There’s nothing quite like coming home after a long day… only to discover your puppy’s been playing interior designer with their teeth. Your favourite table leg? Chomped. Brand-new shoes? Gone. When teething or boredom strikes, puppies tend to explore the world with their mouths—and your home becomes the unfortunate chew toy.
Enter: bitter apple spray. This clever concoction can help keep those tiny teeth away from your belongings. In this blog, we’ll walk (not wag!) you through how to make your very own homemade bitter apple spray that’s safe, natural, and effective.
But First… Training Is Still Key 🐾
Before we get stuck in, a quick but important note: bitter sprays are a short-term fix. They can help deter unwanted chewing, but nothing beats consistent training and redirection. Make sure your pup has appropriate teething toys and perhaps some all-natural treats to soothe sore gums. Think of the spray as your furniture’s bodyguard while you work on long-term behaviour.
DIY Bitter Apple Spray: What You’ll Need
Making your own spray is super easy, budget-friendly, and made with ingredients you probably already have at home.
What you need: An empty spray bottle (you can buy these or recycle one—but read the safety note below!)
Option 1: 2 cups of lemon juice + 1 cup of white vinegar
Option 2: 2 cups of apple cider vinegar + 1 cup of white vinegar
Both versions work well, but lemon juice smells fresher around the home. Apple cider vinegar might be slightly more potent.
Step 1: Safety First!
If you're reusing a bottle (like an old cleaning spray), make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned. Rinse it out with hot, soapy water followed by near-boiling water to remove all traces of detergent. You don’t want any leftover chemicals near your pup.
Step 2: Mix It Up
In a jug, mix your chosen ingredients. Either:
2 cups lemon juice + 1 cup white vinegar
or
2 cups apple cider vinegar + 1 cup white vinegar
Both create a bitter, non-toxic taste that dogs dislike—without causing harm.
Step 3: Spray Away
Apply the spray to anything your puppy seems to love nibbling—table legs, skirting boards, even shoes. Reapply weekly or whenever the scent fades. It might take a few tries, but your dog will eventually associate those items with a yucky taste and steer clear.
A Final Woof of Wisdom
Bitter apple spray is a helpful training aid, but patience, redirection, and proper toys will get you the best long-term results. Stick with it—your furniture (and your sanity) will thank you!
Now go on, give your pup a cuddle… and maybe a chew toy too.
If you want to read more about puppy training read our article: Puppy Training Tips to Help Keep Both You and Your Puppy Sane
