If you've ever had a puppy, you've probably learned one thing quite well: dogs chew. And if you've ever had a pit bull puppy, you've REALLY gotten that lesson down. There are three reasons why your pit bull will chew you out of house and home - they are high energy, have extremely strong teeth and jaws, and are very social, so prone to separation anxiety (which they cope with by chewing). Each one of those reasons is powerful enough on its own, but when you combine the three? Suddenly, you have a chewing monster and nothing in your home is safe. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the rocky road of pit bull chewing.
(1) Exercise, exercise, exercise. Like the Energizer bunny, terriers were designed to keep going and going and going. Pit bulls are definitely no exception - these energized pups thrive on activity, and must have rigorous exercise daily to stay sane. Teach your pit puppy to fetch early on in life, so that on days when you're unable to go for a long walk, you can throw the ball around for twenty minutes and wear him out that way. Bullies also love to work - check out this site for tips on buying a doggie backpack for your pooch, and watch how his entire manner changes. Giving your bully a job while you're out and about boosts his confidence, increases his focus, and makes him work just a little bit harder during your daily constitutional. At Clean Slate, we even adopted a pit bull named Pinkerton out to someone who taught her how to tow him on his skateboard! Bullies are smart, strong, and eager to please - be creative and upbeat, and there's no end to the ways you can expend your pup's limitless energy!
(2) Life at home begins with supervision. If you have a pit bull puppy or even an older bully who's new to your rules, set him up for success by keeping him in a confined area with lots of tough toys like Kongs and Nylabones while you are away. A word of warning: For pit bulls, this is occasionally easier said than done, particularly with one who has acute separation anxiety. Begin by using a crate or enclosure only after your pup has been well-exercised, include lots of highly desirable chew toys (like a Kong stuffed with treats and sealed with peanut butter), and go away for only a few minutes at a time. Remember to be casual about leaving and returning - long goodbyes and heightened hellos only add to your sensitive pup's anxiety.
(3) Keep shoes, children's toys, and other taboo items out of your pup's reach. Remember to never give your pooch an old shoe to chew on - he can't distinguish between shoes you love and those you've outgrown, so in his mind every shoe is a-okay. Likewise with toys you're kids have grown tired of; your dog's toys should be distinctly dog-like, to avoid confusion as training progresses.
(4) Be positive! If your pup has a slip-up - even if that slip-up involves the TV remote, your favorite ottoman, or a $100 pair of shoes - try to stay calm. Pit bulls have a notoriously high physical pain threshold, but they are incredibly sensitive to emotional stressors. If you catch him in the act, say "No chew," or "Unh-uh" firmly and remove the item, replacing it with an acceptable chew toy. Reward your pooch with lots of praise when he does show interest in his dog toys, and never physically reprimand your pit bull for chewing - it simply heightens his confusion, anxiety, and agitation.
Follow these simple steps and before long, your house will begin to resemble a chew-free home once more. You'll be happier, your pit bull will be happier, and your furniture will thank you for it.
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