Aauugghh!!!

[scb2005]

I'm dealing with an issue with my 15mo old Boxer. She is a good girl, she's smart and easily trainable, but is exhibiting very destructive behavior over the last few months. She eats couch cushions, pillows, grabs anything she can off the top of the dryer and worse yet...she will completely shred & eat any type of bedding in her crate. She eats the dog beds, blankets, cushions etc. She doesn't like to get in if there isn't something 'soft and cushy' for her but she destroys everything in there. On top of that, she will pee in her crate. She goes in for the night the same time every night and wakes the same time in the mornings. We've put her on Vit C as well as Cranberry extract to ward off any urinary issues but she still doesn't mind p'ing in her crate and being in there with it. I always thought that they would never pee where they sleep but that is not the case with her. Her 6 yr old Boxer 'brother' and her play and get along wonderfully. I work from home, she's exercised and well fed so I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Nothing has changed in the recent weeks to warrant this change. Vet says she's fine and we truly love her but she is wearing my patience down.

[KOPsarah]

hi and thanks for your post,
Unfortunately you have hit the troublesome teen months when many dogs start trying out the boundaries and are often full of energy and chaos. Bedding destruction in particular can be hard to stop. On the bright side it is usually a passing phase that they will grow out of however in the mean time try bedding that has an odd texture such as shiny, slippery or prickly that won't feel as good to chew. You could also try rubbing the bedding with unpleasant tasting things, try a little bit of KN pepper or ask your pet shop for spray. Also invest in some food toys such as kongs or treat balls which will distract her for some time while she trys to get the food out. A good mental challenge such as that can really reduce destruction. Also try rawhide and dental chews. Build up a good collection of toys and alternate the so that they don't get boring. Have a look online for ideas of making your own or ask at your local pet shop for toys that can stand up to a lot of chewing.

You don't say what time of the day she is exercised but walks before bed should really help reduce night time peeing because dogs will use up their full reserves on walks if at all possible to mark! Also try feeding her dinner meal a bit earlier and limiting water intake an hour or so after the evening meal.

I hope this will help you get through these teen times, if you have any further questions don't hesitate to ask.