my small dog is getting to be a destructive chewer?

Question

she especially likes to bite zippers and just ruined my winter coat and the couch covers, she is also chewing on the chairs. and she bites my clothes,

She is 16 months old. Is it possible I need to get her to a dr dentist?

how do I get her to just chew on her bones. I have 4 kinds, play, peanut butter flavored and 2 others.

Answer 1

Dogs will continue to have the urge to chew until they are at least 3 yrs old. The puppy teeth are gone, but the adult teeth are still shifting into proper place within the jaw line, thus creating the urge to chew still.

Best thing you can do is confine your dog when you are not able to monitor her behavior and address issues of chewing things that are not allowed.

Also might try a kong stuffed with peanut butter or treats to keep her busy too.

Answer 2

I have a Golden Retriever who had the same problem. Anything she could possibly wrap her mouth around it was chewed to bits - chairs, tables, window sills, shoes, clothes, drywall!!

You're dog might be teething which in itself is a problem, because it feels good on her gums to chew.

Invest in toys such as the kong. You can stuff it w/ peanut butter and treats and let her figure out how to get them out. There are other toys that help her exercise such as the kong ball. The only way to get the treats out is roll or bounce it.

You're dog alos needs LOTS of exercise. Even small dogs have excess energy. Take her for long walks 2-3 times a day if possible or let her just run around for about 30 minutes outside. That will help with a lot of behavioral problems.

To teach her the difference between your things and her things you have to treat her. When she's chewing your your belongings take them away and give her a bone - something enticing so she'll take it. After a few minutes pet her and treat her. Nothing overly exciting so you don't draw her away from the bone.

When you catch her playing and chewing on her own things pet and treat her again.

Purchase the bitter apple spray to use on your chairs and tables. Make sure that all shoes, coats and clothing is properly put away and out of reach so she isn't tempted during this time of training. The bitter apple has a gross taste that dogs don't like, you can also use cayanne pepper as a deterant.

This will take time and patience but you're going to have you little dog for YEARS you don't want holes in your things for the duration of the dogs life? Teach her now and be consistant.

While you are unable to watch her put her in a play pen, or block off a certain part of the room for her. If you're running around and dusting or cleaning purchase a long leash (15' - 50') to tie around your waist. This not only will help you keep an eye on her but helps to build a bond between you and your dog. You can practice other exercises as well such as sit and down. You can teach her heel while you're doing this also.

Good Luck

Answer 3

There are tons of different kinds of chewies available - bully sticks, pig ears, rawhides - the Merrick company distributes the more "natural" kinds in my experience (no dyes) which is a good thing.
I'd not let her out unsupervised. When you have noticed a behavior like this developing, it's best to manage things to stop it right away. Crate her or put her in an X-pen, or a room where she has nothing to chew on but the safe things that you've gotten for her. Don't let her develop the habit of ruining your things - the behavior is not going to go away if she can get away with it. Give her those chewies in her crate or confined area.

Answer 4

With destructive behavior, if you cannot be watching her at all times, you should confire her to a crate or somewhere safe during those times. While you are keeping an eye on her and she still chews, think of how mothers in a pack would discipline. Gently grab them by the scruff and shake while telling her no. Take away the undesired chew item and replace it with something she can chew. When she starts chewing on the desired chew toy, give her praise to teach her that is alright to chew. Eventually she'll learn which items she gets disciplined for and which or good.

Answer 5

I had the same problem with my Lab. Chewed every thing! Went to my vet, he tells me my dog is bored. I started more activities with him, walks, car rides and playing fetch with a stick or ball. But, he still chewed, when he was alone in the house. I even went as far as crating him. Especially when we had to leave the house. It worked pretty well. He was safe, and my house was in one piece when I got home! Crating is good, it won't hurt your dog or his/her feelings. Crates are like a big cage with a door on it. You pick one out where you think the dog will be comfortable in. Not too small, you have to let the dog move around. Put a blanket in, bowl of water, and a couple of his bones, that's it. Let the dog out while some one is home to watch him. If he starts chewing on any thing while he is out, put him back in his crate and scold him in a stern voice. Put him in his crate before you leave to go some where. To me crates make a great training tool for any problem dog. Hope this helps!

Answer 6

Ok, I cant help you with your coat problem except to put it up higher. When you catch your puppy starting to chew the couch, spank her nose gently and say to her face"No, bad!" And then spank her on her nose again. Whith the chairs, same thing. But there is a kind of oil I think that tastes bad to them but its invisible on things.