Chewing, digging, jumping
How do I stop my puppy chewing shoes?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Shoes carry a concentrated dose of your scent, which is exactly why puppies target them. Store shoes in a closed cupboard or high shelf, add a shoe shaped chew toy to the rotation, and trade any shoe your puppy does grab for a toy within two seconds rather than chasing them for it.
Remove the temptation at the source
A closed cupboard, a shoe rack behind a door, or a basket on a high shelf takes shoes out of reach entirely. This matters more than any training trick in the first few months, since prevention is faster than correction.
Give a scent rich alternative
A rope toy or fabric chew that has been rubbed briefly on your hands carries a similar scent without the cost of a ruined shoe. Rotate it back into the mix a couple of times a week so it stays interesting.
Trade calmly, don't chase
Chasing a puppy that has grabbed a shoe turns it into a game worth repeating. Instead, walk toward a toy, shake it to draw attention, and swap the moment your puppy drops the shoe, then praise the trade rather than the shoe itself.
Key takeaways
- Storing shoes out of reach prevents more damage than any single training trick.
- A scent marked fabric toy gives a safer outlet for the same appeal.
- Chasing turns shoe stealing into a game your puppy wants to repeat.