If you want to learn how to stop a Staffy from chewing everything in sight, this article will be a helpful resource that you can refer to whenever you feel stumped by your Staffy’s chewing habits.
First of all, let me say this is not an isolated problem. All Staffies will chew; in fact, all dogs chew; it doesn’t matter what breed.
Are Staffies Big Chewers?
Staffies are one of those dog breeds renowned for their chewing abilities; if there were ever a dog Olympics for chewing, Staffies would be the favourite for the gold medal. However, there is necessary behaviour and destructive chewing behaviour. The idea is to encourage one and put a stop to the other.
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Teaching your Staffy what’s okay to chew and what’s definitely not is part of training your Staffy; however, unless we appreciate why a Staffy chews so much, how can we effectively stop bad behaviour chewing?
Why Do Staffies Chew So Much?
Staffies love to chew, and they can happily spend hours chewing on a tasty bone, for instance. This behaviour is good for your Staffy because it strengthens their jaws and prevents tartar buildup on their teeth.
Staffies chew because they like how it feels, it stimulates them, and they can also chew to relieve any stress or anxiety. For example, if they are left alone for too long.
If your Staffy is still a puppy, they will naturally chew more when they are teething. Just like children need to put something hard into their mouths to relieve the pain and discomfort of teething, so do puppies. Chewing also helps the baby teeth fall out so adult teeth can come through properly.
Staffy puppies and adults will need a supply of age-appropriate and indestructible chew toys.
Unfortunately, even providing the best chew toys will not stop indiscriminate chewing. That is going to come down to you teaching your Staffy what’s right and wrong.
Do Staffies Ever Stop Chewing?
Staffies are highly intelligent dogs, and if you are persistent and patient enough, you can teach them right from wrong. In addition, this is not just relevant to chewing; biting and nipping can also become inappropriate behaviour that needs curbing from a young age.
Training your Staffy doesn’t mean stopping them from chewing. Your intention should be to replace bad chewing habits with good.
How to Train a Staffy to Stop Chewing: 9 Steps
Step 1
Staffy-proof your home. Don’t leave items lying around the house that will entice your Staffy to chew, especially anything of value.
Step 2
Ensure your Staffy has plenty of chew toys; in particular, watch which type of toy they get the most pleasure from (and can stand up to being chewed for more than ten minutes). It’s always an excellent idea to switch toys regularly, so your Staffy doesn’t get bored.
Step 3
There are several edible things your Staffy can get his teeth into, such as rawhide bones, pig ears, bully sticks, and any other natural chew they enjoy. However, I wouldn’t leave your Staffy with an edible chew when you go out of the house; it’s always best to supervise them with anything edible to avoid choking.
Step 4
Have you noticed a specific time of the day when your Staffy gets the urge to chew? If so, take their mind off chewing by giving them a puzzle toy with their favourite treat inside.
Step 5
There are chewing deterrent sprays available. You could try spraying the areas your Staffy finds irresistible. But first, try to find out if it works.
Spray a little on a small piece of tissue and put it inside your Staffy’s mouth. If they spit it out because it tastes nasty, hopefully, your Staffy will work out the connection between the smell and taste.
Once you spray it on the items they shouldn’t be chewing, it should be enough for them to leave those items alone.
Step 6
When you have to leave your Staffy at home alone, use a crate or a small room to confine the dog. Remove everything you do not want chewing, but ensure you give your Staffy an adequate supply of chews and toys.
Also, ensure the dog has plenty of water, and you are not leaving the dog for too long like this; a few hours is the maximum amount of time. Also, give the Staffy a lot of your time and exercise them thoroughly when you are home.
Step 7
Consider the amount of time and quality of exercise you need to provide; don’t forget mental stimulation with games, training, socialisation, etc.
Step 8
Don’t provide your Staffy with household items because they are old and you will throw them out. You only confuse the dog because you cannot expect them to distinguish between your old slippers and a new pair, etc.
Step 9
Don’t leave clothes lying about or give them easy access to the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet bins. There will be items in there that can severely harm your Staffy.
Final Thoughts
While it’s frustrating and expensive when your Staffy chews your belongings, it’s a natural process for all dogs and puppies. Staffies have powerful jaws, and they love to chew, so the damage they cause can be immense.
But with time and patience, you can train them out of chewing you out of house and home. You will not teach them to stop chewing; it’s crucial you understand this fact. However, you can redirect their chewing habits.
