How do I stop my pit bull from shredding things

by Trish
(Greensburg, PA)

Hello, I have a Pit/Weimaraner mix she just turned a year old. My problem is she loves to shred things, mostly fabric.

I tried crate training her when we got her at 7 weeks. All she would do is shred the newspapers in her cage and there would be pee everywhere. I put dog beds in there, she shredded those. Tried just putting old towels and she shredded those. I even put her in an empty cage, but then she'd pee and have it all over her and then we'd have to bathe her.

So we started leaving her out of the cage and now she just shredded her dog bed in front of the fireplace. Can anyone give me suggestions as to what do do?

Gale's Reply:

Hi Trish

Thanks for your question, I think it's something a lot of people can relate to.

Kuranda Beds have become popular for use in shelters and rescues for this very reason--they are virtually chew-proof. They prevent elbow callouses just as a well padded traditional dog bed does. But, they are constructed in such a way that there is nothing for your dog to grab on to with her teeth.

Additionally, you might want to try a product like Grannick's Bitter Apple. This is meant to be sprayed on surfaces where you want to discourage chewing. Dogs don't like the taste.

Aside from this, it's important to also try to understand why she is chewing. She is still young, but you should ask yourself: Is she getting enough exercise? Is she bored? Does she have separation anxiety? By addressing the underlying cause, you'll have a calmer dog. And, she'll be less likely to re-direct her energy into other destructive behaviors.

Feel free to post back here if you have more questions.

For more information on obedience training, visit our Pit Bull Training page.

For help with behavioral problems, check out our Dog Behavior Training page.