your chairs and keep your dog happy and safe? Keep reading below!

How to Stop Dog Chewing Chairs

To stop dog chewing on chairs:

1. Make sure your dog is never without a safe outlet for their chewing such as a toy they have fun playing with.
2. If they’re not made of wood, you can spray a 1:1 solution of water and distilled white vinegar on a cloth and wipe the chair legs with it.
3. The smell of vinegar will be gone after around an hour, but your dog will still be repelled.
4. Give a calm, firm “no” or “stop” immediately when you notice that your dog is again chewing chair legs.
5. Do not scream or get mad, because if they’re doing so out of anxiety (which is the most likely explanation), this will only make their problems worse.
6. Place them into a short time-out in a closed-off room or their crate for about 10 minutes.
7. If you see your dog beginning to go for the chairs, redirect their attention to a favorite toy.
8. Give them pets, praise, and a small treat when they pick a toy rather than chewing on the legs of a chair.
9. Make sure that everyone else in the house is also following these steps.
10. Remain consistent and patient.

Still, to make real, long-lasting progress you need to ultimately address what’s actually causing all of this at its root. Right now, your dog is basically doing whatever they want, losing control of their emotions, and most importantly: not listening to you or your commands to stop an unwanted behavior (in this case, chewing the legs of your chair).

And for us to properly go over that, we must first talk about what makes dogs tick deep down. You’ve likely heard before that dogs are pack animals, and that in every pack there is a pack leader.

But every time that your dog chews chairs, they are clearly telling you that they don’t trust you in this leadership role.

If they did, they wouldn’t chew the legs of your chairs even after you’ve commanded them to stop. They wouldn’t display any other types of misbehavior or disrespect. And they would obey your commands at all times — happily — and they would do so right away.

Make it clear to your dog that you are not just their pack leader, but one worthy of respect, and you’ll make all of these great transformations your reality.

Obviously, you’ll be better off. But your dog will be too because they’ll no longer have to deal with all of the confusion and worry that their disobedient behavior problems are currently saddling them with 24/7.

Sounds like a wonderful thing, right?

“Yes, of course, but how do I do this?”

You should watch a tremendous free video series which is on this very subject — how to be your dog’s pack leader — by a renowned trainer named Dan. In the series, he explains absolutely everything in ways that are very simple to understand and teach to your own dog, and he gets immediately to the point so that you can start seeing these critical changes in your dog before things get any worse.

Start watching Dan’s free training series now by clicking here. And don’t worry, because no, you’re not going to have to be mean or yell at your dog. Dan never uses those types of methods. Not just because loving teaching techniques are the right thing to do, but also because they’re the fastest way to achieve permanent changes in your dog’s behavior.

Why Do Dogs Chew Chairs?

Dogs chew chairs for a variety of reasons, with anxiety being one of the most common. Anxiety in dogs can manifest in different ways, and chewing on furniture is often a way for them to cope with stress or uncertainty.

For example, if your dog has separation anxiety, they may resort to chewing on chairs when you’re not around. This destructive behavior can be frustrating for dog owners, but it’s important to remember that your dog is using this coping mechanism to deal with their anxiety.

Another reason dogs chew chairs is due to boredom. When dogs are left alone for long periods or don’t receive enough mental and physical stimulation, they may resort to chewing on furniture as a way to entertain themselves.

Teething is also a common reason for puppies to chew on chairs. As their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth grow in, puppies experience discomfort and find relief in chewing on various objects, including furniture. Offering appropriate chew toys and engaging in positive reinforcement training can help redirect your puppy’s chewing behavior to more suitable items.

Dogs may also chew on chairs out of curiosity or to explore their environment. Their sense of taste is just as important as their sense of smell, and chewing on different objects can provide valuable information about their surroundings.

If they’re not made of wood, you can deter your dogs from chewing on the legs of your chairs by wiping them down with a 50/50 distilled white vinegar & water mixture, but it’s crucial to understand that this won’t address the core issue. Your dog will simply find alternative objects to destructively chew in an attempt to alleviate their problem.

Your dog might chew up your table legs, chew up your recliner, chew up your coffee table, or chew up your couch. Almost anything they can get their paws on can become a tempting target. I’m sure you can why tackling the root cause of the problem is so important. To learn the exact steps to accomplish that, go back to the first section of this article now.

How to Repair Dog Chewed Chair Legs

To repair dog chewed chair legs, start by removing any loose wood or splinters with sandpaper or a wood file. Be careful not to remove too much material, as this may weaken the chair. Next, fill any gouges or deep scratches with wood filler, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once the wood filler has dried, sand the area smooth and ensure it’s flush with the rest of the chair leg. Finally, apply a matching wood stain or paint to the repaired area, blending it with the rest of the chair. This should leave your chair looking as good as new!

Puppy Chewing Chairs: Will They Grow Out of It?

While puppies will grow out of teething, it’s essential to address the chewing behavior immediately. Even though the teething phase will eventually pass, it’s important to not let it become a learned behavior now as they will still find it pleasurable and soothing even as an adult.

During the teething phase, puppies will chew on anything they can get their mouth on, including chair legs. Providing appropriate chew toys and redirection can help curb this behavior and ensure your puppy doesn’t grow up with a furniture-chewing habit.

Can Dogs Get Hurt Chewing Chair Legs?

Yes, dogs can get hurt chewing chair legs. The act of chewing on hard materials like wood can lead to dental problems, such as broken teeth or injuries to the gums. Ingesting wood splinters can also pose a risk to your dog’s digestive system, potentially causing blockages or damage to the intestinal tract.

Keep a close eye on your dog when they’re chewing on furniture, and provide safe alternatives like chew toys or treat-filled puzzle toys to keep them entertained. By addressing the issue early and providing a safe outlet for your dog’s chewing instincts, you can prevent injury and protect your furniture.

You should now know everything you need to handle your dog’s chewing, so I’ll let you get started. Good luck with everything, and thank you for reading our article “Dog Chewing Chairs? How to Repair & Stop It for Good!”