How to Stop French Bulldogs from Chewing Everything
French Bulldogs love to chew—especially when they’re puppies. It’s totally normal during their teething stage (between 2 to 6 months old). But if your Frenchie is older and still chewing on everything in sight, it’s likely due to boredom, anxiety, or extra energy they don’t know how to release.
Below are simple, effective tips to help stop your French Bulldog from chewing everything in your home.
Why Do French Bulldogs Chew So Much?
Before solving the problem, you need to understand why your Frenchie chews:
- Teething (if under 6 months)
- Excess energy from not enough exercise
- Boredom or not enough stimulation
- Anxiety (especially if left alone too long)
- Lack of proper chew toys
- Habit from not being taught what’s okay to chew
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Increase Daily Exercise
A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Frenchies don’t need hours of running, but a quick 10-minute pee break isn’t enough either.
What to do:
- Take your Frenchie on longer morning walks (20–30 minutes)
- Add short play sessions during the day (fetch, tug, or chase)
- Let them explore sniff-friendly areas (sniffing is mentally tiring)
- Try doggy daycare or dog park visits for social and physical stimulation
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Provide Plenty of Chew Toys
Give your French Bulldog safe, interesting toys they’re allowed to chew.
Tips:
- Get a variety: rubber, rope, treat-dispensing, and teething-specific
- Rotate toys weekly to keep things fresh
- Try freezing rubber toys for teething pups to soothe gums
- Use puzzle toys with kibble or peanut butter to keep their brain active
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Puppy-Proof Your Home
Keep anything you don’t want chewed out of reach. Your Frenchie doesn’t know the difference between a toy and your expensive shoes.
Easy ways to protect your stuff:
- Put shoes, remotes, cords, and bags away
- Use baby gates to block rooms
- Close doors to keep them away from tempting items
- Use a playpen or crate when you can’t supervise
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Use Deterrents (Taste or Physical)
If your Frenchie keeps chewing on furniture, wires, or wooden objects like sticks, make them taste bad.
Common solutions:
- Use sprays like Bitter Apple, Yuk, or No Chew
- Sprinkle cayenne pepper (safe in small amounts) on surfaces
- Reapply deterrents daily, especially after cleaning
Important: Always test the deterrent on a small area first to avoid damage or reactions.
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Reward Good Chewing Habits
Dogs learn by association. If your Frenchie chews a toy instead of the couch, reward them immediately with praise or a treat.
Try this:
- Keep treats nearby to reward on-the-spot
- Say “Yes!” or “Good chew!” when they choose a toy
- If they grab something wrong, swap it for an appropriate toy
- Teach “Leave it” and “Give” with positive training
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Don’t Punish—Teach Instead
Shouting or punishing your Frenchie won’t help. In fact, it can cause anxiety or lead to worse behavior, like resource guarding or hiding.
What to do instead:
- Calmly remove the object
- Offer a toy or treat in exchange
- Stay consistent and patient
- Avoid chasing them—it feels like a fun game
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Manage Alone Time
If you leave your Frenchie alone during the day:
- Confine them to a dog-safe area
- Leave chew toys or food puzzles
- Use calming background music or a dog camera to check in
- Try natural calming aids if they get anxious
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When to Get Help
If your French Bulldog’s chewing seems extreme, or they chew dangerous items like sticks, rocks, or plastic, it’s time to talk to:
- A vet (to rule out medical issues or nutrient deficiencies)
- A dog trainer or behaviorist (for anxiety or behavioral causes)
Final Thoughts
Learning how to stop French Bulldogs from chewing everything takes time and consistency. The key is to:
- Exercise their body and brain
- Offer safe chewing options
- Prevent access to forbidden items
- Reinforce the good, ignore the bad
Your Frenchie isn’t misbehaving on purpose—they’re just being a dog. With a little effort, you can protect your home (and your Frenchie’s health) while helping them learn what’s okay to chew.