Bulldogs, like most dogs, are chewers. It is normal puppy behavior. The key is to train them so that they know what they can chew on and what they must leave alone. Teething, being bored or even being somewhat anxious are reasons they start chewing. Redirecting the chewing to a toy or bone and away from your shoe or the remote control is your job.
Too many Bulldog owners ignore their puppy’s chewing, thinking it can’t be avoided or that the dog will grow out of it. They say you can’t teach an old dog something new. Actually you can, but dogs learn more lasting lessons when they are 8 weeks to 4 months old. So that is the time to educate your pet about the rules of chewing. Don’t allow indiscriminate chewing, but don’t overreact either and frighten the dog or produce aggression. Firmly let the dog know that chewing on the couch is not acceptable but chewing on the cat-shaped chew toy is perfect!
You’ll be fairly successful at stopping the bad chewing by using methods with proven effectiveness. Don’t hit or yell at your pet. Speak forcefully but with complete control in your voice. Being loud or violent won’t help the dog learn what it’s doing wrong but may make it scared or mean. Try these tactics instead:
Crate Train your Puppy: Dog crates are not cruel treatment. In fact, they provide your Bulldog a safe and secure spot of its own. Keep him or her in the crate when you are not at home, with a chew toy to occupy some time. As your pet demonstrates that it won’t chew on what it shouldn’t, expand its freedoms.
Change your Puppy’s Behavior: Since it is unrealistic to prevent chewing of any kind simply make sure your dog chews what you give it to chew and nothing else. When it begins to chew on something it shouldn’t move the dog or the object and give it a chew toy of your choosing. When it chews on your offering, rub the dog’s head and give it praise. These positive associations are powerful motivators for your Bulldog.
Provide Activity for your Bulldog: Dog’s chew out of boredom as much as for any other reason. Therefore, prevent it from chewing on the wrong things when you are gone by having it in a crate or area where there’s nothing to chew on. When you are home, help your pooch stay occupied by giving it appropriate amounts of time and attention, plus time outdoors in the fresh air, on a chain with plenty of length or inside your fenced yard. Bulldogs love vigorous exercise so find ways to supply it.
Try an Aversion Spray: As a last resort, purchase an aversion spray made to keep dog’s from chewing on objects that should be off limits. Bitter or spicy sprays are made that don’t harm but do create an aversion to chewing on the sprayed area.
While chewing is normal for a young Bulldog, these smart animals should quickly learn to direct their activities to proper objects. Help your dog learn by being a strong leader, providing lots of encouragement for good behavior, and by keeping your dog active.
Be a consistent leader with your Bulldog. Don’t let it get away with behaviors you have been training it to stop. A confused dog won’t learn the right things. Also, make sure their chew toys are clearly defined. Don’t offer them a stuffed animal to chew on and then expect they’ll leave other stuffed animals alone. Make the rules, enforce the rules, praise obedience and be consistent and helpful. Your dog will view you as the leader and will be eager to please you when it knows what is expected. You will both be very happy with the relationship when this is the norm.
Jill B