Question:I have a 11month pit who is chewing everything in sight. She just started doing this about 2 months ago and now will chew things even if we leave her alone for just two hours. We have tried caging her and she broke out of her cage and destroyed it. I have tried Bitter Apple and she like the flavor so much that she chewed on the bottle. I take her out 4 to 5 times a day and play with her. I take her to obideince training and she is doing well. But when I leave her alone it is like she is wild. I am at my witts end. Can anyone help?
Answers:
You should get a crate for her, It sounds like she is just getting bored when you leave, if you have a crate then you can put her in there right before you leave and she will be safe and not chew up anything! My dog is teething right now so I know what you are going through, he can't go 2 seconds without having something in his mouth! Also buy some bones and you can leave one in the crate with her so she will have something to do? Also she shouldn't be able to get out if you get one that is sturdy, if you decide to do this maybe talk to the people at your obedience classes to see if they crate their dogs. I got my crate at Wal-mart because it was the cheapest. The size of the crate is important! They had all sizes when I went to get mine I think the price range was like $30-$100. Good luck
Get her a muzzle or call Cesar Milan.
Spray bitter apple spray on everything
Try talking to a trainer. In the mean-time make sure you are paying enough attention to the dog. Sometimes dogs get lonely and they CHEW everything (sound familiar?) in boredom and loneliness. Make sure there are things the dog can chew on, is allowed to chew on. Probably a trainer wouldn't be very expensive (not any more than the destruction it is causing) and they could give you better tips! Good luck!
Buy the dog rawhide chews. She is probably chewing because she misses you when you are gone. She has separation anxiety. Buy big bones and things she can play with while you are gone. Put anything you don't want chewed out of her reach.
she's bored. She needs something to do. You can get one of those "puzzle" toys that have treats inside, like a buster cube. Also kong toys are great. You can stuff them goodies and the dog has to try to get them out. If you freeze the kong, it lasts longer.
lmao... your pit ate teh bitter apple bottle!!? my pit hated it she would bark at the site. good luck !!
I can't help but too feel your aggravation. My pit did the same thing and still does from time to time and she is almost 2. I'm not like most dog owners I don't believe in crating my dog. I believe they should be free to roam the house with out destroying it so keep that in mind, this is what I do.
I let her out before I leave.
Then I "puppy proof" my house. Such as pick up anything she can chew on, shut doors to bedrooms and bathroom. Pick up cords, shoes ect. I tell her to be good and that I'll be back. When I get home, instead of carrying on to her when I get home, I simply pick up the mess and ignore her. She knows if she has done something wrong because she will greet me with her ears back and head down.
The other thing is my pit LOVES raw hide bones. I usually leave one of them out for to chew on HER TOYS. They usually do this because of anxiety of you leaving them and they are bored. However, if your dog is used to being crated, then crate her by all means!! Before you leave. If possible put the crate where she can see outside and leave a radio or TV on if possible. I hope this helps and don't give up! They are an absolute joy to have around!!
I know you play with her but exercising her usually helps tire out puppies. You should try walking or jogging with her 1-2 miles/day. I prefer using the travel crates and always keep toys in there. With our Whippet puppy it helps if she's facing a window. Sounds like she's got anxiety and a lot of energy. Also try putting her food in her crate so she becomes more familiar with it. Also when your puppyproofing- keep in mind that dogs love anything made of or from wood.
Try a flavored doggie bone. Get her a few toys she can chew on because a pit will chew through wood or anything the can find.
We have a rottweiler that had "seperation axiety" that did the same thing. Aside for buying stock in raw hides, a pet boarding company told me to get another dog. I know that sounds crazy, but we did. He is a wonderful dog. Actually, right now we have 3 dogs, Rot, shepard, and a miniature pinscher. Excellent dogs! It helps take their minds off of being left alone and they play constantly. Rescueing an older dog from the pound is an excellent idea. They are usually trained and greatful to be in a good home. Lots of them out there!
Get a crate she cannot open. Also offer her something else in place of what ever she chews. My little one tears up everything as well. I have learned that I cannot leave anything out when she is around. Kinda like a two year old human. (LOL) I leave nothing out that she can destroy.
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