Chewing on different new materials and new objects is fun for puppies and is a great way to release any stress and unused energy that’s built up inside; same thing applies to adult Pit Bulls as well. This is why destructive chewing is such a common problem among dog owners.
Many frustrated dog owners telling about how their Pit Bull chewed up their whole couch, kitchen furniture, favorite pair of shoes, cell phones, TV remotes and anything else that might fit in a pit bulls mouth.
How Do I Stop My Pit Bull Chewing Problem?
It is important to understand that chewing is important for dogs. It’s a fun thing for them to do and it’s great to pass the time when they are left alone by themselves. Chewing keeps their minds focused and their mouths busy.
This is why the goal shouldn’t be to end all chewing; the goal is to put an end to only destructive chewing.
How to End Destructive Chewing In Your Pit Bull
Your Pitbull needs to understand the difference between things he can chew and things which are off limits to him. You need to make it clear to him that there are toys for him to chew and anything else should never feel the wrath of his teeth.
The best way to do is by caching him in action and then using the “shock” tactic. No I don’t mean electric shock collar or anything that will harm him, I mean something that will “shock” him, like a loud noise or a quick spray of some cold water, and will get his full attention no matter what he is doing.
The loud noise will leave him puzzled or confused for a little and this is where you need to quickly replace whatever he was chewing earlier with something more appropriate, like one of his chew toys, and then praise him for chewing on the appropriate object.
So whenever you catch your Pit Bull chewing on your furniture, shoe or anything which is off limits to him; stop him and once you get his full attention replace whatever he is chewing with one of his chew toys followed by praise.
With this method, your Pitbull will quickly learn the difference between what is alright for him to bite on and chew and what isn’t.
The Difference Between Good And Bad Chew Toys
Not all of the chew toys at the pet store are good for your bull dog. Some can actually encourage destructive chewing or make it harder to get rid of.
Any chew toy that resembles real objects, like fake cell phones or chew toys that resemble shoes, should be avoided at all costs. These toys might look just like the real thing to your Pit Bull so when you give him a fake shoe to chew on, how do you expect him to know that the real thing shouldn’t be played with?
This also goes for old rags or old shoes given to your dog as chew toys. You don’t want your Pit Bull mixing up his chew toys with things which he isn’t allowed to play with. Always try to keep things as simple as possible and eliminate any unnecessary confusion when training your dog anything.
Good chew toys are the ones which look like toys or resemble dog friendly objects, like bones for example. These will be obvious to your Pit Bull and he will feel at ease chewing on them knowing that those are for his teeth and he won’t get in trouble for playing with them later.
Edible chews are also great. They might not last as long but the delicious taste will keep your pit bull happily entertained. They are great for keeping your Pitbull out of trouble.
I always have three to four chew toys ready at home to rotate so every time I give my Pit Bull a toy it feels new and exciting for him, and from time to time I treat him with some edible delicious chew toys as well.