How to stop a French Bulldog from chewing furniture
Let me be blunt—if your French Bulldog is turning your couch into a chew toy, you’ve got a problem that won’t fix itself. Chewing is natural, sure, especially for a breed like the Frenchie. But tearing into your furniture? That’s not natural—it’s a behavior issue. And it’s your job to correct it. Calmly, clearly, and consistently.
I’ve seen this story play out too many times. Owners think it’s teething, boredom, or “just a phase.” Next thing they know, they’re living on a chewed-up loveseat and wondering why the dog won’t stop.
Let’s fix it—with direction, not drama.
Understand Why They’re Chewing
French Bulldogs don’t just chew for fun. There’s always a reason. Pinpoint it, and you’ve won half the battle.
- Teething (for puppies): Those gums hurt, and chewing relieves it.
- Boredom: Not enough stimulation? They’ll make their own entertainment.
- Separation Anxiety: If your dog chews mainly when you’re gone, this is likely the issue.
- Lack of discipline: No one set the rules, so they’re making them up.
Figure out what’s behind the behavior, and then deal with it head-on. No excuses.
Puppy? Teething Chewing Is Real—but Manageable
If you’ve got a young Frenchie, expect chewing. But don’t just hope they’ll “grow out of it.”
- Give them proper chew toys. Rubber, frozen carrots, puppy-safe teething rings.
- Keep furniture off-limits. Supervise them like a hawk.
- Use crate training when you can’t watch them. It’s not cruel—it’s structure.
Don’t punish a teething pup. Redirect them every single time. Calm voice, firm hand.
Adult Dog? You Need to Step In—Now
If a grown Frenchie is chewing your couch, you’ve let it go on too long. Time to take control.
- Block access to furniture when you’re not home.
- Exercise them daily—walks, tug-of-war, brain games. A tired dog doesn’t chew.
- Use bitter spray deterrents—they work. Spray corners of furniture. Let your dog taste it once. They won’t forget.
- Correct in the act. Don’t yell. Interrupt with a firm “No” or clap, then redirect to a toy. Praise when they chew the toy.
You correct the behavior as it happens. Not ten minutes later. Not after the damage is done. Catch it. Fix it. Move on.
Replace the Bad Habit With a Good One
You can’t just say “no.” You’ve gotta offer a “yes.”
Keep a basket of high-value chew toys in every room. Switch them up every few days to keep things exciting. Praise like crazy when they chew what they’re supposed to. Make it rewarding.
They’ll start making the right choice because it pays off.
What If It’s Anxiety?
Some French Bulldogs chew because they’re panicking. If it’s only when you leave the house, this isn’t just a behavior problem—it’s emotional.
- Leave them with a food puzzle toy (like a stuffed Kong).
- Build up alone time slowly. Step out for 5 minutes, then longer. Don’t make a fuss when you leave or return.
- Try calming aids like pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps.
- Talk to your vet (yeah, someone like me) about meds or deeper solutions if it’s serious.
Don’t ignore separation anxiety. It’s not them being “bad”—it’s them being scared.
Don’t Laugh It Off—Be the Leader
Here’s the Jersey truth: chewing is often a you problem. You didn’t set the boundary. You let it slide. Maybe you thought it was cute. It’s not.
Set rules. Be consistent. Reward calm. Interrupt nonsense.
Your Frenchie is smart, stubborn, and sensitive. Don’t confuse them with mixed signals. Show them what’s right, and enforce it every time. No yelling, no hitting—just calm, clear correction.
Final Word From the Clinic
Every French Bulldog I’ve seen that turned into a furniture wrecker had an owner who missed the signs or ignored the pattern. Don’t be that person.
Chewing isn’t forever if you handle it early and firmly. You’ve got a lovable clown of a dog—but that doesn’t mean they run the house.
Stay one step ahead. Offer better choices. And above all—lead the way.
