At Wits End with Destructive Chewing

[Debbie & Gibbs]

Gibbs is almost 13 months old and has become very destructive with his chewing. He has destroyed molding in the house in 5 places. Has taken one of the rugs and turned the corner back and destroyed the back and eaten 4 holes in the rug. I'm at a total loss as to why he is doing these things. He has a tub full of squeaky toys, balls, rubber bones, chew sticks, and on and on. I need some advice as I'm about to lose it with him and this chewing. He is in his crate, I don't use the crate as punishment but I am right now.

[Helen & Kirby]

Please try a KONG.   You put kibble and dog treats or dog food inside it.   I put chicken and rice in mine.  Some people put peanut butter in them.  sometimes I put a little mash potato with a treat sticking out of it. Then freeze it.

This gives directed chewing.   They know what to chew on, and by filling it and freezing it, it lasts a little longer.

I had a dog that ate all the outdoor Malibu lights, light bulbs and the plastic stakes!, all the plastic pots, but left all the plants, and just about everything else----then I discovered kongs.   She never chewed anything else up again.