How do i stop my dog from eating everything in my house?

Question

I have a 3 year old german shepard/golden retreiver. She eats everything from the contents of the trash can to coats. I have tried showing her what she has destroyed and smaking her nose with the item to spraying things with various products. Nothing is working. She has about 100 different toys so i know she is not lacking of chew toys. Please help

Answer 1

Crate train your dog or restrict it to a dog proofed room whenever you are not around. Showing the dog after the fact and punishing it will do absolutely no good and you may end up with a fear aggressive dog to boot.

Answer 2

Your dog needs a good amount of training. At 3 years he has found he can do as he pleases and does so. You must see your dog doing the deed in order to reprimand him, otherwise he has no clue why you showed him some thing and hit him. Is your dog an indoor only dog, as in when you leave the house does he stay inside? If so, you should look into locking him in a smaller room, or even crate train him, although crate training should not be used when leaving you dog for more then a few hours. First and foremost you must show your dog you are in charge. Second you must get some basic commands set, sit, stay come. Stay should work for at least a 5 minute stay. Then use items that are yours but are tempting to the dog and put them in his reach, reprimand him if he tries to go for it. Keep doing it until he gives up. Another thing, move all items away from you dog that you do not want him getting into.

Answer 3

First is crate-train him. Buy a crate that is big enough to for him to turn around, lie down etc. Fill it with toys and a nice soft pillow/blanket and put it in a safe, warm quiet spot in the house. This is his 'den' so to speak and will keep him safe (really--eating things can cause blockages or punctures in his intestines/stomach and kill him or poison him) and your house from getting destroyed. It is not cruel as wolves seek out dens in nature. When you can't supervise him or you're leaving the house he goes in his crate (remember don't leave him in there too long he will need to go the bathroom). They explore there environment with their mouths when young (like babies who put everything in their mouths). Dogs also chew to alleviate boredom. After that, supervise him all the time. When he goes to approach paper/plastic (don't wait till he's eating him--catch him as he starts sniffing it etc.) say 'BAAAHHHH' all growly-like (simulates a growl that dogs give to each other to warn of inacceptable behaviour). Keep doing this--eventually he will get the idea that that is not acceptable. DON'T chase him etc. to get something he has taken--it turns into a game of tag and will further reinforce it because he's getting attention even if it's negative. Also do some 'puppy-proofing' put all the plastic/paper in securely locked cabinets or up high and out of reach. The final component is to divert his energy and redirect his behaviour. Daily exercise of at least an hour is a must--if he is tired after a long jog or walk or a run in the dog park or fetch he doesn't have all this extra energy that can get him into trouble. Dogs also need to go places---can you imagine spending your entire life staring at the same four walls and the same backyard fence and never leaving the house? I bet you'd go nuts too. I know I would. If he's looking for attention teach him what to do to get your attention---teach him some obedience or that lying quietly will get a belly rub etc. You also have to teach him what he can chew---when he chews on his toys praise him. On a medical note the lack of appetite could be related to all his paper/plastic eating--take him to a vet. He could also suffer from pica--a disorder that causes uncontrollable urges to eat non-food items. As far as diet goes--pick a high quality dog food. Feed the dog twice a day and put the food down for say 30 minutes tops. If he doesn't eat during that time too bad--- pick up the bowl and he'll have to wait till the next feeding time to eat. Let him go hungry for a bit---hunger works wonders. Obviously if he begins to lose drastic amounts of weight stop and consult a vet.

Answer 4

If you take your dog to doggie training you will find a big difference. You might want to see about crate training her as well. When you go out she thinks if she destroys somthing you will give her attention. She does not realize the difference between good and bad just attention. If she is doing it even when you are there, put her in her crate for a time out sort of speak. She will get better. Remember when you go out keep her crated. This is good for her it give her a sence of security as well as for you and your house. lol

Answer 5

Spray bitter apple (available in pet stores) on things that he regularly goes for. Also, training classes really work.

Answer 6

beat it i know it sounds cruel but how do u think they used to train dogs come on. when it breaks somthing show it whos boss and then throw it out side and ignore it. dont be nice to it an hour later when it forgives you and comes by wagging its tail. walla obidient dog

Answer 7

Get rid of the dog and get a cat ... it's cheaper!

Answer 8

put her in her dog house and dont let her out until she learns her lesson