Our pup is a mess with chewing right now. He wasn't even this bad with teething!

A few weeks ago I started to notice the wooden trim on our walls looked a little..scuffed up. The edges seemed to be the worst but nothing more than some worn paint so I figured it was just from people rubbing or bumping it. But then over the last week or so I've caught our puppy Farlow chewing away at them and at this point he's not a fair amount of damage! I started spraying them with bitter apple and he seems to keep his distance...but now he's move onto the couch and chairs!!! Today I came home to the front of our couch arm rest ripped wide open and the stuffing all over the room. Other days it's my shoes or socks.

He doesn't want for chew toys either. The spoiled rotten pup has at least 7 different kinds to pick from as well as other toys AND a big sister to play with. I thought maybe it was just teething but he's past that by now at 6 months and the destruction is on and off. Some day's he's an angel and other's he's ripped apart the house.

We go on lots of walks during the day when ever possible. Every 2 - 4 hours at least half a mile for each unless it's a night time potty walk. We play inside and out though we don't have a back yard. Could he need more play time and this is all because he's bored or pent up?

When pups have time and freedom without supervision they go looking for anything they can to get into. This is why crate training is your best friend. It protects your things and it protects him. Foam and fabric can make him ill or cause a blockage that can mean serious trouble for him and your wallet. A long walk to really tire him out right before you leave can help but a crate or a small room that has been completely dog proofed is your better fit. If he isn't interested in toys maybe try a stuffed Kong or marrow bone that has some yum factor to hold his attention for a little longer, but creating is your only sure fire way.

TwisterII wrote:

When pups have time and freedom without supervision they go looking for anything they can to get into. This is why crate training is your best friend. It protects your things and it protects him. Foam and fabric can make him ill or cause a blockage that can mean serious trouble for him and your wallet. A long walk to really tire him out right before you leave can help but a crate or a small room that has been completely dog proofed is your better fit. If he isn't interested in toys maybe try a stuffed Kong or marrow bone that has some yum factor to hold his attention for a little longer, but creating is your only sure fire way.

The crate has been rough since we have his sister who is terrified of the crate and always has been. She was left in one as a puppy up until she was about 9 months old by her old owners and if he knows she's out and about he will scream until he's let out or scream the day away. But we will try that again and hope he kinda grows out of the object chewing.

EDIT: We also got the puppy to help my oldest with some anxiety, she likes to be with him and play with him when she can and him being in the crate seems to stress her out as well since she's so afraid of it herself she seems stressed and worried FOR him when he's in it.

I agree with Jenn either crate the pup, or find a room to doggy proof. I will add one thing, at 6 months the puppy could be getting the back molars in, they are the last to come in and typically do so between 6-8 months, and often times after all the other adult teeth have been in for about a month. My 7 month old gsd, hasn't chewed a shoe in a couple of months, ate a pair of mine, and yup back molars coming in.

MiyasMomma wrote:

I agree with Jenn either crate the pup, or find a room to doggy proof. I will add one thing, at 6 months the puppy could be getting the back molars in, they are the last to come in and typically do so between 6-8 months, and often times after all the other adult teeth have been in for about a month. My 7 month old gsd, hasn't chewed a shoe in a couple of months, ate a pair of mine, and yup back molars coming in.

He does seem to try and shove everything into the back of his mouth when he chews so I'm betting that's it! We are gonna start working on crate training and blocking off areas while I'm at work.

Oh boy! That must be a nightmare. I have had serious problems with crate training Zhukov, so I feel your pain. Good luck, and let us know how it all works out.

This may be controversial but chop up some fresh jalapeños, boil them, take the water from the pot and put it in a spray bottle, dilute with fresh water and then spray on wood furniture. I once had a bunny and this did the trick after just one lick. They learn to avoid it all together. I'm also having success with essential oils to keep my dogs off the sofa (5 drops lemon essential oil in a spray bottle, spray on furniture, just make sure u test a spot).

You can also purchase Bitter Apple or Bitter Lime from a pet store. It's safe to use on most furniture. Just spray it around, and he'll quickly learn to leave the furniture alone.

We have tried the crate or blocked off areas and while we are saving some of the wood trim...he's now starting to do it right in front of me!!!

I'm finding new spots every day and not just edges anymore, he hid a few back where his night time bed is, some in areas we normally don't spend a lot of time in, really anywhere. I'm going to try the jalapeños and water because the bitter apple seems to work for a bit but might wear off or soak into the wood not causing damage but losing it's effectiveness. As of right now if I catch him I give him a firm no and try and give him a replacement like his wooden chew bone or a stuffed animal. I guess this will just be a progress thing. My couch and things are old enough and crappy enough that I'm not heart broken over the loss, I kinda expect damage when I get a pup.

Lucky I know how to repair this damage or I would have one unhappy landlord...

Have you tried a deer antler? I got one that is cut in half lengthwise, exposing the softer interior. Zhukov loves it. Since I gave him that, he hasn't chewed on my desk corner once. Just a thought.

My 10 month old Sib Husky was teething till about 8 months, and is still chewing.
He has the same problem as your pup about the crate. The whining was so loud and heart wrenching it was painful to me and the neighbor also started complaining. I found a better and more humane method. He attacked my furniture early on and then wall paper and started on the dry wall! I first used bitter apple- completely useless at least to him. Then I tried very hot sauce (like the Korean or Chinese ones) It worked! (I tasted it myself first and ran for the ice bucket!) There's a Tattle Tail gadget that scares them when they jump on the couch. I also make laced sandwiches with the hot sauce to trap him for counter surfing. Also, our pup doesn't chew much when he has strenuous exercise and is all tired out. Our yard is small, so we make up by sending him to doggie daycare where he can run and play for at least 3 hrs a day!