Can't trust him alone...

[okcdt]

We have a 1-1/2 yr old golden/lab mix, Marley. He has the sweetest personality and we love him dearly. We have 2 other dogs, small mixed males, and they all get along great, for the most part. Lately, Marley has decided to chew up anything he can get his mouth on when we leave, whether it be for an hour or for the day. Books/magazines are his favorite, but he will also take eye glasses, rugs, trash...just about anything...

I have no idea why he has started this nor how to stop it. He has access to the outside through the doggie door, and he's allowed to roam the living room/kitchen areas while we're gone, just as the other 2 dogs are.

Any ideas? He last chewed a book that had been on my end table for at least 6 months titled "The Loved Dog"...ironic...lol

[MaxHollyNoah]

Hi there,

Just a quick question - Has Marley been getting enough exercises and attention from you guys? Some dogs do bad things just to get attention from the owners.

I understand that he can go in and out of the house to the yard but that might not be enough. Young labs/goldens need a lot of play/attention and inter-action with human family members. You might have been giving him enough but I just wanted to make sure that it is not the cause of the problem.

[okcdt]

Actually, yes. We try to take time for each of them individually and together on a daily basis to play, groom, cuddle...all that stuff they luuuv lol.

[MaxHollyNoah]

I see. Then, my suggestion is to keep all the things you don't want Marley to chew out of his reach, i.e, magazines, newspapers, eye glasses, etc., just like you do with a human baby. Instead, leave some chew toys, bones, etc. with him. I don't know how to remove the rug, though.

Anyway, once he stops chewing things, bring the things back one by one and see how he will take it.

Leave some magazines around when you are around to see if Marley will get to them. If he does, take them away as you tell him "No". Scolding after the fact, such as when you get home, would not work so you might want to create a situation where you can see him actually doing the misbehaviors.

Good luck.

p.s. Did you read the book "Marley and Me". After reading it, you will feel like you are lucky to have YOUR Marley!