- May 15, 2014
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We have had dogs for years, we had one dog, a Blue Healer that had to be put down because of a medical problem that we had for 17 years and another breed for 20 years. My son is a sort of trainer, in that he can train to commands and do a good job. This dog is so sweet and the chewing is the only problem. We have a metal gate that we got at PetSmart. We used it for our other dogs. We have a pit/husky that is well trained and very good. We also have a chihuahua/Pom and other than flighty, he is good. This dog, the chewer is never left alone for longer than it takes to go shopping (an hour or so) or out to eat. She has never been in for 6-8 hours. Yes, we have always crate trained our dogs. I did tell my DDIL that I though she is not getting enough exercise, because she is only about a year old, still a pup (to my thinking), but, I don't know. We though that because She was the only one in the crate so we left her out---big mistake. So we put her in the crate the next time, and she forced her way out thru the bottom rungs on the door. Other wise she is free to roam the house when we are home which is most of the time, I am retired and don't leave the property much. My DDIL is the one that leaves and it is her dog, I have noticed that when she is gone, the dog is destructive, and has never done anything when she is home. We use the crate for punishment, now. When we first got her we expected some type of odd behavior but this is ridiculous. I think we will pick up the Bitter Apple or maybe some Hot Sauce. She is the only dog we have had that has been this bad. Don't think she has Pica (?) but, it could be an extreme case of that....we do have toys, which she has pretty much mangled now. On another note, will feral cats attach chickens?Do you give the dog something to chew on inside the crate? What type of crate do you have? Metal or plastic?
More information is always better than the bare minimum.
There are quite a few of us on here who have dealt with dogs who have had problems, and one of them teaches dog training in 4-H.
How long is the dog left alone? Is there anyone who can let the dog out of the crate periodically if the dog is left for an extended amount of time? Do you use the crate as punishment or just for sleeping and when you are away? Do you have experience with crate training a dog?
She sounds like she has an obsessive chewing issue; she needs to be redirected EVERY time she starts chewing something inappropriate. She also needs some one on one time training and exercise. Boredom creates a lot of unwanted behaviors. Hanging out with other dogs would help too.