Chewing doesn’t have to be a constant battle. These easy fixes can redirect your Golden Retriever’s habits and protect your home without frustration.
There’s a reason people joke that golden retrievers will eat everything except what you put in their food bowl. These dogs have mouths, and they are very enthusiastic about using them.
But here’s the thing: excessive chewing is almost always fixable. You just need to know where to start.
Whether your dog is a puppy going through teething or an adult with a lifelong habit, this article gives you a clear, practical roadmap so you know exactly what to do next.
Step 1: Figure Out Why Your Dog Is Chewing
Before you fix the problem, you need to understand what’s causing it. Chewing doesn’t just happen randomly, and the reason behind it will shape your entire approach.
Golden retrievers typically chew for a handful of reasons: boredom, teething, anxiety, or simply because nobody ever taught them not to.
Puppies chew because their gums hurt. Adult dogs chew because they need more mental or physical stimulation, or because they’ve learned it’s a great way to self-soothe.
The chewing is never really the problem. It’s always a symptom of something else going on.
Pay attention to when the chewing happens. Is it right after you leave the house? During thunderstorms? Late in the evening when the house gets quiet? Patterns tell you a lot.
Step 2: Rule Out Separation Anxiety
This one matters more than most people realize. If your dog only chews when you’re gone, separation anxiety might be the real issue at play.
Signs of separation anxiety include destructive chewing near doors or windows, excessive drooling, and neighbors telling you your dog barks nonstop the moment you leave. Sound familiar?
If that’s the case, chew toys alone won’t cut it. You’ll need to work on desensitizing your dog to your departures, which we’ll touch on more in a later step.
Step 3: Puppy Proof Your Space (Yes, Even If They’re Not a Puppy)
This step feels basic, but so many people skip it. If the shoes are on the floor, the shoes are going to get chewed.
Remove temptation before you work on training. Pick up anything valuable, use baby gates to restrict access to certain rooms, and keep your dog’s environment manageable while you’re teaching new habits.
Think of it less as a permanent solution and more as buying yourself time while the real training kicks in.
Step 4: Invest in the Right Chew Toys
Not all chew toys are created equal, and golden retrievers are strong chewers. Flimsy toys get destroyed in minutes and don’t actually satisfy the urge to chew.
Look for toys labeled for “power chewers.” Rubber toys like Kongs, durable nylon bones, and braided rope toys (supervised only) tend to hold up well.
The right chew toy doesn’t just survive your dog. It actually redirects their energy in a meaningful way.
Rotate the toys every few days. Dogs get bored with the same options, and a “new” toy (even one they’ve seen before) gets way more attention than a familiar one sitting in the corner.
Step 5: Teach the “Leave It” Command
This is one of the most useful things you can teach a golden retriever, full stop. “Leave it” gives you a reliable way to interrupt chewing before it escalates.
Start simple. Place a low value treat on the floor, cover it with your hand, and wait. The moment your dog stops trying to get it and backs off, reward them with a different treat from your other hand.
Practice this daily in short sessions. Once they’ve got it down with treats, you can start applying it to objects, furniture, and whatever else they’ve been eyeing.
Step 6: Use Bitter Apple Spray Strategically
Bitter apple spray is a safe, non-toxic deterrent that makes surfaces taste absolutely terrible. Most dogs want nothing to do with it after the first encounter.
Spray it on furniture legs, baseboards, electrical cords, and any other surfaces your dog keeps returning to. Reapply every few days, especially after cleaning.
A quick note: some dogs are weirdly unbothered by bitter apple. If yours falls into that category, try a citrus based deterrent instead, since most dogs dislike the smell of citrus even more than the taste.
Step 7: Burn Off That Energy
A tired golden retriever is a well behaved golden retriever. These dogs were bred to work all day, and if they don’t get enough exercise, that energy has to go somewhere.
Aim for at least 45 to 60 minutes of real physical activity every day. Not just a slow walk around the block, but actual running, fetch, swimming, or off leash play if possible.
On days when outdoor exercise isn’t an option, ramp up mental stimulation instead. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, and scent games are all surprisingly exhausting for a dog’s brain.
A ten minute sniffing session can tire out a golden retriever more than a twenty minute walk on a leash.
Step 8: Address Anxiety Directly
If your golden is chewing out of stress or anxiety, exercise and toys will only do so much. You’ve got to tackle the anxiety itself.
Start by making your departures and arrivals low key. No big dramatic goodbyes, no excited greetings. This helps your dog learn that you leaving and coming back is just a normal, unremarkable part of the day.
For more severe cases, consider working with a certified dog behaviorist. There’s no shame in getting professional help, and it can make an enormous difference faster than trying to figure it out on your own.
Step 9: Catch Them in the Act and Redirect (Never Punish)
Punishment after the fact does nothing. Your dog doesn’t connect your frustration now to the shoe they chewed an hour ago.
If you catch them chewing something they shouldn’t, calmly say “no” or “leave it,” remove the object, and immediately hand them an appropriate chew toy. When they take it, praise them like they just did something extraordinary.
Repetition is everything here. The goal is to build a habit: inappropriate object gets dropped, appropriate toy appears, good things follow.
Step 10: Be Consistent (This Is the Step Most People Mess Up)
You can do everything right and still see slow progress if consistency isn’t there. Everyone in the household needs to follow the same rules, use the same commands, and respond the same way.
If one person redirects the chewing and another person thinks it’s cute and lets it slide, the dog gets a mixed message. Mixed messages slow everything down.
Set clear expectations, stick to them, and give it time. Most dogs show significant improvement within two to four weeks when training is applied consistently every single day.
A Few Extra Tools Worth Knowing About
Some golden retrievers need a little extra help beyond the basics. Here are a few things worth considering if you’re still struggling after a few weeks of consistent training.
Calming supplements containing ingredients like melatonin or L-theanine can take the edge off anxiety without making your dog drowsy or zombie-like. Always check with your vet before adding anything new.
A crate, used correctly, can also be a game changer. Many dogs actually find crates comforting once they’re properly introduced to them. It gives them a safe space and keeps them out of trouble when you can’t supervise directly.
Finally, consider enrolling in a basic obedience class if you haven’t already. The structure alone tends to have a calming effect on dogs, and a good trainer can spot things you might be missing entirely.
