How to Stop a St. Bernard From Chewing Everything
St. Bernards are gentle giants with patient, friendly temperaments, but their slow maturity and low trainability (3/5) mean destructive chewing often persists longer than expected. Unlike high-energy breeds that chew from boredom, St. Bernards chew partly due to their extended adolescence—they don't fully mature until 3-4 years old. With moderate exercise needs (45 minutes daily) and a watchful nature, they're not seeking constant stimulation, but rather testing boundaries and exploring their environment through their mouth. This guide teaches you how to redirect that natural chewing instinct toward appropriate outlets, manage triggers, and build consistent habits using positive reinforcement—essential for a breed that responds best to patience and reward-based training rather than corrections.
Step-by-step
- 1
Provide Appropriate Chewing Outlets
Stock your home with durable, size-appropriate chew toys and puzzle toys designed for giant breeds—rubber Kong Extremes, Nylabones, and rubber balls won't splinter like softer toys. Rotate toys every few days to maintain novelty and interest, keeping destructive chewing fresh alternatives readily available throughout your St. Bernard's living space.
- 2
Supervise and Block Access
Keep your St. Bernard in view during waking hours, using baby gates or pens to limit access to furniture, shoes, and household items. Given their gentle nature and slow maturity, they're not being malicious—they simply need environmental management while they learn appropriate behaviors over time.
- 3
Establish a Consistent Exercise Routine
Provide daily 45-minute walks or play sessions to meet their moderate exercise needs and reduce pent-up tension. A well-exercised St. Bernard is calmer and more receptive to training, though remember they tire more easily than high-energy breeds, so avoid overexertion in heat.
- 4
Redirect and Reward Chewing on Correct Items
When you catch your St. Bernard chewing an inappropriate item, calmly redirect them to an approved toy and immediately praise and reward with treats. Since St. Bernards are food-motivated and respond well to positive reinforcement, this method builds new habits far more effectively than punishment.
- 5
Teach the 'Drop It' Command
Use high-value treats to train 'drop it' in short, patient sessions—St. Bernards learn best with consistency and reward. Practice with toys they're already interested in, rewarding generously when they release, giving you a critical tool for managing destructive chewing moments.
- 6
Create a Chewing-Safe Space
Designate a comfortable area (like a crate or pen) where your St. Bernard can safely chew approved items without supervision, reducing anxiety and creating a positive association with appropriate chewing. This containment strategy protects your home while their slow-maturing brain develops impulse control.
Pro tips
- St. Bernards are food-motivated and responsive to rewards, so use high-value treats (cheese, chicken, salmon) when redirecting chewing—this drives behavior change faster than redirecting alone.
- Rotate approved toys frequently and freeze toys with treats inside to maintain novelty and engagement, preventing boredom-triggered chewing without requiring excessive exercise for this moderately-active giant breed.
- Because St. Bernards are patient and watchful but slow to mature, expect destructive chewing to persist longer than other breeds—focus on long-term management and environmental control rather than expecting quick fixes.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my St. Bernard still chew destructively at 2 years old?+
St. Bernards mature slowly—often not until 3-4 years old—so destructive chewing can persist much longer than in other breeds. This is normal for the breed's development, not a sign of failure. Consistent redirection and patience during this extended adolescence are key to success.
Will more exercise stop the chewing?+
Partially. While your St. Bernard's moderate exercise needs (45 minutes daily) should be met, they're not chewing primarily from boredom like high-energy breeds. Appropriate outlets, supervision, and redirection are equally important as exercise in managing this behavior.
Can I use punishment or corrections?+
No. St. Bernards respond poorly to harsh corrections and have sensitive, gentle temperaments. Positive reinforcement—rewarding approved chewing and calmly redirecting inappropriate chewing—builds trust and faster habit change than any form of punishment.
How long before I see improvement?+
With consistent management and positive reinforcement, you should notice improvement within 2-4 weeks. However, given the breed's slow maturity, complete resolution may take several months. Stay patient and celebrate small wins along the way.