Chewing! I NEED HELP!!!

[kclements]

Hi everyone!
I have a 10 month old lab mix named Lucy. She is my baby and I love her dearly but....Over the past 4 months she has started chewing everything.
She has pulled books of the book shelf and destroyed it, pulled up carpet, chewed the window seal, and put two LARGE Holes in my furniture.

I am a student and live in an apartment and I have already lost my deposit.

I have tried everything... Only punishing her when I catch her in the act and She has TONS of CHEW TOYS avaiable during the day!

I take her out and play every morning before I go to school and every day when I come home we go to play catch and for a walk. On the weekeds we go to parks so she can run and play.

I really do NOT know what else to do. I hate having to keep her locked in the bathroom during the day but I can't have her tearing up my apartment!

Does anyone have any ideas?????
PLEASE HELP ME!!!!

[carriecrowe]

either crate train her or get something called bitter apple... It can stain stuff so please use with some caution. I have used it on white trim and my wallpaper in my bathroom and it HAS NOT stained that yet. They dont like the taste of that bitter apple. You should be able to pick it up at almost any pet store/boarding kennels..a small bottle runs you about $8....

i'm gonna start crate training my pup in the next 2 weeks because she tares up the wallpaper and trimming in the bathroom

[Dax]

I had a german shepard who did the same thing. Every pair of shoes I owned went into her mouth. The outdoor carpeting went as well. The good news is she simply out grew it.

You might want to try something other than toys and invest in a crate. They are only about 100.00 and will give you piece of mind. Then try giving her bones or knuckle bones. I used to given them frozen during the summer and the dogs could spend hours working every bit of meat off. I know vets don't recommend any bones at all but if you pick large ones that won't splinter like leg bones they should be ok.

[GretaJack]

Most likely your puppy has been teething. Make sure you have a variety of things for her to chew on that keep her interest. Hide chew toys from her for a few days and then give them back. To her it is new again and full of interest. THis will help her keep her focus on chewing things she is suppose to.

Crate her when you can't watch her. It is the most humane thing to do.

[Sirlocksley]

You have a very active breed. The dog is chewing out of boredom whend separation while you are gone. You need to get a crate/kennel for indoors. Dogs really do like these. It gives them their own space, and they will use it when you are home just to get away.
trainer@obediencedogtraining.com