Comment

Comment by Leia (aka Princess Leia) on June 24, 2008 at 9:17am

Thanks for the input!

Comment by Sam on June 24, 2008 at 9:06am

Some dogs are more aggressive chewers then others. Some react far more to the teething process. Some need much more of an energy outlet both mind and body. Raising pups while working is no easy task and one that generally involves lapses in potty training as well as things getting chewed. Typically both will subside as the pup ages. Adding more exercise will be most helpful. Adding a training class will also be of great benefit. While it wont change the chewing habits it will offer an outlet for training the mind and offering more exercise to the body. The results will also make you a much more savvy dog owner. Remember that dogs have no clue if they are being "disciplined" after the fact. Redirection needs to come at the moment for a dog to understand. Having access to the yard and having another dog really faction in little to the equation at this time. You have a young and energetic pup that is bored. Destruction is often the result. Time, patience and a better outlet for the energies will be most helpful.

Comment by Arang&Mark on June 24, 2008 at 12:36am

i think crate training is fine because they do sleep for so much of the day, but if you dont think your pup will like it, maybe a larger playpen? that way, your pup wont have access to everything you own, or a wall, and still have enough space to move around. maybe you can set it up around the doggie door, so if she does need to go out she can, but she isnt going to be chewing on anything not appropriate while you are gone.

Comment by Sam Tsang on June 23, 2008 at 11:01pm

Teething! your pup is trying to ease the pain by chewing your belongings, it is very normal, since you don't want him to chew your stuff, provide toys so that it'll occupy him when you're not around. Crate training is the way to go, dogs are den animal and they're totally fine with it, teach them to associate the crate as their safe heaven and shelter, they'll learn to love it. Just so you know, when we first got vienna 6 years ago, she chewed through our wooden baby gate 3 times, she also took a big chunk of my baseboard, drywall and speckle as well, so don't feel bad, he'll grow out of it.

Comment by Karen & Bailey on June 23, 2008 at 10:12pm

its probably a combination of puppyhood (teething) and boredom ( = destruction). I have the same situation with Bailey (my commute is 45 min and am not able to visit during lunchtime 4 days a week), but i wet his stuffed hippo, freeze it and he gets it as a chew toy during hte day along with some other safe natural rubber toys. but..im finding out he sleeps 70% of the time im gone..... but he did trry to chew the baseboard, but that has stopped and he didint get far (i lucked out -bailey is not a tough chewer - hes really good with his toys), i suggest getting some type of product to stop it (maybe some bitter apple spray?) or perhaps a new enclosure without corners - did she get through via a corner.. or she actually dug through? anyways, either that or arrange for someone to come by during the day jus tt oplay for her for an hour or two (my friend stops between class breaks by since shes still in school nearby).

good luck! I know how you feel.. I walked in one day to have bailey had crashed hard enough to topple the baby gate and he was roaming free in the kitchen but had gone through the recylce box and shredded paper like crazy (thank GOODNESS it wasnt the garbage and thank GOODNESS I closed the kitchen door just in case. needless to say, i invested in a better baby gate. =)

oh yea! and Maybe actually playing fetch with her in the house to just plain tire her out before you leave for work (what bialey and i do), and take her for at least a 20 minute walk in the morning to tire her out too!

the only thing im not understanding is that she does have a playmate and access to the yard (bailey does not have this) and is still doing it.... maybe the more experienced and knowledgeable can chime in on this. I think the biggest factor (more so than her being sad your gone is that she is BORED!)