Your Dog Isn't Wrecking Your Home Out of Spite — But That Doesn't Make It Less Exhausting
Baseboards. Couch cushions. Shoes. The corner of the wall you just repainted. If you're keeping a mental tally of things your dog has destroyed, you're not alone — and you're probably wondering if this is just who they are. It isn't. Destructive chewing is almost always a sign that something else is going on, and when you fix that something else, the chewing stops.
Behavior Severity Level
Severity: Moderate
What you may be seeing
- Chewing or destroying items specifically when left alone
- Damage concentrated on items with the owner's scent (clothing, shoes, bags)
- Damage to exits — doors, door frames, windowsills — alongside other alone-time behaviors
- Chewing that persists well past the puppy/teething phase (past 9-12 months)
- Destruction of items despite having appropriate chew toys available
- Chewing behaviors that seem frantic or compulsive rather than playful
- An adolescent dog who cannot settle and destroys anything within reach
- A dog who is fine with their chew toys in your presence but causes damage when unsupervised
- Escalating destruction over time — more items, more damage, more frequently
- Chewing of non-food items that poses an ingestion or choking risk
What Is Destructive Chewing?
Destructive chewing is one of the most common complaints we hear from dog owners across Scottsdale and North Scottsdale. It's also one of the most misdiagnosed. People assume their dog is bored, being naughty, or acting out for attention. Sometimes that's partially true. More often, destructive chewing is the physical expression of an unmet need — and the need varies enormously from dog to dog.
Some dogs chew because they have excess energy and no appropriate outlet. These are typically adolescent dogs — six months to two years old.
Other dogs chew specifically when left alone, and this is the population that overlaps significantly with separation anxiety. For these dogs, chewing isn't recreational — it's a coping mechanism for stress.
Puppies have a third explanation: teething. Between three and six months, puppies need to chew for physical relief.
Regardless of the cause, destructive chewing doesn't fix itself. Dogs who are chewing inappropriately at two years old will still be doing it at four and six — unless something changes.
Partners Dogs has been training Arizona dogs through every kind of destructive chewing case for 28+ years. Two locations in Scottsdale and Cave Creek. Lifetime trainer support included with every board-and-train program.
Recommended Programs for Destructive Chewing
Foundation Camp
21-day board & train. From $3,299. Best for foundational obedience + general manners work.
Learn more →Behavior Camp
4-6 week immersive board & train. From $5,929. Best fit for destructive chewing and other behavior cases.
Learn more →Transform Camp
Premium immersive program. From $8,509. For owners who want the most thorough rehabilitation.
Learn more →Not sure which fits? Take our program decision tool or complete the PD360 assessment.