Chewing behavior

Lilly is now one and still chews. She has lots of toys for playing and chewing, other dogs at home to play with (in and outside), and gets plenty of excerise. She has acres to play but is constantly dragging up items that she has chewed - like fence posts, flower pots, etc. I don't want to keep her crated during the day but how do we begin to correct that problem?

As for in-house chewing - she is a very sneaky chewier!! We do crate her if we have to be out of the room for a little while - but wonder if this is going to be a forever behavior?
Question Even if I don't catch her in the act - should I punish her?
Thanks for any suggestions
Lilly's mom

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Permalink Reply by Lou Ann Lemaster on January 4, 2009 at 10:35pm

If you don't catch her, don't punish her. She won't know what she is being punished for. Just keep a close eye on her as possible, and if you catch her with something she shouldn't have, take it away and give her something she shoud have. It's possible she may do this the rest of her life. Some dogs are chewers and some not. Is she getting enough exercise or something to keep her mind active? Lots of dogs chew out of boredom. You can get one of the balls that you put treats in, put a ration of her daily kibble in it, set the opening to let as few possible kibbles out, and let her roll it around the house. It will keep her active, give her a reward for her work and maybe distract her enough. Just be sure to get one of the larger ones or you will be chasing it out from under furniture, this suggestion comes from experience!

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Permalink Reply by Lucy Hicks on January 4, 2009 at 10:50pm

Thanks for your help. Lilly does have the kibble balls and she has learned to take it to an area that does not allow her ball to go under furniture. I am thinking that she may be a life time chewer! She will always have to be watched, but I will keep trying.
Thanks again

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Permalink Reply by Jessica on January 5, 2009 at 5:32pm

Have you tried the bitter apple or bitter yuck spray? Take her to your local petsmart or petco and ask one of the workers for a taste test. Usually she will hate one or the other. Sometimes dogs like the taste of both though, so make sure you get a yucky taste test for her first.