My Boxer puppy (11 months) is tearing up all his stuffed toys and last night tore open a feather pillow (what a mess) and I swear he was laughing while he did it...
What to do? Space is limited for play, I walk him 3-4 (25-30min) walks a day....
2007-12-17 08:01:27 · 14 answers · asked by str8putter 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
sure , he has nylabones(3), kongs(2).. pull ropes , even another dog.. but at this point no yard to run and i am looking for day care, cuz I know he needs it..
2007-12-17 11:40:38 · update #1
Some dogs simply have great joy in tearing things up. I get lots of stuffed animals at garage sales for them to play with... strangely enough, I have no dogs who rip them to shreds the moment... however a soda pop box is DOOMED for destruction if either of the two boys manages to snag one. I consider stuffed animals, plastic soda bottles and soda pop boxes cheap entertainment for my troops.
2007-12-17 08:11:37 · answer #1 · answered by animal_artwork 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Boxers are really energetic dogs. You're doing the right things by walking him often. Is there a dog park or fenced in area where your puppy can run? As for the laughing part, I can sympathize. I have an 11-1/2 year old Beagle who is a terror! You might try a Kong for your Boxer. It's a hard chew toy that you can fill with peanut butter or treats. It keeps the dog busy and maybe it'll keep him away from your pillows. Good luck!
2007-12-17 16:10:31 · answer #2 · answered by la buena bruja 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're asking if he might grow out of this, he probably won't...Mine do this too - not just my big dog, but my chi too. I think it's something that they just do. Kind of like part of the carnivore in them. Both my dogs pull the arms, legs, eyes and then stuffing out of their squak toys. My big dog even schewed the knot off a rope toy. He may always pull the squeakers out of toys But with the pillows and other things, you need to put a stop to it. Give him lots of harder toys such as kongs, nylabones...other bones. It is hard to have destructive aggressive chewers...can be hard on the pocket book too. You will need to get him someplace that you can let him on a long, long line and throw a toy or something for him to get exercise
2007-12-17 16:22:51 · answer #3 · answered by Dog Bones and Apples 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the owner gives the pet lots of toys at one time,
or replaces the destroyed ones immediately,
some dogs (and other animals) become "spoiled",
and simply "don't care" about ruining them
(children are the same way!).
Instead, try giving your dog ONE toy
(preferably one that won't distintegrate easily,
which, BTW, could result in foam and other gunk
getting caught in your pet's throat and/or stomach,
which won't make either of you happy),
and play WITH your dog at the same time.
Each time he starts tearing at it,
just say in a firm voice, "NO!",
and take the toy away from him.
Wait a few moments, the resume the play,
stopping per the above, when necessary.
When play is done, put the toy out of his reach.
I know that sounds "cruel",
but the dog won't "see" it that way.
What he WILL realize,
is that if he overdoes his exuberant play,
he will not be allowed to have the toy.
He'll also associate YOU with the toy,
meaning that he won't be allowed to have any fun,
unless you're around,
and he certainly doesn't want to make you upset!
You'll be surprised at how quickly he'll get it!
2007-12-17 16:58:22 · answer #4 · answered by skaizun 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He will gradually mellow some but they are high energy dogs. Try hard balls, nylabones, kongs and tug of war toys. My son plays with his a log in the house with the small balls and tug of war and it really seems to help. BTW he will also dance and loves when we turn on the music. You definitely want to stop the destructiveness with constructive play. Doggie daycare and a dog park would be good. LOL!
2007-12-17 16:09:00 · answer #5 · answered by angels4siberians 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure you leave him lots of HIS toys down ( i mean lots) maybe even some chews. Could you find a playgroup you can take him to a couple times a month, or someone who has a pup he can play with a few times a week. Sounds as though he has to much pent up energy, so maybe more walks? Trips to the dog park?
If more exercise doesn't work they have "mellow mutt" dog treats put out by dogswell. I give dogswell treats to my dog, they are all natural and good for the dog. I gave him mellow mutt before it worked great!! It made him TO mellow as he wasn't a hyper dog before, i was hoping for barking although it did calm the barking, so did more exercise.
2007-12-17 16:10:12 · answer #6 · answered by Kristi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get him toys that aren't stuffed. Kongs, for example. You don't want to let him continue the habit of tearing up stuffed toys, not only because he will likely start after pillows and stuffed animals, but also because he can ingest the stuffing and that can cause medical problems.
2007-12-17 16:06:07 · answer #7 · answered by Nandina (Bunny Slipper Goddess) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Aussie performs "De-Squeaker" surgery on all of his stuffed toys (Tears the head or body part apart that contains the squeaker, then removes the plastic thing that squeaks and runs around the house with it).
We've resorted to only buying toys that don't squeak - His rope toy is now his favorite.
2007-12-17 16:11:06 · answer #8 · answered by Yo LO! Aussie Grins 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have to boxers of my own...it happens...get chew toys that are virtually indestructable but still feel good on the teeth...they are teething but unfortunately dont break a habit of it for almost three years...they love to just tear things up...play fetch outside...and have different toys for indoor and outdoor...eventually they will pick a fav toy and stick with it...mine did...but they definitely drove me crazy for a while...my shoes are proof...
2007-12-17 16:23:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
more than likely, he is not going to stop, so it is time to switch him from stuffed toys to hard rubber toys. Kongs are great for keeping pups busy and stimulated. We stuff with kibble and natural peanutbutter.
Our dogs are not stuffed toy friendly... they use kongs, ropebones, rubber balls and a favourite is a rubber chicken.
2007-12-17 16:14:38 · answer #10 · answered by willodrgn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋