Do American Bullies Like to Chew? Understanding Their Chewing Habits and How to Manage Them

Introduction: The Chewing Instinct in American Bullies

The American Bully is a powerful, affectionate, and energetic breed known for its muscular build and friendly demeanor. While their loyalty and love for their families are well-documented, one common behavior that many owners wonder about—especially new ones—is: Do American Bullies like to chew? The short answer is yes. Chewing is a natural and instinctive behavior for American Bullies, and understanding why they do it is essential for responsible pet ownership.

Chewing serves multiple purposes for dogs at different life stages. It plays a crucial role in puppy teething, aids in stress relief, helps pass the time during idle moments, and satisfies natural oral exploration. However, inappropriate chewing—such as gnawing on furniture, shoes, or other household items—can become a problem without the right structure, training, and outlets.

This article dives deep into the chewing behaviors of American Bullies, exploring the science, psychology, and practical management strategies. Whether you’re a proud Bully parent, considering bringing one into your home, or simply curious, this guide will provide you with comprehensive, SEO-optimized insights.

Why Do American Bullies Chew? The Science Behind the Behavior

Biological and Developmental Reasons

Chewing is not just a habit—it’s hardwired into a dog’s DNA. For American Bullies, like all canines, chewing begins as a survival mechanism and evolves into a complex behavior with multiple psychological drivers.

• Puppy Teething: Between 3 to 6 months of age, American Bully puppies lose their baby teeth and grow adult teeth. This process can be painful and uncomfortable, leading to constant chewing to relieve gum pressure.
• Jaw Development: As powerful chewers by nature, American Bullies have strong jaw muscles. Chewing helps develop and maintain this strength.
• Sensory Exploration: Puppies and even adult dogs use their mouths to explore the world around them. It’s a way for them to gather information about their environment.

Even when they’re no longer teething, American Bullies continue to chew for pleasure, mental stimulation, and dental health.

Psychological and Emotional Triggers

Beyond biology, psychology plays a huge role in chewing behavior.

Stress and Anxiety

Dogs, including American Bullies, may resort to chewing when they are stressed or anxious. Separation anxiety is a common cause—when left alone, some dogs chew out of frustration or as a calming ritual.

Signs your American Bully may be chewing due to anxiety:
– Chewing only when left alone
– Excessive drooling or destructive patterns
– Loss of appetite or unusual vocalization during isolation

Boredom and Lack of Stimulation

American Bullies are intelligent, active dogs. Without enough physical exercise or mental enrichment, they may chew out of sheer boredom.

A day with no walks, training, or playtime can result in destructive chewing. This breed needs engagement—regular activity is critical to managing unwanted behaviors.

Attention-Seeking Behavior

Sometimes, dogs learn that chewing certain objects gets a reaction—shouting, scolding, or play. Even negative attention can reinforce this behavior. If you respond by giving your dog immediate attention when it chews something it shouldn’t, you may unintentionally encourage it.

Are American Bullies More Prone to Chewing Than Other Breeds?

While all dogs chew, the American Bully has certain traits that can make chewing more prominent:

Jaw Strength and Bite Force

American Bullies have exceptionally strong jaws, inherited from their bulldog and pit bull lineage. Their bite force can exceed 300 pounds per square inch (PSI), placing them among the strongest chewers in the canine world.

It’s not unusual for a bored or undersupervised American Bully to destroy a chew toy within hours or chew through softer materials like plastic or lower-grade rubber. This doesn’t mean they “like” to chew more than other breeds, but rather that their physical ability makes the consequences of chewing more dramatic.

High Energy and Intelligence

These dogs are energetic thinkers. Without proper outlets for their intelligence and energy, they may channel it into destructive chewing. Compare this to a less active breed like a Bulldog—while Bulldogs may chew, they often lack the stamina or motivation to cause widespread damage.

Strong Oral Fixation

Many Bully breeds, including the American Bully, display a strong oral fixation. They love carrying things in their mouths and prefer activities that involve biting and holding. This isn’t aggression—it’s a breed-specific trait rooted in their history and genetics.

Chewing as a Sign of Healthy Development

Despite the potential for destruction, chewing is actually a sign of a healthy dog. Regular chewing indicates:

• Normal teething process in puppies
• Good dental hygiene (it scrapes plaque)
• Mental well-being and boredom prevention
• Natural stress relief mechanisms

In fact, veterinarians and canine behaviorists agree that denying dogs appropriate chewing opportunities can lead to anxiety, dental problems, and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

The Role of Chewing in Dental Health

Chewing on the right kinds of toys helps remove plaque and tartar from a dog’s teeth. Unlike humans, dogs can’t brush their teeth daily, so good chewing habits significantly reduce the risk of periodontal disease—a common issue in medium-to-large breeds.

• Chewing increases saliva production, which helps wash away food particles.
• It massages the gums, reducing inflammation and promoting circulation.
• Long-term chewers tend to have better oral health than non-chewers.

For American Bullies, whose short muzzles can predispose them to dental crowding, maintaining healthy chewing habits is vital.

How to Redirect American Bully Chewing Behavior

Knowing that chewing is natural doesn’t excuse destructive habits. Smart pet parents don’t stop chewing—they redirect it. The goal is to provide safe, satisfying, and durable alternatives.

Choose the Right Chew Toys

Not all chew toys are a good fit for an American Bully. Their powerful jaws can destroy inferior products quickly, risking ingestion of harmful fragments. Here’s what to look for:

Material Durability

• Rubber: High-quality, puncture-resistant rubber (e.g., Kong Extreme, West Paw) is ideal.
• Nylon: Long-lasting but should only be used under supervision to avoid tooth damage.
• Rope and Braided Toys: Great for tug-of-war but not for aggressive chewing—strings can be swallowed.
• Edible Chews: Bully sticks, yak chews, and dental chews offer temporary satisfaction but monitor consumption.

Size and Shape

Always select toys that are appropriately sized. A toy too small can be swallowed; one too large may deter interest. Look for toys with texture and ridges to promote dental health and engagement.

Training and Positive Reinforcement

Early training is the most effective way to manage chewing.

1. Supervise Early On: Watch your puppy or adult dog closely during unsupervised times to correct behavior in real time.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise your dog when it chews a designated toy. Offer treats and affection to reinforce good habits.
3. Redirect Immediately: If your dog starts chewing the couch, calmly remove the object and offer an approved chew toy. Consistency is key.

Over time, your American Bully will associate chewing with their toys, not your belongings.

Provide Adequate Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Often, the root of destructive chewing is unmet physical and mental needs. American Bullies thrive on structure and activity.

Daily exercise goals:
– 60–90 minutes of physical activity, including walks, runs, or play
– Strength-building games like tug-of-war or fetch
– Obstacle courses or agility training (even backyard setups help)

Mental challenges:
– Puzzle toys and interactive feeders
– Training new tricks or obedience commands
– Hide-and-seek games with treats or toys

When your dog is mentally and physically tired, the urge to chew destructively drops significantly.

Common Chewing Mistakes American Bully Owners Make

Even with good intentions, owners often exacerbate chewing issues through common missteps.

Providing Inappropriate Chewables

Giving your dog old shoes, socks, or soft plush toys can send mixed messages. Even if the item is “old,” your dog doesn’t understand the difference. Once it learns that shoes are chewable, it may generalize to all shoes—yours included.

Solution: Only provide chews that are clearly not household items and label them as “dog-only.”

Using Punishment-Based Discipline

Yelling, hitting, or rubbing a dog’s nose in messes after chewing creates fear, not learning. Dogs don’t connect delayed punishment to their actions. This can increase anxiety and worsen behavioral problems.

Solution: Use positive training methods. Redirect and reward—never punish.

Leaving the Dog Unattended for Long Periods

American Bullies are social dogs. Leaving them alone for extended periods without toys, stimulation, or companionship often leads to anxiety-driven chewing.

Solution: Use dog-proof confinement (e.g., a durable crate or gated room) with appropriate chew toys. Consider dog-walking services or pet cameras for remote engagement.

Neglecting Dental Care

Some owners think chewing will handle all dental needs. While it helps, it’s not a substitute for regular brushing, dental treats, or professional cleanings.

Solution: Combine chewing with a full dental hygiene routine for lasting health.

Recommended Chew Toys and Treats for American Bullies

With so many products on the market, choosing the right ones for a strong-jawed breed like the American Bully is vital. Here are some top-rated, vet-recommended options:

Always supervise your dog with any chew, no matter how durable. Even the toughest toys can break under extreme stress.

When Chewing Becomes a Problem: Signs to Watch For

While chewing is normal, red flags exist that indicate deeper behavioral or health issues.

Compulsive Chewing (Pica)

If your American Bully chews non-edible objects like wood, fabric, or rocks—even when proper chew toys are available—it may suffer from pica. This could signal:

• Nutritional deficiency
• Malabsorption disorders
• Chronic boredom
• Compulsive disorder

Contact your veterinarian if you notice unusually persistent or dangerous chewing patterns.

Self-Harm or Licking-Chewing Cycle

Sometimes, dogs chew at their paws, tail, or body. This is rarely about the same instinct as toy chewing. It could be due to allergies, skin conditions, or anxiety.

Inspect for signs of inflammation, hair loss, or infections. A behaviorist or vet dermatologist may be needed for diagnosis.

Aggressive Toy Possession

While chewing itself isn’t aggressive, chewing paired with guarding behavior (growling, snapping when a toy is touched) needs immediate attention. This could lead to dangerous interactions, especially in households with children.

Teach “drop it” and “leave it” commands early. If resource guarding escalates, seek professional help.

Long-Term Chewing: Beyond Puppyhood

Many owners assume that once their American Bully outgrows puppyhood, chewing stops. In reality, adult American Bullies often chew throughout their lives—especially the highly active and mentally engaged ones.

Adult chewing differs from puppy chewing in motivation:

• Less teething pain, more stress relief or mental engagement
• Preference for tougher, longer-lasting chews
• Increased selectivity (they’ll reject toys they don’t enjoy)

Continuing to provide stimulating chews into adulthood supports dental health, prevents destructive habits, and improves your dog’s quality of life.

Conclusion: Embracing the Chew—A Responsible Owner’s Guide

So, do American Bullies like to chew? Absolutely. Chewing is a natural, healthy, and instinctive behavior deeply rooted in their biology and psychology. Rather than trying to eliminate this behavior, responsible owners should embrace it—by redirecting it toward safe, durable, and appropriate outlets.

Understanding your American Bully’s chewing needs—whether due to teething, boredom, or stress—allows you to meet them effectively. With the right toys, consistent training, and sufficient mental and physical stimulation, chewing transforms from a nuisance into a positive, enriching part of your dog’s routine.

By investing time in managing this behavior early, you’re not just saving your furniture—you’re building a stronger, happier, and healthier relationship with your American Bully. After all, a dog that chews safely and happily is a dog that feels secure, loved, and understood.

For owners of this loyal and robust breed, managing chewing isn’t a chore—it’s an opportunity to connect, train, and nurture. So give your American Bully something tough to chew on, and watch with pride as they enjoy one of their most natural instincts—safely and appropriately.

Why do American Bullies chew so much?

American Bullies are naturally inclined to chew due to their strong jaws, high energy levels, and instinctual behaviors rooted in their ancestry. As descendants of working and guard dog breeds, they have a powerful bite and a need to use their mouths to explore and interact with their environment. Chewing helps relieve boredom, reduce stress, and satisfy their natural urge to gnaw, especially when they are not mentally or physically stimulated enough.

Additionally, puppies go through teething phases between 3 to 6 months of age, during which chewing helps alleviate the discomfort of new teeth emerging. Even adult American Bullies may continue to chew due to habit, anxiety, or insufficient training. Without proper guidance and appropriate outlets, this chewing can be misdirected toward furniture, shoes, or other household items, making it essential for owners to understand the root causes behind the behavior.

Is chewing a sign of aggression in American Bullies?

No, chewing is typically not a sign of aggression in American Bullies. Most often, it is a natural and normal behavior related to exploration, teething, stress relief, or excess energy. Dogs use their mouths to investigate their surroundings, and American Bullies, with their robust build and strong jaws, may seem more intense in their chewing habits, but this does not equate to aggressive tendencies.

True aggression in dogs is usually accompanied by body language such as growling, stiff posture, raised hackles, snapping, or avoidance behaviors. If chewing is paired with such signals, it may indicate fear or territorial behavior, but chewing alone is generally a neutral or positive activity. Proper socialization and training can help ensure that chewing remains a healthy habit rather than a symptom of deeper behavioral issues.

What type of chew toys are best for American Bullies?

When selecting chew toys for American Bullies, durability is key. These dogs have powerful jaws capable of destroying soft or low-quality toys quickly, so it’s best to choose toys made from tough rubber, nylon, or specially designed indestructible materials. Brands like Kong, West Paw, and GoughNuts offer products engineered to withstand aggressive chewers while being safe for teeth and gums.

Additionally, interactive and mentally stimulating toys, such as puzzle chews or treat-dispensing options, can keep American Bullies engaged and reduce destructive chewing. Rotating toys regularly helps maintain novelty and interest. Avoid toys that are small enough to be swallowed, have loose parts, or contain harmful chemicals. Always supervise your dog during chew sessions to ensure safety and effectiveness.

How can I stop my American Bully from chewing on furniture?

Preventing furniture chewing requires a combination of environmental management and behavioral redirection. Start by puppy-proofing your home: keep shoes, cords, and off-limit items out of reach, and use bitter-tasting deterrent sprays on furniture legs or other tempting surfaces. Consistently confine your dog to a safe area or crate when unsupervised to prevent access to destructible objects.

The most effective long-term solution is positive reinforcement. Provide your American Bully with an abundance of appropriate chew toys and reward them when they use them. If you catch your dog chewing on furniture, calmly redirect them to an approved chew item and praise them for switching. Patience, consistency, and regular training sessions reinforce good habits and significantly reduce unwanted chewing over time.

How much chewing is considered normal for an American Bully?

Chewing is a normal and healthy behavior for American Bullies, particularly during puppyhood and adolescence. Puppies may chew for hours a day as part of teething and exploration, while adult dogs may spend 15 to 30 minutes several times a day actively chewing on toys. The key is whether the chewing is directed at safe, acceptable items and done in moderation.

Excessive chewing—such as constant gnawing, destruction of multiple toys in a short time, or attempts to chew non-edible objects—can signal underlying issues like anxiety, boredom, or lack of exercise. Monitoring your dog’s chewing patterns and ensuring they receive adequate physical activity, mental stimulation, and social interaction can help keep their chewing within healthy limits.

Can chewing help with my American Bully’s anxiety?

Yes, chewing can be an effective self-soothing behavior for American Bullies experiencing mild anxiety or stress. The repetitive motion of gnawing helps release endorphins, which promote a sense of calm and satisfaction. Providing a durable chew toy during stressful situations—such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or separation—can give your dog a healthy outlet to manage their emotions.

However, chewing should not be the sole method for treating significant anxiety. If your dog exhibits extreme stress symptoms like pacing, drooling, destructive behavior, or house soiling, consult a veterinarian or professional dog behaviorist. Combining chew toys with structured training, environmental enrichment, and potentially medical intervention ensures a comprehensive approach to managing anxiety in American Bullies.

What should I avoid giving my American Bully to chew on?

Avoid giving your American Bully bones from cooked meals, especially poultry or pork bones, as they can splinter and cause serious internal injuries or choking hazards. Also steer clear of hard objects like antlers, hooves, or compressed rawhide, which can crack teeth or lead to gastrointestinal blockages if swallowed in large pieces. Sticks collected from outside pose risks of splinters, parasites, and contamination.

Additionally, avoid toys made with toxic materials, small parts that can be detached, or anything with rough edges that could damage the gums. Never let your dog chew on items like plastic bottles, rubber bands, or clothing, as these can lead to ingestion and medical emergencies. Always choose veterinarian-recommended, dog-safe chews specifically designed for powerful chewers like the American Bully.