need advice with our 1yr old dog

our dog is so destructive, we try everything to make it stop!! she does not chew on furniture or anything like that ... BUT she always grabs articles of clothing, or something that she knows isnt hers.. then destroys it!

i almost think she does it out of boredom, if DH and I dont pay attn to her for a whole 5 min... you see her with something in her mouth

we try to punish her by yelling "NO" then putting her in the crate for some time out... but it doesnt seem to phase her.

any ideas ?? TIA!!

Re: need advice with our 1yr old dog

My Puppy does this also. We have bought so many chew toys for her and for some reason, she likes the entertainment rack so much better!! - LOL.

When we see her doing this, we say "No" and automatically start grabbing her toys and try to distract her. It seems to work most of the time, but I have a feeling it's just something they need to grow out of.

IMO, I would not put her in the crate as punishment though if that is where she sleeps. You want the crate to be her "safe" place and not be known as the "oh sh*t I am in trouble" place if you know what I mean.

Re: need advice with our 1yr old dog

well , I wouldnt necessarily put her in the crate to punish her. You dont want her to develop a negative experience with going in the crate.

Its important that everytime she gets something forbidden , you use the firm no, take it away and give her something she is allowed to chew. Show her what is off limits and what is allowed. ALWAYS praise her and give her plenty of attention when se is chewing her toys.

Also - it wouldnt be a bad idea to teach her the "leave it" command. I found this website

Leave It

also if she seems to get bored of her toys, rotate them. put some away for a couple of days. Or entice her to shew it. Make it exciting. throw it up in the air, etc

hth

Message edited 1/24/2008 9:37:21 AM.

Re: need advice with our 1yr old dog

thanks so much ladies for you opinions... maybe the crate idea isnt a good one... i never thought of that!!

she does not sleep there at night , the crate is when we are not home (because of the destroying!)

i will try your advice ! thanks!!

Re: need advice with our 1yr old dog

Get her something she will really love to chew...we ended up with Chew Hooves. They aren't dangerous, take forever to chew and Misty loves them.
We have three or four at any given time and she goes from them to other toys...but they are by far her fave.

Re: need advice with our 1yr old dog

Kong toy, according to size of dog, smear with peanut butter and freeze then give to her..she will play with toy for hours. If she does not sleep in the crate and it is only used when you are away which is what I do with my dog as she is also destructive I would put her in the crate when she is caught doing something, however, only for 5 minutes... I would hold the item up and say no, when she is in the crate. eventually she will get it. When you see her about to do something, give a stern "drop it", and when she does, praise her and give her a toy.