I am at home with Nelson for the next 2 weeks but if today is anything to go by I will not have a house left. Just recently he has chewed the remote control, (hubby's fault for leaving it on the sofa)' destroyed hubby's glasses, same reason. But today he sought out my kindle from a bag I had left hung up in the garden together with a small radio and in 15 quiet minutes my beloved kindle is well chewed and the radio does work but looks battered. I have been practicing the leave it command with food quite successfully, I played with him in the garden for a little but it got too hot so we went inside and he slept for a little while. So I was able to do some crocheting( he also likes my wool). Then I found the destruction in the garden. Advice please. I know it is our fault for not putting things away out of reach. Is this boredom, teething, or just general mischief and how can I stop it.
Re: 6 month becoming destructive [quote author=Elaineh link=topic=7049.msg96216#msg96216 date=1405957829] I know it is our fault for not putting things away out of reach. Is this boredom, teething, or just general mischief and how can I stop it. [/quote] Hi there Lots of puppies chew things. Some dogs chew when they are bored, and it can get worse if a puppy is teething. My boy chewed things all the time, regardless of his mood. He just chewed, probably because it was fun to do so. He is getting better now (he is 16 months) but still not trustworthy. I think the only answer is keep things out of reach really.
Re: 6 month becoming destructive Your dog is most likely teething at that age. The only answer is to give the dog something to chew and keep everything that you don't want the dog to chew out of reach. This phase passes quite soon after teething.
Re: 6 month becoming destructive If Nelson is a chewing fan, then maybe worthwhile getting/dusting off the kongs, redirect any activity that looks a little off target?
Re: 6 month becoming destructive Yes I agree with the others - he sounds like he is either teething or is a dog that just likes to chew things. So a combination approach is probably best - put everything you don't want him to have out of his reach and redirect the chewing onto appropriate items. These can be things like stuffed kongs, nylabones or other items that are ok for him to chew. He needs to learn what he is allowed to chew and what he isn't. If he takes something you don't want him to have, for example the remote control, you mustn't make a big fuss or he will think it's a brilliant game! Calmly get a tasty treat and ask him to swap. Do not chase him for it as this will also make it a game. Act like it doesn't really bother you that he's got it and make what you've got even more exciting - for example if you swap for a toy go and play with it and make really over excited noises like you're having the best game ever! He will come and investigate and should want whatever it is that you've got - whether it's a ball or a bit of chicken etc.
Re: 6 month becoming destructive All puppies chew, but being large puppies Labradors can reach things smaller breeds cannot. Kongs and chews keep those teeth occupied. I also use treat balls, buster cubes etc, anything to keep those teeth and brains away from mischief.
Re: 6 month becoming destructive Thanks everyone. Having a quieter day today so far. I do have kongs and nylabone and rubber balls, teddy for him to play with. He is restricted to garden, kitchen and lounge if I am in it. The interesting thing was that hubby came home minutes after the destruction and got ready to take him out for his regular toilet run and he had a massive pee and poo. I think he was uncomfortable, the thing is he has a special place to go in the garden. Unfortunately due to limited mobility I am unable to take him out on my own. That would be the perfect solution. Weigh in tonight at the vets....
