how can i get my dog to quit chewing up everything in my house?

Question

it is a pitbull and it is around 1 year old it chews up sandals, shoes and everything else

Answer 1

Well, you need to crate train the dog. Dogs are only allowed run of the house when they've shown they deserve the freedom. They do that by being reliably house trained and not destructive. Perhaps your dog also needs a lot more exercise than it's getting, as well as some training.

Answer 2

Take a full day and make sure you are home so that you can be consistant.
First make sure he has lots of chew toys and rawhide things all over the place so when he wants to chew he has something..
This day you are taking you need to be with the dog all the time. Take two pot tops or anything that makes a very loud noise. Enough to scare the dog. Each time the puppy chews on something he isn't suppose to firmlly in a low voice say NO then make the loud noise close to the dog as possible.

Make sure that shoes are out or anything else he likes to chew on so that he will be tempted and then you make the loud noise. The dog will be startled. Then you hand the dog a chew top or rawhide and give him lots of praise when chewing on it. Give him lots of love this day. You might need to take a weekend to do this. You will be amazed how well this works.

If the dog chews on something repeatdly you need to make the noise, then put him in the bathroom or somewhere where he feels alone. He will quickly learn cause and effect aka conquences of his bad behavior.

Make sure you give lots of praise for good behavior.

Another way is to get a spray bottle and put ice cold water in it and squirt the dog when he chews on something he isn't suppose to.

Remember to give your dog lots of exercise. A good run or playtime before the quiet evening will make a big difference in his behavoir.

If you are consistant the dog will learn.

Answer 3

I watch the Dog Whisperer (maybe check the site). He says dogs do this because they are bored. Pitbulls need at least 40 min. of exercise a day to release their energy. After a long walk or run then train him. When he is chewing a sandal go up to him and poke him in the neck and say NO. Never pull it out of their mouth because it turns into a tug of war game for them. Own the item he is chewing on, put it out in front of him and correct him again if he/she goes to bite it. Do this over and over, eventually the dog will know he isn't supposed to chew on things. Remember, exercise, discipline and affection (all in that order). Good luck!

Answer 4

Most pet stores have something you can spray on everything that will make it taste bad. I've used sour apple spray in the past and it cured my dog of chewing everything up. Also get the dog some raw hide or some other type of chew toy.

Answer 5

It sounds like he has excess energy which he is currently releasing by chewing on things. Puppies esp. working dog breeds are high energy and need a lot of mental and physical exercise. You should let him know what things are appropriate to chew on and what things are not. When he chews on something good, make sure to praise and treat him. When he chews on something he is not supposed to, non-mark him (ack, ack) and redirect him onto something he can chew (e.g. safe chew toy). Also follow the NILIF program. A great way to establish yourself as leader is through the control of resources. Don't give anything to your dog (including pets and affection) unless he does something for you first. For example ask him for a "sit" before you give him food, toys, or freedom. Here are some other things that may help: 1. Make him work for his food. A great way to exercise your dog mentally is through the use of interactive food toys. Some good ones include the Buster Cube, Premier Busy Buddy Collection, and of course Kongs. Frozen Kongs are great for when you have to leave your dog home alone. Just put some wet food into a classic Kong and freeze it. You dog will have fun licking and chewing at it for a long time. 2. Play Fun Games with your Dog. A game that my dog absolutely loves is the flirt pole. A flirt pole is a simple pole/handle that is connected to a rope which has a toy at the end of it. With the flirt pole, you may exercise your dog while not having to overly exert yourself. Other fun dog games include soccer, catch, fetch, and tug-of-war. 3. Obedience Training. Try and do some obedience training sessions everyday. Enroll in a class or get a good positive reinforcement book, and practice with your dog for short sessions (10-15 minutes), a couple of times per day. This will help establish you as a leader, improve your bond with your dog, exercise your dog's mind, and give you good tools to help control your dog in the house. 4. Neighborhood Walks. Neighborhood walks are a great way to exercise your dog and socialize him to people. Walking can also help with obedience and bonding. Dog walkers also have this service where they will take your dog for off-leash group walks in the park. This is a great way to socialize with other dogs and a great way to drain his energy. 5. Play Sessions with Another Dog. One of the best ways to drain a lot of energy from your dog is to organize play sessions with other dogs. Invite social dogs over to your house to have one-on-one play sessions. You could also consider dog daycare.

Answer 6

I (knock on wood) have not had a problem with my puppy chewing anything at all yet & I am thinking that the fact that I have multiple bones and toys available at all times gives her options to chew those before something of mine.

Also, if you see your puppy chewing on something tell them no, and immediately give them something to chew on, showing them what is acceptable to chew on.

Good luck!

Answer 7

Get a spray bottle and mix water lemon juice and cayenne pepper and spray it on items your dogs likes to chew.

Answer 8

I've experienced the same problem. What you should do is crate train it and give it either a rawhide or a bone to keep itr busy during the day.

Answer 9

I had similar problems with my doggy. There is lots of info around the internet to find info. Asking here is a good place to start.

I highly recommend an eBook (electronic book) called Sit Stay Fetch you can download it here: http://www.wideopenebooks.com/Recommends/SitStayFetch.html

Good luck with your dog!

John L

Answer 10

Your dog is bored. Plain and simple. Think about more toys, and a lot more exercise. When you're away, you might try a dog crate. Best of luck!