Boots can be a pricey investment, and it’s frustrating when your dog decides to use them as a chew toy. In “My Dog Chewed My Boots! How Do I Stop It?”, we’ll uncover the methods to keep your dog from chewing on your boots, the possible reasons behind their attraction to boots, and whether it’s safe for them.

We’ll also explore if chewed boots can be repaired and if leather boots are extra enticing for dogs compared to other types of material. Finally, we’ll discuss whether your dog may outgrow this behavior. Let’s march forward and protect your boots from canine teeth in the article below!

How to Stop Dog Chewing Boots

To stop dog chewing boots:

1. Keep boots hidden away or as inaccessible as possible.
2. Ensure your dog is never without a safe outlet for their chewing such as a toy they have fun playing with.
3. Spray something to deter them, like a 50/50 blend of distilled white vinegar and water onto your boots.
4. The mixture is safe for rubber, suede, and even leather, though you may want to use a conditioner afterwards.
5. Any smell of vinegar you can detect will go away after around sixty minutes, but your dog will continue to be repelled.
6. Give a firm, calm “no” or “stop” the second when you notice your dog is biting your boots again.
7. Don’t scream or get mad, because if they’re doing so due to anxiety (which is extremely likely), this will only make their stress worse.
8. Put them in a short time-out in a closed-off room or their crate for roughly ten minutes.
9. If you catch your dog beginning to go after the boots, point them to one of their toys.
10. Give them a treat, praise, and pets when they select their toy rather than chewing, gnawing, ripping, tearing, or biting on your boots.
11. Ensure that anyone else who lives in your house is also following these steps.
12. Remain consistent and patient.

This will get your dog to stop chewing boots, but you’ll still need to do something about their misbehavior which was rooted in their underlying issues with anxiety and boredom. Not doing anything will just lead to your dog continuing to think that they are in charge and that they make the decisions, and things will only get worse for the both of you.

To properly address that, we must first talk about what makes dogs tick deep down. You’ve probably heard before that all dogs are pack animals, and that in every pack there is a pack leader.

But when your dog chews boots, they are definitively proving to you that they have no respect for you as the head of the family pack.

If they did, they wouldn’t chew on your cowboy boots,  your work boots, your date night boots, or anything else. They wouldn’t engage in any other types of disrespect or misbehavior. And they would obey your commands at all times — happily — and they would do so right away.

Prove to your dog that you are not just their pack leader, but a capable one worthy of respect, and you’ll make all of these terrific changes your reality.

You’ll be better off for obvious reasons. But your dog will be too because they’ll no longer have to deal with all of the confusion and worry that their behavior problems are currently burdening them with every single second of every single day.

Sounds terrific, wouldn’t you agree?

“Absolutely, sure, but how do I do this?”

You should watch a terrific free video series by a renowned trainer named Dan which is on this very subject: how to be your dog’s pack leader. In Dan’s series, he explains everything in ways that are very easy to follow and teach to your own dog, and he gets immediately to the point so that you can start seeing these crucial changes in your dog in no time.

Start watching Dan’s free training series now by clicking here. And no, you’re not going to have to yell or be mean to your dog. Dan uses only 100% humane and loving teaching techniques at all times. Not just because they’re the right thing to do, but also because they’re the fastest way to achieve permanent changes in your dog’s behavior.

Why Does My Dog Chew Boots?

Anxiety is often a primary reason for dogs to chew on boots. When dogs feel stressed or anxious, they may engage in destructive behaviors such as chewing to help them cope. Boredom is another common cause of boot chewing.

If your dog doesn’t get enough mental stimulation or exercise, they might resort to chewing on anything they can find, including your boots. Teething is a third reason, particularly for puppies, as chewing on objects can help relieve the discomfort of new teeth coming in.

In addition to these factors, the fact that your boots smell like you could make them more comforting and enticing for your dog. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and are drawn to items that carry the scent of their owners.

This can make your boots an attractive target for chewing, especially if your dog is experiencing separation anxiety or simply misses your presence when you’re not around.

Placing your Crocs in a spot your dog can’t reach is a helpful beginning, but it’s important to realize that this won’t deal with the underlying problem. Your dog will just find alternative items to destructively chew as a means to alleviate their issue.

You might one day soon find your dog chewing your flip flops, chewing your high heels, chewing your sandals, or chew your Crocs. Your smell will make pretty much anything smell like a great target for them. To learn the exact steps to address the problem at its root (and protect your boots), go back to the first section of this article now.

Can My Dog Chew Boots Safely?

Chewing on boots is not safe for your dog. While dogs love to chew, boots are not designed to be chew toys, and they can pose a number of hazards. For instance, ingesting small pieces of boots can lead to gastrointestinal blockages, which can be life-threatening.

In addition, chewing on boots can cause dental issues such as broken teeth or gum injuries. Finally, the chemicals and materials used in the manufacturing of boots might not be safe for your dog to consume, potentially leading to health issues.

Can Dog Chewed Boots Be Repaired?

Yes, dog-chewed boots can sometimes be repaired, depending on the extent of the damage. If your boots have only suffered minor damage, a cobbler might be able to fix them. For example, if the soles or heels have been chewed, they can often be replaced.

However, if the damage is more extensive, such as significant tearing or holes in the leather or fabric, it might not be possible to repair them. In those cases, it might be more cost-effective to replace the boots rather than trying to salvage them. Learn how to stop your boots from getting chewed up to begin with by going back to the first section of this article.

Are Dogs More Attracted to Leather Boots?

Dogs can indeed be more attracted to leather boots than other materials. The reason for this might be that leather has a distinct scent and texture that can appeal to a dog’s senses. The natural smell of leather can remind dogs of animal hides, which they might associate with food or play.

Additionally, the texture of leather can be satisfying for dogs to chew on, as it provides a level of resistance that other materials may not offer. Fortunately, the process for stopping your dog chewing leather boots is still the same. Go back to the first section now where we’ve explain everything step-by-step.

Do Dogs Grow Out of Chewing on Boots?

While puppies will grow out of teething, you still need to address the chewing behavior immediately. 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.

However, dogs may continue to chew on boots for other reasons such as anxiety, boredom, or a preference for the taste or texture. In these cases, addressing the underlying issue is crucial to help your dog grow out of the habit. Go back to the first section now and we’ll explain more.

You should now know everything you need to handle your dog’s boot-chewing problem, so I’ll let you get started. Good luck with everything, and thank you for reading our article “My Dog Chewed My Boots! How Do I Stop It?”