Why does my dog chew everything but his toys? How can I stop it?

I'm so sorry you're going through this with Max. Unfortunately, young dogs have a lot of energy that can become destructive if they don't have any other outlet for it. The simplest short term solution might be to crate Max during the day while you're gone, but I think the best long term solution will be to find appropriate outlets for his energy. One of my favorite things for young dogs are feeding balls and toys such as a BusterCube. You can feed his entire meal in it, which will take him a while and require him to "play" more. I would also strongly recommend some additional training classes. It sounds simple, but my dog is 2 years old and he is always tired (and better behaved) for a day after an obedience class because he really worked his mind. I would also consider a doogy care care or dog walking service. That can make a world of difference. I hope that gives you some ideas. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Usually these behaviors can be corrected but this usually needs in person training by a qualified dog trainer. I recommend you consider hiring a qualified dog trainer to work with you in person. You can try using positive reinforcement by focusing on the positive meaning when he listens to you and stops chewing you start rewarding him with treats and praise. Most of the time when that is done consistently, it tends to help significantly. Good luck and have a good day!

Sorry to hear that Volt is chewing up things she shouldn't. Chewing can occur for a variety of reasons including boredom, changes in the environment, or wanting attention. Obviously the best way to avoid chewing on specific things is to keep them out of reach while also providing positive reinforcement when chewing the right things, Additionally, I have notice that the more appropriate chew toys they have the more they tend to chew in general, so limiting her chewing to just a couple of things may be beneficial to reduce chewing in general. I would also recommend increasing her exercise and personalized attention in order to distract her away from chewing behavior. Always a difficult problem, but if you need more help, please set up a consult and we can discuss further, Take care and thank you, Dr, Steve Popish

Kailana is adorable! Thanks for including some pictures. I certainly understand and sympathize with your situation. I have one younger dog that has a lot of destructive energy and loves to destroy everything. I have a few suggestions for you that have helped me. First, find things that will keep her mouth busy. One thing that people think of first is treats that keep them busy for a longer period of time. This does seem to help. You can use long lasting treats like a Kong filled with peanut butter, yogurt, treats, etc and frozen so it takes longer for her to eat. My dog also really like Bully Sticks which I also freeze to make them last a little longer. Keep her mentally and physically busy during meal times. I love using a feeding balls like a Buster Cube or Tricky Treat ball to feed meals in. It keeps my dog busy for at least 5-10 minutes at each meal and requires him to work. And speaking of working. I have found that my dog is the most tired after we have done a good round of training. Even if you have done a basic obedience class, I would consider trying an advanced class, a nose work class, a tricks class, etc. And if taking a class isn't an option right now, work on training at home. When she goes on walks, make her sit at each corner before she crosses the street. It sounds simple, but additional mental stimulation can go a long way. Playing with other dogs is a great outlet for energy. If you haven't tried it yet, look into your local dog park or doggy daycare center. Sending my youngest dog to daycare once a week has made a huge difference. There are a number of interactive dog games and toys available now. Outward Hound makes a number of toys that your dog has to figure out a puzzle of some type before they get a treats. Here are some ideas for those. https://www.petco.com/category/dog/dog-toys/interactive-dog-toys/dog-puzzle-toys-and-games I have not tried the Clever Pet yet, but it is an electronic interactive toy that I am intrigued about. https://clever.pet And finally, give her appropriate things to destroy. My dog loves paper towel rolls and cardboard boxes. I also get toys that he loves to destroy, so he can get that destructive energy out. So, I think the key is to vary her activities daily and include a wide range of physical and mental stimulation. Be sure to be creative to tire her out on a regular basis and help everyone keep their sanity. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Unfortunately this is a common problem in puppies, but luckily there are many things you can do to help stop it. Redirecting him to appropriate toys and providing praise for when he chooses the correct things to chew on can help. Go to https://veterinarypartner.vin.com and type Destructive Chewing by Puppies and Dogs and Bones are Unsafe for Your Dog, No Bones about It in the search bar for more information. Also see the link below for training tips: https://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/how-to-prevent-damage-from-a-destructive-dog/

I am so sorry that you are experiencing these problems with destructive behaviour with Luther. I am sure it is very upsetting for you. First of all rest assured that this is a very normal puppy and young dog behaviour. Puppies learn through oral exploration and it is part of our role as pet parents to help them learn limits. The behaviours will calm down with age. In general the goals will also be increased exercise and mental stimulation. I would not attempt negative reinforcement such as striking Luther or speaking harshly as this will potentially create more serious behaviour issues such as anxiety and fear-aggression. Try some calm corrections and positive reinforcement. If Luther destroys something, simply say in a calm voice "no" and stop interacting with him for a few moments. This over time will teach him that chewing is not a desired form of play. Also try reinforcing him as she starts to play in a good way by not chewing inappropriate things, and giver him a small training treat. You can also try increasing her exercise and mental stimulation. These help with behaviour issues. Redirection to more appropriate activities or games will also help Other games which may be fun with Luther are hide and go seek either with you and another person, or you hide his toys and he has to find them. Or classic fetch. I would also suggest a dog appeasing pheromone diffuser such as this one to help calm him; www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=32887 Here are some resources to help; https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-tips-to-help-prevent-destructive-chewing/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/10-ways-to-stimulate-your-dog-s-brain/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-5-toys-gadgets-for-your-dog/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/benefits-of-maintaining-an-active-lifestyle-for-your-pet/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-common-myths-about-dog-aggression/ I hope this was helpful!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sadly this is a puppy and or breed problem that MOST dogs eventually outgrow. Everything he could chew on should be put away or removed until this phase of puppy-hood is over. The family needs to learn to put their shoes in the closet. All plants should be put up on furniture or shelves. All exposed wires should be hidden or blocked with baby gates. When Damon can not be 100% watched he should be crated for his own safety or penned in a dog play pen or gated in a room that is puppy proofed. Make sure he gets plenty of exercise with walks and one on one play or sign him up for doggie day care during the day. Most chewing occurs out of boredom. Sign him up for training classes or start teaching him "leave it" and be sure he knows how to come when called. This is going to take time and patience and everyone doing their part to prevent injury to their belongings and to Damon. I hope this helps and I wish you the best!