How To Stop My Bull Terrier From Chewing Stuff?

We understand you are wondering “How To Stop My Bull Terrier From Chewing Stuff?”

Inappropriate or destructive chewing is a fairly common problem in Bull Terriers. It’s normal for Bull Terriers to chew on objects as they explore the world. Chewing becomes a problem when it's directed towards inappropriate objects such as your shoes, furniture, or even your feet. Like many undesirable dog behaviors, inappropriate chewing is born out of many reasons.

• They are bored
• They suffer from separation anxiety
• It's an attention-seeking behavior
• They weren't taught what is and isn’t acceptable to chew
• They don’t have access to appropriate stuff to chew
• Their behavior is fear-related or due to phobias
• Chewing simply feels really good
• Puppies chew more during the teething period

Here are some useful tips to stop your Bull Terrier from chewing stuff. These tips will help you to keep it from developing into a habit.

Tire out your Bull Terrier

If your Bull Terrier is bored, they'll find something to do to amuse themselves. Try to tire out your Bull Terrier and provide a lot of exercises. Take your Bull Terrier out for a short walk in the afternoon or evening before they go to bed. You can discourage the destructive chewing of your Bull Terrier by letting them run and play in a fenced yard. You can also spend time playing games like fetch, frisbee toss, or tug of war. They offer great fun and exercise for both of you.

Give them distracting toys

Bull Terrier puppies love toys almost as much as children. Distraction toys are a great way to reduce Bull Terrier's destructive chewing. They serve as an incredible outlet for your Bull Terrier's mental and physical activity. Don't confuse them by offering shoes and socks as toys. Distraction toys are interactive and entertaining for your dog. In this way, your Bull Terrier doesn’t get bored and won't start chewing other stuff. If toys are lying around all the time, they aren’t special. Rotate them, only having two or three, at most, available at a time.

Give them an alternative item to chew

Dental chews and chew toys reduce destructive chewing. Chew toys encourage healthy chewing habits from the start. It's a great way to satisfy your Bull Terrier puppy's natural urge to chew.

Redirect your Bull Terrier's energy

Bull Terriers need activities in their lives. You need to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. As your Bull Terrier puppy gets engaged in an activity or game, it redirects destructive chewing. Teaching tricks is a good way to give your Bull Terrier appropriate outlets. A good one to start with is “Leave it.”

Put away anything that your Bull Terrier can chew on

Take responsibility for your own belongings. If you don't want it in your dog's mouth, don't make it available. In a Bull Terrier’s mind, if something is within reach then it’s on offer. You must put away all of the things your Bull Terrier can get into his mouth. This includes shoes, socks, clothing, plastic bags, trash cans, medicine, remote control, wallets, and purses - just about everything. Remove objects of curiosity that might appeal to your Bull Terrier and block access to rooms that have not been puppy-proofed.

Supervise your Bull Terrier

You must supervise your Bull Terrier to deal with destructive chewing. Supervise them until you feel confident that their chewing behavior is under control. Make your Bull Terrier learn some basic obedience commands. Also, keep dangerous things out of the reach of your pet. Bull Terriers learn best through positive reinforcement methods. Make Bull Terrier training a positive experience filled with praise, treats, and rewards.

Bull Terrier puppies go through a stage when they lose their baby teeth and experience pain as their adult teeth come in. The discomfort of teething motivates puppies to chew. If your puppy is teething, try freezing a rubber toy for them. The cold rubber will soothe their gums and make them comfortable. As always, supervise your puppy so they don't chew and swallow any pieces. Gentle guidance can teach your Bull Terrier puppy to restrict chewing to appropriate objects.

There may be times when you’re panicked or frustrated over what your dog is chewing. Do not yell or hit your Bull Terrier for destructive chewing.

Yelling your Bull Terrier never helps and will only make them confused and scared. Hitting your Bull Terrier for chewing stuff will lead to fear and aggression towards you and other people. Do not leave your dog in a crate as punishment for lengthy periods of time to prevent chewing.

Why risk your Bull Terrier’s trust when positive reinforcement techniques are more effective? Building and maintaining a positive, trusting relationship with your Bull Terrier is the foundation of a happy life together!

Remember that all Bull Terriers are not the same. So, what goes ideal for one dog may not work for the other. We all have to be a little more creative.

Dogs interact with the world through their mouths. So, don’t scold them for being natural adventurers! Simply, divert the chewing elsewhere! All you need to do is to be consistently firm and patient with your Bull Terrier but not harsh.

As caring Bull Terrier parents, it becomes your foremost responsibility to look after the needs of your pup in the best possible way. 

Stay tuned for more posts on Bull Terrier diet, training, care, and much more!

Happy petting!