Chewing Doberman Pinscher?

Question

My husband and I adopted an dobie from our local humane society. When we got her she was abused and malnurished, besides this she was all around healthy when we took her to our vet. She seems to like my husband more even though I am with her most of the day. My problem is that when ever we leave her alone, She chews and eats my things, even though we keep her well stocked with chew toys and everything imaginable. Every thing that she has eaten she has digested. I have done my best to keep my things away from her, But she still finds something. I have diciplined her but it doesn't matter. Does anyone have any other suggestions on what I can do to prevent this. I am worried that she will stop digesting and end up very ill.
Thank You

Thank You so much for all of your answers.
Just to let you all know. I have never diciplined Riley (my dog) unless I have caught her. She doesn't only chew when we leave but also if I am in the basement (which she is terrified of) doing laundry or something.

Answer 1

Congrats on your new pup!!!

I would advise in this case, for your dogs safety, you should be crating while you are not home. It's only a matter of time before your dog ingests something harmful, maybe even fatal.

Crating is not cruel or inhumane. It will give the dog a sense of security while you are gone. Make it comfy with blankets and toys. Even more effective then a chew toy, is a "kong" (available at any pet supply store) filled with peanut butter and kibble, frozen ahead of time. It will last longer and keep the dog's attention as she works for the treat.

When you first begin crating, begin your absences in small incrimments, 1 minute, 3 minutes, 7 minutes. Increasing gradually. Some dogs find it soothing to have television or radio on while you are gone.

Keep the crate in a room in the house the dog is familiar with, such as the living room or kitchen as opposed to the basement. While at home, occassionally toss goodies into the crate for her to find, so she associates the crate, with good things and not necessarily with your leaving.

There are lots of resources available on the subject of separation anxiety and crating.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You are going to have to either crate her or block her off to just certain areas of your home when she cannot be supervised.

We have 4 dobes, and only one of them, a female, will steal anything she can get her mouth on. She is crated when we are not home.

WalMart has an inexpensive hard rubber chew toy that resembles a Kong. It is shaped like a fire hydrant with a hole in the bottom so you can put treats in it. I recommend the large Milk Bones, as they fit real tight and they have to work to get it. This has help my female alot, as she gets the satisfaction of chewing (something she is allowed to chew) and also a treat. We've had the chew toys for 4 1/2 years, and even my male hasn't been able to destroy it!!!

Answer 3

You can never, ever discipline a dog for doing something wrong if you don't catch them in the act. She will have no idea what she's done wrong, she only knows she can't trust you. It sounds like you haven't had her long enough to have established any real bond. If you want her to be closer to you, you need to feed her, walk and play with her, groom her and do a little obedience work with her, making sure you keep it fun and use lots of praise. She'll learn to trust you as well as gain confidence in herself which will make her a better behaved dog.

For the time being, though, for her own safety (and the sake of your things) you really need to keep her in either a crate or a 4' x 4' exercise pen when you're gone. As she starts to become more confident, she'll become more trustworthy and you can try leaving her loose in the house when you know you'll only be gone for a short time and see how she does.

Answer 4

It's so great that you've adopted a dog! What she's doing is showing yout hat she's not ready for total, unsupervised freedom in your house. Time for a crate for this dog. Remember that disciplining a dog "after the fact" - that is, well after they've chewed a table leg, or whatever it is that they've decided to chew, and then when you discover the chew marks later....the dog will never make the connection between your very late punishment and his actions of several minutes' or hours previous to your reaction. This fact is not just "one dog trainer's opinion" - it's been proven. I've linked to some articles for you to read, but I also believe that a crate for your dog while she's unsupervised will greatly help your peace of mind!
Hope I helped.

Answer 5

I have the same dog. He used to do the same thing, chewed on leather, shoes, table legs, and the couch. Finally I put him in a room with just his bones and chew toys. Nothing else. This seemed to work as long as I was not gone a while. Like a whole day. I hope you find the way to stop her.

Answer 6

Try doing a search on google for a dog help forum, there are a lot out there and are very helpful. It sounds like she just wants to chew something of yours, so I think the suggestion of putting her in a room with nothing BUT her own chew toys is your only option until you find the root of the problem. Good luck.

Answer 7

There are many ways to keep your puppy from chewing on things. Try giving your pet something it will enjoy chewing like flavored nylon bones, or hard rubber balls. You can also put Listerine mouthwash on things you want your pet to avoid chewing. Only repeat the Listerine if your pet backslides. On the first day, put some Listerine on the puppies nose.

Answer 8

watch nationals geographic's dog whisperer! that guy has every situation that dogs do fixed in no time. It is also sold at bestbuy. The season is awesome. Good luck