Chewing kitchen cabinets

[Heather Martinez]

Teddy is in the kitchen during the day when we're at work, and he started chewing on the cabinets, baseboards, pretty much anything he can reach. During the day Teddy has toys, including a nyalbone and some other chew toys so he has plenty to chew on other than the cabinets!

 

So far, I've tried spraying bitter apple on the cabinets. I don't like this because Teddy gets it on his fur and then I get it on me when I kiss and hug him. I have been spraying it once in awhile, but should I reapply it everyday? Also, I have a big area that needs to be sprayed since he's chewing on every surface he can reach. 

 

This week I'm planning to sand and repaint the cabinets he's chewed.  So I'm hoping to find a way to keep him from chewing them again. Is there anything that works better than bitter apple? Any advice? When do puppies stop chewing? I can't move him out of the kitchen now because it's the only place that's cool enough in the summer. 

 

By the way, Teddy is 8.5 months old. Thanks!!

[Kerri B. & Zoey]

Do you have an ex-pen or crate? If not, invest in one. Much less expensive in the long run vs. doing your cabinets over & over again.

[Kay Bolin]

We too use an x-pen.  We have a crate that attaches to it so Misty can go into her crate or into the x-pen and she has a bunch of toys and chew things in there.  She seems to love it when we go, because every time she gets some treat - her stuffed kong or dried lung chunk or bully stick.  We've never had any problem with this arrangement.  During the time we're home and she's out with us, sometimes she'll go in there too.  Try it!

[Heather Martinez]

Thanks for the replies so far! We do have a pen that attaches to a crate, but it's downstairs in the laundry room, where it's too hot for Teddy to be in the summer. He has even been sleeping in the kitchen and not in the crate. The crate is too big to have in the kitchen, but I could bring up the pen and keep him in there and then fold it up when he's not using it. I will try that if I don't find any other way to keep him from chewing! My kitchen is not very nice but I would like it not to be covered with chew marks! Any other ways to stop chewing let me know!

[Adina P]

I think when chewing habits are that major...a crate or expen is ideal to keep both Teddy and your kitchen safe.

[Lauria Orr]

I have to do that sanding and re-paint as well, due to "Morgan The Sneak". We will be replacing base boards as well. I think the x-pen is the next move.  I have a wonderful dog run outside but he eats the gravel.  The strong chew toys are great, but not as interesting as the cabinets, furniture, rugs, shoes,etc.....

[Heather Martinez]

I got the pen out today and put it in the kitchen. It's actually not that much smaller than the kitchen so I am not feeling as bad about decreasing Teddy's freedom. He's just not ready to be out of the pen yet. I sanded down most of the cabinets and baseboards, which didn't take as long as I thought, and tonight I'll paint! Luckily, my cabinets were not that nice to begin with!

 

Thanks for all the replies! I should have thought of the pen on my own but I needed to hear it from the experts :) 

[Bonnie and Kona]

Hoping all is safe now. Glad to hear you found a solution. Owen is a chewer too. I was just looking at baseboard in the family room and then walked away with an "Oh wellllll".

[Kyoko]

I totally agree with everyone. Crate or x-pen! It's for his own sake, too to he wont ger hurt form chewing and/or ingesting something harmful to him as well....

[Lauria Orr]

Good point!  Paint, wood products,etc...not good for the little pups! (Here we are, so conscientious of what we feed our Doods....then they snack on baseboards and cabinets!)  Geeesh!

[Jess and Pippin]

Also wondering if he is bored??  I don't know what your schedule is, but try giving him at least a portion of his breakfast in a kibble toy for when you are gone. (we have an Orbie ball, I think that is what it is called).  Keeps Pippin occupied for a good 45 minutes and then he is ready for sleep.  Also, is Teddy getting enough exercise in the morning before you leave?  That may also reduce the need to be destructive.