how can i get my 5 month old pit bull puppy to stop chewing on everything?

Question

Ok. taking things away and saying no. have bought a total of 9 chew toys that just lay around the house about 7 are still practically brand new. Chew toys are all over the house. I praise him and treat him when I see him doing good. But, he keeps going and finding new things to chew on. Try replacing 2 new pairs of shoes, 1 pair of boots, 2 pairs of tennis shoes, throw pillow for the couch that he jumps on and chew, new sham for matress, several packages of tissue because he opens cabinets and get into them (glad there's no chemicals down low), just anything he can get to. He even crawled under my bed and chewed the cloth cover thing that covers the wood on the box spring, then started chewing on the wood. I'm really trying with this dog. He is just now getting the clue with not peeing or pooping in the house. When I go to work I've started to leave him in a crate because of all the damage I found everyday (when I got in from work), when I used to let him have run of the house.

I really appreciate all the answers. Thanks alot.

Answer 1

Crate training is your only solution. A lot of dogs have separation anxiety and that will cause them to tear up a house if they are left alone. I'm glad to see that you have started doing that. Plus it will help him with potty training as well. Like everyone else said, when you are around and he trys to chew on things that are not to be chewed on take it away and replace it with a toy. He will eventually get the hint.

Answer 2

It is just like raising a 2 year old. The best way is to try and make sure that all the temptations are up and out of the way...then introduce your puppy to his/her toys again. If your puppy is running around lose while you are gone you are just setting the puppy up for failure. Would you consider crating the puppy? I was so against kennel crates...until this last puppy...I started using it and what a wonderful dog I have now. The puppy needs a secure place that 1) keeps the pup away from things he/she shouldn't have. 2) a secure place safe from harm.

Answer 3

I don't know if a 5 month old puppy will ever completely stop chewing on things, but when my rottie was in the teething stages I just made sure he had a lot of toys to keep him occupied. Buy a bunch of different kinds until you find out what your dog likes. If you have to even make something for the time being. Socks tied in knots always work. If you see him chewing on something he's not supposed to don't yell at him, just replace it with something he can chew on. Bones are good too.

Answer 4

LOL.. literally laughed while i read this i also have a pitbull puppy and a year and a half pit..... so hes just now understanding when im yelling it could be at him chewing my $500 cherrywood dresser that he has now destroyed......but ok.... it will take sum time.... go up to him while hes ruining whatever firmly say NO!.... take it away and give him one of his toys when or he starts chewing that say in and excited/ happy tone YESSS GOOD boy!!!! good boy..... repeate as often as necessary... crating isnt a bad idea and give him the toys in the crate a littly food and little water a blanket...my puppy isnt potty trained and everytime he would start to go on the floor my older dog would quickly look up at me as if he was saying welllllll arnt you going to yell at him mom. it was funny.But i hope this helps and also when the dog gets older he will understand more when your mad and pitbulls are verry loyal so they try every thing to make their owner happy keep your pup. dont give up he will be fine.

Answer 5

Try a spray called bitter apple spray. It is not harmful to the dog but it has a bad taste. You could also try boundry sprays, these make the dog stay off or away from whatever it is. Also, always praise the dog with attention and treats when he is not chewing on things he shouldn't, positive reinforcement is very important. Since teething is normal for puppies, you might want to get him some tuff to destroy toys that he can chew on and praise him when he chews on them and not your furnature. Knoted ropes are good, they are strong but also have some give for puppies baby teeth. I hope this helps.
P.S. Do stay away from rahide though. Many people think it is good for teething but when it gets soft and gummie it will clog up their arteries and can lead to death. Good luck.

Answer 6

Rawhide bones are a way to keep him chewing on something else. Unfortunately, he's teething will take time to go away. Once he gets to be around a year and a half old, the teething should start calming down.

Answer 7

He is teething and needs a lot of toys to chew on. Crate train him and only let him chew on the toys in his crate. That should help. For now keep things you don't want chewed out of his reach or you won't have it anymore.

Answer 8

be patient a dog is for life, i have 3 stafffordshire bull terriers ( 1 male, 2 female) all dogs go through a stage of chewing, i have lost count how many shoes, skirting board and walls they have chewed, it will pass, on my walls and skirting boards i sprayed a cheap perfume, my dogs didn't like the taste of it they eventually left them alone( my females no longer chew any thing of value. but my male only destroys his toys and his bedding, i send him to his cage as punishment he hates it.( all my dogs have run of my whole home ( once the postman has been as my female takes my mail and eats it but that's a good thing if its bills or my partners speeding fine. ( it will get better even children have to be taught right from wrong dogs are just the same. no one knows right from wrong until taught)

Answer 9

Spray bitter apple on the things you don't want him to chew on. When you catch him chewing on something you don't want him to chew on take it away firmly say no and replace it with a chew toy and say good dog. I just raised two puppies and now on my third in two years this worked for me. And one of them is a pit bull puppy. Never hit your dog. That makes them mean.


Added later:

Why some idiot would give a thumbs down to all of the good answers that are humane and only thumbs up the ones that are inhumane is beyond me.
OH BY THE WAY YOU SHOULD NEVER HIT YOUR DOG WITH NEWSPAPER OR ANYTHING ELSE.

That is called abuse and it will make them mean. Tabasco sauce will also make them mean.

Answer 10

Excessive. Take him for walks. Give him lots of nylar bones, Kong toy etc. He should have two or three good durable dog toys. (not raw hide chews, they can cause blockage in the intestines) When he chews anything else. Take it form him. Saying NO. Give him his toy and when he takes it give affection. If you have to leave him alone keep him in a crate with water and a good durable toy to chew on. Watch him.