How do I break my 6 year dog, that I just adopted 5 months ago, from tearing holes in comforters. I have tried time out, making her wear the blanket around her neck because the hole fit over her head for 20 minutes, and not allowing her on the bed. Help me this is getting expensive.
By Linda
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
I doubt your dog understands that what he has done, in your world, is wrong. Dogs chew for many reasons-anxiety, boredom etc. He may have a problem and chewing is a result of his anxiety. He does not connect your "time outs or hanging the comforter around his neck" as a penalty for his chewing. He does not understand your frustration and is probably upset by your treatment.
www.aspca.org/
My dog likes to pull the stuffing out of comforters.Also eats the pillow top of my bed. I spray a solution of wayer and vinagar on them she doesn't like the bitter taste.
I agree that none of your punishments will tell your dog "I don't like you chewing comforters." Time-outs work for human kids because they give the child a chance to think about what they did and why it was wrong. For a dog, it just tells them you're in a bad mood and need your space. Hanging the comforter over the neck is considered play, and forbidding the dog to be on the bed is a whim of yours, according to the dog. Nothing addresses the issue.
Dogs frequently chew from built-up energy. High-energy dogs require an hour walk a day. It can be split up into two thirty-minute walks. Low-energy breeds require a half-hour walk per day. Playing in the yard or at home is not a substitute.
Make sure your dog has large bones to chew on in every room it spends time in.
Don't physically remove a dog from something they're chewing on. Tell them to "drop it," then walk towards the item and take a stance in front of it blocking the dog with your body. When the dog gives up and does something else, take the item back to where it's supposed to be. Never yell or show anger and don't use the pet's name.
I have experienced this behavior in two dogs - one had been severely abused and one was rescued from a puppy mill. Two things that helped were:
1. Pheromone spray which helps calm the dog and prevents stress-related behavior (can be purchased at Drs. Foster & Smith.com), and 2. Always having a chew stick for them available 24/7. I use made-in-the-USA pizzle stix (also called bully sticks). These are much cheaper purchased online than at pet stores.
Apple vinegar sprays on comforter helps. Also to keep her from other valuables, she needs toys to chew on.
Poor dog, she doesn't know what is precious to you, like your comforters. She only knows it's fun to chew.
All animals all come with their own personalities and some love to chew.
Maybe Pet Smart or your vet can give you suggestions, a spray to put on your comforters? to dissuade the temptation of your dog even wanting to chew on particular items?
Or, close your bedroom door so your dog cannot get to the comforters.
Another option would be to take some time and reward her for chewing on "her toys", and firmly saying no as you point to the comforter. After several days of rewarding her for ONLY chewing on her toys, she'll probably understand that one is an off limit item, while her toys are a good rewarding thing to chew on.
Please be kind, dogs never forget, and if you really do love your dog, and want to keep her, and have her love you like you've never been cherished before, you will only be able to do the right thing by her, which is to (help her understand) the difference.
My service dog in traing is 15 months old, and has destroyed every blanket I have with chewing holes. I do not always catch him doing it, but always just turn the blants under where he has chewed them. He sleeps with us in the king size bed as one of his primary jobs to learn signs of my sleep when I am experiencing
Enjoy it if your dog sleeps with his head on your shoulder. My dog starts licking my face, then barking loudly.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
