Giant Puppy Surprises Owner with Unplanned Furniture Makeover

Imagine coming home to find your living room has undergone a dramatic transformation, not because of a team of decorators, but thanks to a playful puppy. Meet Gaston, a rambunctious nine-month-old Cane Corso who is still getting to grips with his formidable size and strength.

Gaston’s human, the proud owner behind the Instagram handle @gastoncanecorso, recently shared a hilarious video capturing one of Gaston's typical afternoons. In this clip, Gaston inadvertently turns his house into a scene of creative chaos by flipping over the family's couch. This wasn't a feat of destruction, but rather an unintentional masterpiece by the energetic pup.

When his owner walked into the room, he was greeted by the sight of their once-upright couch now lying on its side, with Gaston sitting nearby, looking as if he were pondering the mysteries of the universe. The hefty young pup was as puzzled as his owner, not by the mess, but by why the couch wasn’t cooperating as a perfect place to rest.

Gaston’s antics are a testament to the unique charm of Cane Corsos. Known for their protective nature and impressive size, these dogs are, at heart, just big kids. Gaston’s innocent expression as he surveyed the toppled sofa suggested he believed he had simply found a new and improved way to nap.

One can’t help but laugh as Gaston’s owner playfully resigns to the situation, telling him, "Okay, good night." Many dog owners can relate to the trials of living with a giant, playful pup who treats the furniture as if it’s a toy. One viewer even shared a similar tale of losing a couch battle over a missing bone.

In Gaston's world, it seems the furniture has a mind of its own. His adventures remind us that while our furry friends may cause a bit of chaos, their antics bring joy and laughter into our lives. After all, every day with a dog like Gaston is an adventure waiting to happen.

Puppy-proofing your home is essential, especially with large breeds like the Cane Corso. Our Training Guide has tips on redirecting destructive behavior, and the AKC's puppy training tips are a great starting point. Check out the right gear with our Product Research tool to find durable chew toys.

Why Puppies Chew — And How to Redirect It

Bruno's furniture "makeover" is every puppy owner's nightmare, but understanding why puppies chew can help you manage and redirect this completely normal behavior. According to the ASPCA, puppies chew for several reasons: teething pain (usually between 3-6 months), exploration of their environment, boredom, anxiety, or simply because chewing feels good and releases endorphins.

Large breed puppies like Bruno present a special challenge because their powerful jaws can cause significant damage even at a young age. A Great Dane puppy at four months may already weigh 20 kg with jaws strong enough to destroy furniture, shoes, and remote controls in minutes. This is not misbehavior — it is a developmental phase that requires patience and management.

Puppy-Proofing Strategies That Work

Prevention is always easier than correction. Here are proven strategies for protecting your home during the puppy chewing phase:

• Manage the environment. Use baby gates, exercise pens, and closed doors to limit your puppy's access to rooms with valuable items when you cannot supervise directly. A puppy cannot destroy what they cannot reach.
• Provide appropriate chew outlets. Offer a variety of safe chew toys with different textures — rubber Kongs, nylon bones, rope toys, and frozen treats. Rotate them every few days to maintain novelty. Use our Product Research tool to find durable chew toys rated for heavy chewers.
• Use taste deterrents. Bitter apple spray applied to furniture legs, baseboards, and cables can make these items less appealing. Reapply regularly as the taste fades.
• Increase exercise and mental stimulation. A tired puppy is a well-behaved puppy. Most destructive chewing happens when puppies are bored or have excess energy. Our Daily Bonding Regimen can help you plan a balanced daily schedule.
• Never punish after the fact. If you discover chewed furniture hours later, your puppy will not connect the punishment with the act. Instead, focus on catching them in the act and calmly redirecting to an appropriate chew toy.

When Chewing Might Signal a Problem

While puppy chewing is normal, destructive chewing in adult dogs can indicate underlying issues. If your adult dog (over 18 months) is still destroying furniture, consider whether they might be experiencing separation anxiety, insufficient exercise, nutritional deficiencies, or dental pain. Consult your veterinarian to rule out medical causes, and check our Dog Behavior Guide for guidance on managing anxiety-related behaviors. Our Training Guide also offers step-by-step approaches to teaching the "leave it" command, which is one of the most valuable skills for preventing destructive chewing.