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.

[Helga, Nimbus, Sierra, Clooney]

Nimbus likes the Chuck it! too. The rubbery balls are a lot sturdier than the tennis balls. His absolute favorite toy outside is the Chuck it! flying Squirrel, though. It comes in three different sizes. He loves to fetch that, but most of all he loves to run around holding it, while being chased by another dog. :)

[Gretchen Nastrom]

Chase is Preston's favorite game too!  We were at the dog park yesterday and there was finally another doodle there to chase him.  I think the other dogs got bored, but those two could have played chase all night.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Have you tried antlers?

As for a long walk--pffft!  That wont touch a dog with high energy.  15 minutes with a game of frisbee or fetch three or four times in the evening really tires them out. The good thing, it doesnt tire you out.

Take some alone time with him to play, then bring him back in and every time he is caught with something he should not be chewing redirect him to an  antler.  I think chewing is okay. Dogs chew. We just need to show him... a million times, what he should be chewing on

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

I agree....a long walk doesn't put a dent in Enzo's energy level. Buy a chuck- it and start throwing......easy on the arm and tires them out quickly! Also agree with the antler suggestion or the Himalayan Yak bars...

[Debbie & Gibbs]

You are soooo right, it's a lot easier to throw the ball for about 20 minutes versus another 2 - 3 mile walk. Plus Gibbs loves to chase balls.

[Debbie & Gibbs]

Gibbs and I went to PetSmart the other day for a little shopping and we picked up an antler and a few new toys. We were there over 2 hours, people love to come and pet him. He had a great afternoon with all of the extra attention. We haven't had any incidents in a few days now. I know they aren't over, he is just taking a break. Or, maybe he is waiting until we finish painting and staining the previous mishaps. So far Gibbs has not shown a great deal of interest in the antler.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

You may want to put a small dab of peanut butter on the end of the antler. It is how I start Enzo on Nylabones. Once they get going, it seems they need no more encouragement.

[Marie and Hoka]

I have found that the dogs (like kids) need a combination of both structured and unstructured exercise time every day.  We always have 2-3 dogs, and there is lots of play and wrestling.  Even so, I have already taken the 10 month old doodle for 2 walks (totaling 7 miles) this morning before noon! I think I'll get a few minutes peace, LOL. He really needs to run, but the vet wants me to wait until a year.  I do cheat and take him on slow runs with me, as it is what tires him the best and he LOVES it,

[Linda And Loo]

I agree with Marie! My dogs get 3 walks a day! 2miles in am, 1mile late morning and 2miles in pm. We play fetch and they play with each other! If the long walks don't calm your dog, they are a great stress reliever for the walker! I will take Loo, my mini doodle on a run with me, as long as it is not too hot! You need to find the right combination of structured and non structured play for your dog!

[Debbie & Gibbs]

Gibbs plays a lot with the Westie's and they are always jumping from bed-to-bed barking and wrestling with each other, love to watch them play together. Gibbs can walk about 2 - 3 miles and he is ready to spread out and put his belly on the cool tile floor and catch a nap.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Lots of great advice here.  I would suggest some ball time outside just for Gibbs.  That way he gets to chase all the balls and not wait his turn.  I'd would also suggest that you spend some time just during your normal daily routine reinforcing the "leave it" and Drop it" commands.  Training also tires them out.  You can take him with you in the car if you are just going out for a little while (like to get the kids at school or an event or something).  Just being out and about with you will help tire him out.  I think the antlers might work as well.  They are pricy but they last a long time.  Nyla bones are another good one that lasts a long time.

[Gretchen Nastrom]

I agree, lots of good advice here, so I'll just throw in my two cents worth.  We got Preston an antler that he's been working on for about a month now, so even though they are spendy, they really do last.  Preston isn't so much of a chewer, but a biter when he gets bored, so that's our cue to change up whatever we are doing with him.  Sometimes we just take him in the car for a ride if it's too hot or cold outside and when we get home he's in a different state. 

One thing that was recommended to me but I have not tried is the feeder that is like a game (used to slow down the fast eaters), but maybe that would be something that is "mentally" stimulating to keep Gibbs out of trouble.  My sister-in-law said it best when she describes doodles as "highly intelligent with no self-control" (at least as a puppy!).  And as I remind my husband, someday these dogs will be old boys that just sleep all the time, and we will miss these puppy antics!