How to Stop a Australian Shepherd From Chewing Everything
Australian Shepherds are intelligent, work-oriented dogs with exceptional trainability and extremely high energy levels—they need both mental and physical stimulation to thrive. Without adequate outlets, their sharp minds and boundless energy turn destructive, and destructive chewing becomes a primary behavioral problem. This destructive behavior isn't defiance; it's boredom and pent-up energy seeking release. Unlike lazier breeds, Aussies require strategic management: 90+ minutes of daily exercise, structured work tasks, and appropriate chewing outlets are non-negotiable. This guide provides a positive-reinforcement framework to redirect your Australian Shepherd's natural drive to chew into appropriate behaviors, preventing damage to your home while building a stronger bond through training and engagement.
Step-by-step
- 1
Meet Your Aussie's Exercise Baseline
Australian Shepherds need minimum 90 minutes of daily exercise—this is not optional for managing chewing behavior. Combine high-intensity activities (herding practice, running, fetch) with puzzle walks and mental tasks; a tired Aussie is far less likely to chew destructively. Establish a consistent routine so your dog knows when work and play happen.
- 2
Remove Temptation and Puppy-Proof Thoroughly
Aussies are opportunistic and intelligent—they'll test boundaries to solve boredom. Secure loose items, wires, shoes, and furniture with protective coverings or barriers. Keep your dog in confined, supervised spaces (playpen, crate, or gated room) when you cannot actively engage or observe them, preventing unsupervised access to tempting targets.
- 3
Establish High-Value Chew Toys and Rotate Them
Provide durable, engaging chew toys (Kongs, Nylabones, rope toys) stuffed with treats or frozen treats inside. Rotate toys every few days to maintain novelty and prevent boredom. Aussies respond well to puzzle toys and interactive feeders that demand problem-solving—this satisfies both their chewing need and their work-driven temperament.
- 4
Redirect and Reward Appropriate Chewing in Real-Time
When you catch your Aussie chewing something inappropriate, calmly interrupt with a soft 'oops,' immediately redirect to an approved toy, and reward heavily with praise and treats the instant they engage with the right object. Consistency is critical; your highly trainable Aussie learns quickly which behaviors earn rewards.
- 5
Create a Structured 'Job' and Work Routine
Australian Shepherds were bred to work and thrive with purpose. Assign daily tasks like fetching, herding games, obedience drills, or scent work to channel their drive productively. A dog with a clear job feels fulfilled and is exponentially less likely to create its own destructive 'job' through chewing.
- 6
Build Calm-State Tolerance and Independence
Train your Aussie to settle on a mat or bed for 10-30 minute periods using captured relaxation and low-arousal activities (chewing a Kong, sniffing enrichment games). Gradually extend these sessions; this prevents over-arousal—a key Aussie challenge—and teaches your dog that quiet time is rewarding, not boring.
Pro tips
- Australian Shepherds respond to jobs and purpose better than generic discipline—assign them a formal 'chew toy' role and name it ('grab your Kong') to tap into their work-driven mindset.
- Rotate exercise types daily (herding play, flirt pole, fetch, obstacle course, nose work) because smart, high-energy Aussies bore quickly with repetitive routines and will chew out of mental fatigue.
- Use chew toys as a training tool: stuff Kongs with kibble or treats and make them irresistible, creating a positive association so your Aussie *chooses* appropriate chewing over everything else.
Frequently asked questions
My Australian Shepherd still chews despite exercise. Is something else going on?+
Yes—Aussies need both physical AND mental exercise equally. Your dog may be getting miles but no brain work. Puzzle toys, obedience training, scent games, and herding-type activities target their intelligence. If destructive chewing persists despite 90+ minutes of combined physical and mental work, consult a veterinarian to rule out anxiety or dental issues.
How long does it take to stop this behavior?+
With consistent redirection, exercise, and appropriate outlets, you'll typically see improvement in 2-4 weeks. Australian Shepherds are highly trainable and respond quickly to clear structure and rewards. However, complete habit elimination depends on how long the behavior has been reinforced and your consistency in management—expect 4-8 weeks for solid, lasting change.
Can I use punishment or scolding to stop the chewing?+
No. Punishment teaches fear and confusion, not understanding, and may increase anxiety-driven chewing or damage your relationship. Aussies thrive on positive reinforcement and clear guidance. Instead, use redirection, management, and reward-based training—your breed's intelligence means they learn rules far faster through reward than correction.
What if my Aussie chews when I'm away or overnight?+
Use a secure crate, playpen, or closed room to prevent unsupervised access to chewable items. Provide a long-lasting chew (frozen Kong, yak chew) before you leave. If your dog shows separation anxiety alongside chewing, work on gradual independence training and consider consulting a trainer—Aussies are people-oriented and may chew due to distress, not boredom.