Puppy Chewing

[Frankgutierrez2]

My 10th month old puppy continues to chew and destroy his bed everyday. I have tried a variety of pet beds. I even put him in his creat during the day and he still chews and destroys his bed. Any suggestions???

[Maggiesmom1]

The easiest answer is to take his bedding out of the crate. He's just bored and being destructive at this stage. Maybe later you can add bedding again. Dogs don't care if they sleep on a hard surface. Crating a dog is fine, esp. one who chews up things, but be sure he is getting plenty of exercise time each day too.

Can you walk him on a leash every night? Dogs crave walking in a straight line--they love to get the sensory sensations of smelling things on a walk (I say my dogs are "reading their messages"). So even if he runs around a yard, its not the same as a good walk.

If your dog can get his energy level down by proper exercise, the destructive behaviors will stop. You'll be amazed at the difference.

Also--I think leaving a radio or TV playing in the room with the crate is helpful for dogs who are in a crate for a long time. It helps soothe them.

Have you tried a "Kong" toy? Kongs are rubber and they have a hole that you fill with treats and peanut butter or cheese. It takes the dogs a long time to get out all of the goodies....a great thing to occupy their time.

So, remove the bedding and try to give him more exercise and try a Kong in the crate. I think that will help. Good Luck.

[Frankgutierrez2]

Thanks for the suggestions. I put him in his crate for the day. He is not chewing, but he did urinate in his crate. He was in his crate for about 8-9 hours and he is 10 months old. I use to leave him in the kitchen with access to a dog door.

Will he stop urinating in his crate? I read that they should be able to hold it one hour for each month in age. So, he is 10 months. So he should be able to hold it for at least 9 hours?

[Maggiesmom1]

He should be able to hold it for 8 hours, but that is a long time. He will have to get used to that schedule. It may take time.

Is there anyway to leave him in the kitchen with the dog door, but don't put out anything that he can chew up? That would be the best thing, esp. since you have to leave him all day.

Do you know what I am talking about when I say to get a "kong" toy?