From rugs to couches to doors, new data shows what untrained dogs target first—and what you can do before the damage starts.
When Django was a puppy, she chewed on almost anything, including the carpet on the two steps in the living room. I know the pain of having the cutest lil member in your family destroy your belongings. She also chewed a few of my son's favorite toys, my shoes, and books.
In a new study, a dog behavior expert reveals how to puppy-proof your home after new data pinpoints the exact areas that untrained dogs statistically damage most, costing homeowners thousands of dollars.
The U.S. study of online search data reveals carpets, couches and doors are the household items most likely to be destroyed by untrained dogs, according to solplace.com.
 Photo by Pexels | Household Items Dogs Damage Most |
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Item |
% of All Damage |
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carpet and rug |
38.60% |
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couch |
25.40% |
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door |
7.90% |
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bedding |
5.80% |
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footwear |
4.70% |
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wall |
4.40% |
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headphones |
4.30% |
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blanket |
2.30% |
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dog bed |
2.20% |
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remote control |
1.80% |
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blinds |
1.30% |
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chair legs |
1.30% |
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skirting boards |
0.10% |
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Reported damage and online search behaviour show carpets and rugs account for nearly 39 per cent of all damage linked to untrained dogs, making them the single most affected item in the home. Couches rank second, responsible for more than a quarter of all damage at 25 per cent, highlighting how soft furnishings are especially vulnerable to chewing, scratching and accidents.
Doors follow at almost 8 per cent, often damaged through chewing or scratching linked to frustration, boredom or separation anxiety.
Looking to invite a new pet into your home? Dog behaviour expert, Dr Kathryn Dench, Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, reveals how to safeguard these commonly destroyed items before it's too late.
Dog Expert Reveals How to Save The Most Targeted Homewares
“In most cases, this is not bad behavior; it is unmet needs,” Dr. Dench said. “Untrained dogs respond to stress, teething discomfort, or confusion about routines. If those needs are not addressed early, the behaviour becomes repetitive and harder to reverse.”
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| Pexels |
Tips To Prevent Destruction by Chewing
Limit access: “Manage access first. Puppies explore with their mouths. If they have free access to carpets or sofas during the teething phase, chewing is almost guaranteed. Use baby gates or pens so learning happens gradually, not through repeated mistakes.”
‘Correct’ chews: “Provide legal outlets for chewing. Puppies need to chew to soothe their gums and release tension. Durable chew toys rotated every few days are far more effective than leaving the same toy out permanently. Novelty matters.”
Don’t punish: “Redirect calmly, don’t punish. When a puppy chews the wrong item, interrupt gently and immediately offer an appropriate chew. Repeated redirection teaches faster than scolding, which often increases anxiety-driven chewing.”
Enrichment: “Address boredom before it becomes destruction. Many chewing issues disappear when mental enrichment is added. Short training games, food puzzles, and sniffing activities can reduce destructive chewing dramatically.”
Pexels
Tips To Prevent Destruction by Peeing
Keep an eye on young dogs: “Assume immaturity, not defiance. Puppies lack bladder control for longer than many owners expect. Accidents on carpets or sofas usually mean the puppy stayed awake or unsupervised too long.”
Go outside more often: “Increase toilet frequency. Taking puppies out after waking, eating, playing, and training sounds repetitive, but consistency is what builds bladder habits. Fewer opportunities to fail lead to faster learning.”
Use enzyme cleaners: “Clean thoroughly with enzyme cleaners. If a surface smells like urine to a dog, it remains a toilet invitation. Standard household cleaners often don’t remove scent markers detectable to dogs.”
Reward correct behavior: “Reward the right behaviour generously. Calm praise and food rewards immediately after outdoor toileting reinforce location preference far more effectively than reacting to indoor accidents.”
Pexels
Tips To Prevent Destruction by Soiling
Make a routine: “Look at the routine before blaming the behaviour. Inconsistent feeding times often lead to unpredictable bowel movements, increasing indoor accidents. Regular feeding supports predictable toileting.”
Supervise: “Supervise closely during learning phases. Puppies that wander unsupervised indoors often choose soft, quiet areas like rugs. Close supervision or confinement prevents a mistake from becoming a habit.”
Reduce anxiety: “Avoid punishment after the fact. Dogs do not associate delayed punishment with past actions. This can increase anxiety and actually worsen house-soiling behaviours.”
Puppy mindfulness: “Keep toileting calm and boring. Overstimulating puppies during outdoor toilet breaks can distract them. A calm environment helps them focus on the task rather than play.”
Tips To Prevent Destruction by Scratching
Know ‘why’: “Understand the motivation. Scratching is often linked to excitement, frustration, or attention-seeking rather than intent to damage. Doorframes are common targets when puppies anticipate departures or arrivals.”
Show them other behaviors: “Teach alternative behaviours early. Asking for a sit before greetings or exits gives puppies a predictable outlet and reduces frantic scratching.”
Nail trimming: “Trim nails and protect surfaces temporarily. Keeping nails short reduces damage during ongoing training. Protective coverings are management tools, not failures.”
Keep them moving: “Increase appropriate physical outlets. Puppies with excess energy often express it through their paws. Short, frequent walks and controlled play reduce scratch-related behaviours indoors.”
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