How to Stop a Portuguese Water Dog From Chewing Everything
Portuguese Water Dogs are highly intelligent, energetic working dogs bred to assist fishermen—so their instinct to mouth, chew, and problem-solve is deeply hardwired. Your PWD's destructive chewing typically stems from boredom and excess energy rather than bad behavior. With their exceptional trainability (5/5) and eagerness to please, PWDs respond brilliantly to positive reinforcement and structured outlets. This guide teaches you how to redirect their natural chewing drive toward appropriate toys, provide adequate mental and physical stimulation (75 minutes daily), and build a calm, confident dog. By understanding your PWD's spirited temperament and channeling their intelligence, you'll transform destructive chewing into constructive behaviors and strengthen your bond.
Step-by-step
- 1
Establish a Daily Exercise Routine
PWDs require 75 minutes of vigorous daily activity to burn mental and physical energy. Without adequate exercise, destructive chewing escalates rapidly. Combine fetch, swimming (they love water!), running, and interactive play to tire both body and mind before training sessions.
- 2
Create a Dedicated Chewing Station
Set up a specific area with 4-6 rotating chew toys and long-lasting options like stuffed Kongs, bully sticks, and puzzle toys. Rotate toys every 2-3 days to maintain novelty. When you catch your PWD about to chew something forbidden, redirect to this station with enthusiastic praise.
- 3
Teach the 'Leave It' Command
Use high-value treats to teach this critical impulse-control skill. Show your dog a forbidden item, say 'leave it,' and reward heavily when they ignore it. Practice daily for 5-minute sessions. This command gives your intelligent PWD clear boundaries and harnesses their eagerness to obey.
- 4
Interrupt and Redirect Without Punishment
When you catch destructive chewing in progress, calmly interrupt with a redirect word ('try this!' or similar), not corrections or scolding. Immediately guide them to an appropriate toy and praise vigorously when they engage. Punishment creates fear; redirects teach your smart PWD what you want.
- 5
Use Crate Training for Unsupervised Periods
PWDs shouldn't have unlimited house freedom until they're reliably chewing only appropriate items. Introduce a crate as a safe den, never as punishment. Crate time prevents destructive habits from forming and protects your home. Pair crating with a chew toy to build positive associations.
- 6
Provide Mental Stimulation Through Training Sessions
PWDs thrive on learning and problem-solving. Daily 10-15 minute training sessions with new commands, tricks, and puzzle games engage their brilliant minds and tire them out. A mentally stimulated PWD is far less likely to resort to destructive chewing out of boredom.
Pro tips
- Use their love of water: combine swimming (20-30 mins) with land exercise to triple the tiring effect—wet PWDs are happier, calmer PWDs ready for training.
- Rotate high-value toys weekly and hide them between rotations; novelty fascinates intelligent breeds and keeps chewing interest focused on appropriate items.
- Train multiple family members to use identical redirect language and rewards; PWDs pick up inconsistency instantly, so unified household approach accelerates success.
Frequently asked questions
My PWD chews when I leave—is this separation anxiety?+
Not necessarily. PWDs have high energy and high intelligence; boredom and pent-up energy are the most common triggers. Ensure 75 minutes of exercise before departures, provide puzzle toys, and practice crate training with positive association. If chewing is frantic and paired with excessive barking or panic, consult a trainer.
How long does it take to stop destructive chewing?+
With consistent redirection, adequate exercise, and mental stimulation, most PWDs show improvement in 2-4 weeks. Complete habit reversal typically takes 6-8 weeks because they're eager learners. The key is consistency—every member of your household must redirect the same way.
Should I use bitter spray or other deterrents?+
Deterrent sprays can supplement training but shouldn't replace it. PWDs are too smart to be deterred long-term by taste alone. Focus on redirection and positive reinforcement first. If using sprays, combine with teaching 'leave it' and providing appropriate outlets.
Can I give my PWD anything to chew?+
No. Avoid rawhide, bones that splinter, and toys smaller than their fist (choking hazard). Stick to durable rubber toys, long-lasting chews (bully sticks, yak chews), and puzzle feeders. PWDs are powerful chewers, so supervise unfamiliar toys initially and choose PWD-size appropriate options.