I have a 1 1/2 year old German shorthaired pointer mix {180lbs} I adopted him abused from the shelter 11 months ago. He was very nasty now he is sweet. He is chewing up everything in the house. He ate 2 sofas and my king-sized bed. He only does it when no-one is home. He has also eaten himself through 2 crates metal and plastic. I also have another dog who is his best buddy, so he is never completely alone. Sometimes he doesn't touch anything sometimes it looks like 20 dogs ahve been loose in my house when I come home. He has plenty of chewies and toys and alot of attention. He has also destroyed my carpet. He also follows me from room to room while I am home. Is this seperation anxiety? Should he be doing this with the other dog at home? What can I do?
2006-09-15 17:59:04 · 18 answers · asked by rivertoheaven 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yes he is having separation anxiety. He may also be bored if you are gone for a long period of time, which makes it worse. Do you play with him a lot? I mean really play - like exercise and throwing / fetching type. Do you give him lots of attention? It may be that he knows you are the one who rescued him but is afraid you will abandon him as he was once already. Dogs are pack animals, and you are the leader of that pack - replacing a leader in nature. I would discuss this problem with your vet or the rescue organization as they will have some good tips to try I am sure. Best wishes. (My animals are also from rescue, and they are fantastic!) We did have an issue at first, as our latest dog broke through the screen and jumped out the window (we had left it cracked not thinking and she nudged it up) and ran after us the first day that we left - we did not know it and she got picked up by someone who took her to the humane society - they were going to put her down - even with micro chip and collar attached - as she is dalmation/bull terrier mix. Sweetheart of a dog but the bull terrier part scared them it seems. A volunteer let us know and we got her back. If you ever lose an animal - GO there to look and make sure you check the back cages, don't take their word for it. Anyway, she had separation anxiety for a bit, but she settled down quickly after realizing she was home to stay.
2006-09-15 18:09:30 · answer #1 · answered by still learning at 56 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a lab that was similar.. only chewed when he was alone. We got a large crate (big enough for him to have LOTS of room, and put it in the middle of an unfinished basement.
It was never ever used as a punishment, so he didn't mind being put in. Then when we let him out, we praised him a ton.
Eventually we tried leaving him out of the crate while we ran to the store (30 minutes). We came back and everything was fine.
So I'm surprised you're saying that he's eaten through two crates already... that almost makes me think there's something else wrong. What does the vet say?
Any chance you can make him think he's alone, then spy on him and when you catch him chewing, either squirt him with a water bottle (do not let him see you) or throw a plastic bottle with some pebbles at his cage? Not designed to be mean, but he won't like the noise, and eventually he'll associate it with the chewing.
You just can't let him see where it's coming from when you throw the surprise at him.
Good luck... my sister had a German Short-hair, and she was the sweetest dog ever.
2006-09-15 18:05:02 · answer #2 · answered by princessmeltdown 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you love your dog then don't get rid of him. He's just a puppy and will eventually grow out of it. You need to supervise your dog better! That is the real problem, not the dog. Sounds like the dog is bored keep him stimulated with interactive toys such as buster cubes or kongs with peanut butter. Give him one of those large bones they sell at petsmart. You can also play games like hiding treats and toys for him! Beagles LOOOVE that. Be sure you are giving him enough exercise as well. That doesn't mean just a walk around the block. A tired puppy is a calm puppy. Also it would be good time to start doing some serious obedience with the dog. SUPERVISION is key!!! Have this dog always on a 6 ft leash attached to you or other family members. I would never leave a 6 months old puppy free roam of the entire house, that is asking for trouble! When you can't supervise him put him in a crate. If you don't have one....this will pretty much solve your problems.
2016-03-27 03:40:00 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know someone that has a German Short-Haired pointer. And it's 1 yr & 7 months old. But he is chewing everything in site; plus sneaking into her closet and chewing her good shoes. She has had this dog only about 1 week or less. She loves the dog and the dog loves her. But she doesn't like this dog chewing on her stuff! HELP! But she has to work all day for about 4 days a week. What do you suggest to tell her about her dog?
2014-07-26 15:22:36 · answer #4 · answered by Angel 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is separation anxiety. He has found someone he can love and trust and has decided he can't live without you. Since he is already over a year old you will have quite a bit of training to do. Since he chews up crates you also will need a lot of patience. Do not make plans to go out and buy any furniture for a while. His behavior can be corrected in time with frequent very short trips out of his sight to get him to understand that you always come back but you should seek the advice of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to guide you through it because you have a difficult job ahead.
2006-09-15 18:06:33 · answer #5 · answered by twistedmouse 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sisters dog (from a shelter) did the exact same thing. He had another dog with him too. He was lonely and wanted attention. They left the tv on for him when they left and that helped. Also, they started taking them for walks before and after work and that helped too. The chewing up period only lasted a short time.
2006-09-15 18:02:07 · answer #6 · answered by julez 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs teeth like humans do when the teeth are coming in. Also when they are teens. they do it also as a natural habit. Our dog did it because he was bored. We could not leave anything out in his veiw. So you need to get him RAW HIDE, shaped like a bone or flat. Its sort of pricy but much longer lasting and better for the teeth.... at a good Pet store. The bigger the better depending on the dogs age, breed and mouth size. Most toys for animals these days are much better. those balls that can never be totalled ect. I miss getting my dog chew toys. My ex has him now and never lets me see him.boo hoo. Can you send me a pic of him. I collect animal photos?
girlymom
2006-09-15 18:12:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog is not bored. Even though you give him plenty of attention when your home, he is insecure. He is going through seperation anxiety,just like a child. Why don't you try getting him another dog to play with while you are not at home. Animals need social companionship to.
2006-09-15 18:13:41 · answer #8 · answered by rahlyd swamp muffin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it sounds like seperation anxity! He is bonded to you and gets worried that your not coming home when you leave! Since he was hurt he needs reasuring that you'll come back. When you leave give him a kong toy or a bone filled with peanut butter and try to slip out the door without any comotion, when you come home ignor him until he calms down and then praise him. He'll learn that you come back and there is no reason to get exited!
2006-09-15 18:03:25 · answer #9 · answered by pharfly1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is bored and needs to be walked at least 3 times a day a dog that size needs a big as s yard.
2006-09-15 18:01:23 · answer #10 · answered by Jinx 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋