We have a dog about a year old, pit/chow mix, who chews up things like glass, tree bark, shotgun shells, help!

Question

Yes, he has toys and bones to chew, etc., but chews up other strange things. He hasn't been to the vet for anything he's chewed as yet.

Answer 1

You'll have to keep your yard and floors clear of anything that might be chewed. Crate him when there's nobody home. Supervise him carefully. Eventually he'll eat something that will cause an intestinal blockage if he doesn't stop and that means surgery.

He also probably needs more exercise, like a long walk every day. He's a young strong dog with more energy than he knows what to do with. Bored dogs are naughty dogs. Tired dogs are good dogs. Walk him, run him, throw a ball for him till you're worn out. (He won't be.)

I don't know if any of this helped, but good luck.

Answer 2

I like the queenbee's answer - but I'd like to add a few things.

I think you can provide the dog with chewable items meant only for him - like rawhide, bones, treats.

I wish you could contact the Dog Whisperer - because I'm sure in one day he'd turn your loveable little one around.

Meanwhile, tips from trainers are helpful. One that I got is put the leash on the dog. When the dog reaches for something it shouldn't have - like glass (and what are shotgun shells doing lying around anyway) when the dog reaches for it - pull the dog back and say NO firmly. Repeat the process over the next few days.

Your dog wants to be obedient - he just needs a person to teach him how.

Meanwhile, start cleaning up the mess you've left lying around for him to chew on -- because why tempt him?

Answer 3

Oh no help..........you just have to keep anything chewable that can be harmful if swollowed away from your puppy!
Yeah he may-not look like a Puppy still, but he is cutting his teeth! Learning about his world.
Our dog chewed the wood-trim along the base-boards in the house.........just like human babies they learn about the world by putting things in their mouth!
If say by a year and a half he continues to chew strange things.......it could be a sign of a neurotic disorder........but most likely he will stop in a few months!

Answer 4

I know this isint what you want to hear, but i had a dog just like yours and i had to give him away. But if you want to discipline yours you cant be the old softey. If he chews your belongings you HAVE to tap hum/she on the nose or put them outside.

Answer 5

get that dog a cow leg bone check with your local butcher

Answer 6

I had that problem once, and the vet said it was a vitamin deficiency. Call your vet and he can tell you what to do.