How to Stop a Bloodhound From Chewing Everything
Bloodhounds are gentle, affectionate giants with a stubborn streak and an intense drive to follow scents—which often translates into destructive chewing. This breed's lower trainability (2/5) means they require extra patience, consistency, and high-value rewards to redirect unwanted behavior. Unlike more food-motivated breeds, Bloodhounds need meaningful outlets for their natural instincts and moderate energy (3/5). Destructive chewing in Bloodhounds typically stems from boredom, scent obsession, or seeking attention rather than anxiety. This guide provides practical, home-based strategies using positive reinforcement to manage chewing behavior and teach your Bloodhound appropriate alternatives. Success depends on understanding your dog's stubborn nature and working *with* it, not against it.
Step-by-step
- 1
Identify Chewing Triggers and Remove Temptations
Observe when your Bloodhound chews most—often during idle time or when picking up interesting scents. Remove accessible items (shoes, furniture edges, remote controls) and secure loose rugs or cords out of reach. Bloodhounds' scent obsession means they'll gravitate toward items with strong smells, so prioritize hiding anything with family scent or food residue.
- 2
Provide Scent-Based Chewing Outlets
Replace prohibited chewing with scent-rich alternatives that engage your Bloodhound's natural drive. Offer puzzle toys stuffed with treats, sniff mats, or toys that can be soaked in bone broth. Rotate these toys every few days to maintain novelty and keep your dog's powerful nose engaged—this redirects their scent obsession productively.
- 3
Increase Daily Exercise and Scent Work
Meet the recommended 75 minutes of daily exercise through walks, gentle running, and dedicated scent-tracking games. Bloodhounds have moderate energy but high mental engagement needs; a tired dog is less likely to chew destructively. Scent work (hiding treats, tracking games) satisfies their breeding purpose and naturally reduces unwanted chewing behavior.
- 4
Use Positive Reinforcement to Reward Appropriate Chewing
When you catch your Bloodhound chewing an approved toy, immediately praise and reward with high-value treats or affection. Since Bloodhounds are affectionate but stubborn, they respond better to enthusiastic encouragement than correction. Consistency is essential; reward desired behavior every time to override their natural resistance to training (trainability 2/5).
- 5
Interrupt Inappropriate Chewing Without Punishment
If you catch destructive chewing, redirect calmly by offering an approved toy and rewarding the switch. Avoid scolding or removing items harshly—Bloodhounds can become stubborn and resentful, worsening behavior. Instead, consistently model that appropriate chewing earns positive attention from you, their affectionate pack leader.
- 6
Establish a Predictable Daily Routine
Bloodhounds thrive on consistency and are less likely to chew when they know when exercise, meals, and playtime occur. Set dedicated scent-work sessions, exercise times, and chew breaks throughout the day. Predictability reduces anxiety-driven chewing and works with your dog's stubborn need for structure rather than against it.
Pro tips
- Bloodhounds are scent-motivated, not just food-motivated: use smell as your primary reward. Rub toys in bacon fat, bone broth, or your bedding to make them irresistible—this leverages their breeding purpose and overrides their stubborn resistance to obedience.
- Exercise their nose before their legs: a 30-minute scent-tracking or sniffing game tires a Bloodhound more effectively than a 60-minute walk. This reduces destructive chewing by satisfying their core drive and mental needs, not just their moderate energy level.
- Consistency beats intensity with stubborn Bloodhounds: brief, daily positive reinforcement sessions work better than occasional corrections. Their trainability is low, so expecting quick results leads to frustration. Celebrate every correct choice your dog makes, and expect the process to take longer than with more trainable breeds.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Bloodhound prefer chewing furniture over toys?+
Bloodhounds are driven by scent—furniture absorbs family scents, making it more interesting than toys. Additionally, their stubborn nature means they may resist redirects if toys don't match the sensory experience they crave. Enhance toy appeal by rubbing them with treats, bone broth, or your worn socks, and rotate them frequently to maintain interest.
Will crate training help stop my Bloodhound from chewing?+
Crating during unsupervised time prevents destruction and teaches boundaries, but it's not a solution—it merely manages the symptom. Since Bloodhounds are affectionate, prolonged crating can increase stress and stubbornness. Use short-term crating (1–2 hours) as a safety tool while implementing exercise, scent work, and positive reinforcement strategies.
How long before I see improvement in chewing behavior?+
With consistent positive reinforcement and adequate exercise, most Bloodhounds show improvement in 2–4 weeks. However, their lower trainability means progress may be slower than other breeds. Stay patient and consistent; Bloodhounds often 'test' boundaries due to stubbornness, so setbacks are normal. Celebrate small wins to stay motivated.
Is destructive chewing a sign my Bloodhound has anxiety?+
Not always—Bloodhounds chew primarily due to boredom, scent obsession, and natural instinct. However, excessive drooling combined with chewing during your absence may indicate separation anxiety. If chewing intensifies when left alone, consult a trainer or veterinarian. Most cases in Bloodhounds resolve with increased scent work, exercise, and structure.