Are Australian Shepherds Big Chewers?

If you have come home to find your shoes destroyed, your couch cushions shredded, or your furniture legs covered in teeth marks, you are probably wondering if Australian Shepherds are big chewers. The answer is yes, they absolutely can be, especially during the puppy and adolescent stages.

Australian Shepherds are an active, intelligent breed that needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation. When those needs are not met, chewing becomes one of their go to outlets. The good news is that with the right approach, you can redirect their chewing to appropriate items and save your belongings in the process.

Why Australian Shepherds Chew So Much

Chewing is a natural behavior for all dogs, but Australian Shepherds tend to chew more than many other breeds for some specific reasons.

High Intelligence and Boredom

Australian Shepherds are one of the smartest dog breeds in the world. That intelligence is wonderful when you are training them, but it works against you when they are bored. A bored Aussie will look for something to do, and chewing gives their brain something to focus on. Think of it like a restless kid who starts picking at things when they have nothing to occupy their time. Your Australian Shepherd is not being destructive to spite you. They are chewing because their brain is under stimulated.

Excess Energy

Aussies were bred to work all day herding livestock across large properties. That means they have an enormous amount of energy that needs to go somewhere. When they do not get enough physical exercise, all that pent up energy gets channeled into destructive behaviors, and chewing is one of the most common ones. A well exercised Aussie is far less likely to destroy your house.

Teething

If your Aussie is between 3 and 7 months old, teething is almost certainly a major factor. As their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth push through, their gums are sore and itchy. Chewing provides relief from that discomfort. Puppy biting and chewing during this stage is completely normal, even if it is frustrating.

Anxiety

Australian Shepherds form very strong bonds with their owners, and some develop separation anxiety when left alone. Anxious chewing is different from boredom chewing. It tends to be more frantic and focused on items that smell like you, such as shoes, clothing, and pillows. If your Aussie only destroys things when you are away, anxiety is likely the cause.

When Does the Chewing Phase End?

The most intense chewing phase typically happens between 3 and 12 months of age. Teething peaks around 4 to 6 months, and the adolescent chewing phase usually winds down by about a year old. However, some Australian Shepherds continue to be heavy chewers well into adulthood if their exercise and mental stimulation needs are not being met.

Even after the puppy phase passes, most Aussies will always enjoy chewing. The difference is that a well trained adult Aussie will chew on appropriate items like toys and chews rather than your furniture. The chewing instinct itself does not go away, but you can absolutely control what they chew on.

How to Manage Your Aussie’s Chewing

Managing an Australian Shepherd’s chewing comes down to three things: enough exercise, enough mental stimulation, and providing the right chew outlets.

Exercise is the foundation. Your Aussie needs at least 60 to 90 minutes of vigorous activity every day. This means real exercise like running, hiking, playing fetch, or swimming. A short walk around the block is not going to cut it for this breed. A tired Aussie has far less motivation to chew on your stuff.

Mental stimulation is equally important. Puzzle toys, training sessions, nose work games, and interactive feeders all help keep your Aussie’s brain busy. Spend 15 to 20 minutes each day working on new commands or tricks. Aussies love to learn, and training provides the mental workout they crave.

Provide a variety of durable chew toys. Kong toys stuffed with frozen peanut butter, heavy duty rubber toys, bully sticks, and Nylabones are all good options for Australian Shepherds. Rotate toys every few days so your dog does not get bored with the same options. When you catch your Aussie chewing on something inappropriate, calmly redirect them to an approved chew toy and praise them when they take it.

Puppy proofing your home is essential during the heavy chewing phase. Keep shoes in closed closets, pick up children’s toys, and put away anything valuable that is within reach. Using bitter apple spray on furniture legs and baseboards can help deter chewing on household items. The less access your Aussie has to forbidden items, the fewer bad habits they will develop.