Chewing, digging, jumping
How do I know if my dog's chewing is normal or excessive?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Normal chewing happens on offered toys, tapers off with age and exercise, and stops easily when you redirect your dog to something else. Excessive chewing targets a wide range of objects regardless of what is offered, continues despite consistent training, or comes with other signs of stress like pacing or excessive licking.
What typical chewing looks like
A dog that chews mostly appropriate items, occasionally targets something new out of curiosity, and responds well to redirection is well within the normal range, and this pattern usually settles further as training and exercise routines mature.
Signs it may be more than typical
Chewing that continues regardless of consistent redirection, targets almost anything within reach including inedible or unusual objects, or occurs alongside other stress signals such as pacing, drooling, or excessive licking of paws points toward something beyond ordinary boredom or teething.
When to get support
If chewing feels constant, indiscriminate, and resistant to management changes over several weeks, a session with a qualified trainer or behaviorist can identify whether anxiety or another underlying issue is driving it, rather than continuing to try toy after toy.
Key takeaways
- Chewing that responds to redirection and mostly targets offered toys is typically normal.
- Indiscriminate chewing paired with stress signs like pacing suggests something beyond simple boredom.
- Persistent, unresponsive chewing over several weeks is worth discussing with a qualified professional.