I have a black Lab and Pit Bull mix. I can't figure out how to stop her from eating up my house when I am gone.
By darlene from Warren, MI
Put her in a dog crate. The crate should be big enough for her to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. You can buy dog crates at Wal-mart, Kmart or maybe you can find a used one on craigslist.com or on e-bay. Most dogs get used to their crates and actually feel safer in them. Good luck (06/12/2009)
Yep, you need to crate. We thought we could shut my rattie in one room during the day to cut down on the chewing. We came home to shredded carpet. The vet recommended wood floors and crating. I had never crated before and so I thought it seemed cruel at first. We gave it a shot because we were desperate. Turns out Dunkin loves his crate. He goes in on his own when he thinks I'm heading out.
Tracey in Jacksonville, FL (06/12/2009)
By Tracey Ihle
You could try leaving a radio on and a lot of toys. I have some toys that I fill with meat, cheese, and/or dog food. I freeze these and leave for the dog's entertainment. Also, my dog is much less apt to chew if he's had a walk. Even a short walk works for him. (06/13/2009)
By Janet
Walking does help some. We were already walking our rattie half an hour a day when he shredded our carpet. I was walking Dog Whisperer style, fast paced with no stops. It didn't so much help with his chewing but he did have better behavior in other areas. My Dunkin is just neurotic with the separation anxiety. No amount of toys or treats would help. Crating protects him from himself too. There is no telling how much stuff he would ingest on the loose unsupervised and our house is pretty much doggie proof. They get sneaky and creative when they have 8 hours to kill.
Tracey in Jacksonville, FL (06/13/2009)
By Tracey Ihle
Do marker training with a dog crate. It is so fun. Get the wire kind and not too small. See leerburg.com for more information....basically marker training is sitting by the crate and having a cut of piece of hot dog in your hand, (lots of small pieces). You say crate, and move the hot dog into the crate.
Crate is the only way to go. They complain at first, but they have to learn you are the one in charge. It is not cruel. Hating the dog because he is a mess and turning him into the shelter is worse than teaching him boundaries.
Lots of love and good luck! Robyn (06/13/2009)
By Robyn Fed
A reminder: crates make a dog feel successful because it controls his behavior and sets him up for success. Like while you are doing the dishes, crating him keeps him from getting told "no" all the time. Don't let whining stop you from crating they will eventually accept it. Wire crates are great. Try signing up for freecycle.org. I got a ferret cage for free on there, and ferret cages are expensive! (06/13/2009)
By Robyn Fed
Get him a large Kong Toy, stuff the inside edges with peanut butter, and freeze it. When you go out, give him the frozen Kong with peanut butter. He will stay occupied trying to lick all the peanut butter out of that Kong for a long time. I also use round marrow bones from the butcher. They love to chew on those for hours. (06/13/2009)
By Nan Corpe
I was reluctant at first to use a crate for my dog when we're at my boyfriend's house, but she loves it! She goes in on her own and it helps her with her anxiety and the issues she was having. (06/15/2009)
By Amy
For the love of dog! Get him some toys. They work wonders. <3
(06/16/2009)
<p class="art"> By Benji
Can your dog see out the windows? Mine did the same thing until I made sure she knew how to jump up on an old chair so she could see outside. Once she got the idea she quit tearing up the house. (06/26/2009)
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