My staffie won't stop chewing clothes!

[Mrschocolate]

I have a lovely staffie who is 18 months old. We have had him for about 6 months and is lovely. Great with my DCs and with other dogs.
But he has a habit of chewing socks, shoes, paper ,shoe basket and so on. He mainly chews sleeves and trouser legs when people come to visit and he is excited.
He doesn't really chew the DCs clothes that much however DH is the main problem because every time he gets up or is on the phone the dog is pulling on his trousers.
We buy him chew toys but he destroys most of them within the hour. He had a hard plastic ball last week and he has already got pieces of rubber falling off it.
The people who had him before us had him from a rescue centre who found him on the side of a road when he was 3 weeks old so we think that is why he chews but it is a pain because all the bottoms of DHs jeans have holes in them.
Does anyone have any tips for this or at least some advice for a really tough toy?
We have been told that this is common for staffies but most people say that they just grow out of it.

[MolotovCocktail]

Hi, we have an 8yo female Staffie - she's a great example of the breed (utterly GORGEOUS! So loving and affectionate).

We've had her from a 9wo pup and made it clear from day 1 what was hers to chew and what was not. She's not as interested in chewing now she's in he senior years, but as a youngster had stuff like those knotted fabric chews. I can't think of the name; they're very tough, like a knotted rope with freyed ends. That's the only thing that would withstand the power of her jaws. Oh, and those Kang toys (really tough rubber). Hide chews were good, and hide strips, though I prefer them less as sometimes her gums would bleed when chewing enthusiastically :(

Now, chewing - yes, Staffies love to chew. It sounds as if your dog may need to re-learn (or even learn) whats okay to chew and what isn't. If he isn't chewing your kid's clothes but is chewing your DH's, that suggests to me dominance issues, and your dog is trying to assert dominance over your DH. Nip that it the bud. Whenever he chews something e's not supposed to, a firm 'No!' command should be given. Then give him somethinghe can chew.

When the dog chews something he's allowed to, give him tons of praise and maybe a doggie treat. Let him know when he's pleased you. Staffies really thrive on praise.

I'd also recommend playing with your dog that involves you showing dominance over him - particularly your DH. So play that involves touching and holding the dog whilst he's on his back, touching the top of his head, that sort of thing.

Also, if you're not doing it already, make him wait and sit for his food. It's all basic shows of 'place in the pack' for the dog. When they k ow where they are (i.e. at the bottom) behaviour should improve. Best of luck!

[Mrschocolate]

Thank you I will try that.

[Floralnomad]

Stag bars are good for destructive dogs ,they're the only type of chew that lasts with our terrier . Mine also chews paper and cloth but at 3 yrs old we are now at the point where he only chews his own blankets and we don't leave any paper where he can get it . We gave up buying dog beds after he ruined the first two ( I don't like him eating the filling) so he has a pile of holey blankets for a bed !

[MumOfTheMoos]

You can get special extra tough kings for staffies - they are black.

[MumOfTheMoos]

I meant kongs not kings!

[HoneyDragon]

Bitter Apple spray can be used on clothes. Just get dh to give himself a shirt when he gets dressed

[higgle]

My Staffie is 9, he likes chewing socks and knickers, he's not fussy whose they are!

[Mrschocolate]

Thanks I shall be on the look out for the special kongs.
He chewed his first bed but we bought an extra tough one for him and he hasn't chewed it. yet