How to stop a Bulldog from chewing furniture
Let me lay it out for you—if your Bulldog is chewing up your furniture, it’s not a “phase,” it’s a red flag. I’ve worked with hundreds of dogs, and when I see teeth marks on table legs or ripped up couch cushions, I don’t blame the dog. I look at the owner. That’s right—this starts and ends with you.
Bulldogs don’t just wake up one day with a furniture fetish. They chew because they’re bored, teething, anxious, or plain untrained. And while they may look like lazy tanks with jowls, trust me—they’ve got energy, and if you don’t give it structure, they’ll tear your house apart with those jaws.
Rule #1: Control the Environment
Stop giving your Bulldog unsupervised access to furniture if they chew it. That’s like handing a toddler a box of matches and acting shocked when there’s smoke.
- Use crates when you leave.
- Block off rooms with baby gates.
- Keep furniture clean of food smells and off-limits.
They can’t chew what they can’t reach. Simple as that.
Rule #2: Redirect Immediately
When you catch them mid-chew, don’t yell. Interrupt and redirect.
- Clap. Make a sharp sound. Snap them out of it.
- Then, offer a chew toy right away.
- When they take the toy, praise them like they just won the lottery.
Correct. Redirect. Reward. Every time.
Rule #3: Get the Right Chew Toys
Let me be clear—your Bulldog needs to chew. It’s natural. But you get to decide what they chew.
- Invest in durable toys made for power chewers. KONGs, Benebones, rubber rings—stuff that can take a beating.
- Rotate toys weekly to keep them fresh and exciting.
- Stuff toys with frozen peanut butter or kibble for mental work.
They’ll chew less furniture if they’ve got a better option.
Rule #4: Exercise the Tank
A tired Bulldog is a good Bulldog. You’re not gonna stop destructive chewing if your dog is still revved up.
- Walk your dog daily. A real walk, not just a backyard stroll.
- Play tug, fetch, or sniff games indoors.
- Challenge their brain. Bulldogs may look slow, but mentally, they’re sharp.
You drain the tank, you kill the urge.
Rule #5: Set Boundaries—and Enforce Them
Dogs don’t respect vague rules. You need to teach “no” and mean it.
- Use a leash indoors for structured training.
- When they approach furniture to chew, say a firm “Leave it.”
- Reward when they move away.
Consistency wins. Not once, not twice—every single time.
Rule #6: Avoid Mixed Messages
Don’t give them old shoes or socks to chew. They don’t know the difference between your beat-up sneaker and your brand-new recliner.
If you give confusing signals, they’ll chew everything.
Rule #7: Use Taste Deterrents—Smartly
If you’ve got a repeat offender, use vet-approved chew deterrent sprays on furniture. Bitter apple or citrus sprays can work—but only as a backup, not a solution.
Spray once, supervise, and reinforce the right chew item nearby.
Rule #8: Call in Reinforcements if Needed
If the chewing is severe, obsessive, or anxiety-driven, don’t wait. Work with a trainer or behaviorist.
Also, get a vet check. Dental pain or nutritional deficits can push dogs to chew.
Sometimes, chewing isn’t just behavior—it’s a cry for help.
Final Word from the Vet
Listen—your Bulldog isn’t “bad.” But left unchecked, their natural behaviors will wreck your home. You’ve got to lead with calm authority. Set the rules. Provide the outlet. Be consistent.
No shortcuts. No excuses. You fix this by showing up every single day.
So grab that leash, toss them a chew toy, and take charge. The furniture isn’t gonna fix itself.
