We have a 3-year-old lab/shephard, Samuel, who simply...

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Question by Chrystal
Submitted on 7/12/2003
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We have a 3-year-old lab/shephard, Samuel, who simply destroys things (couch, carpet on stairs, curtains) every few months. When it has happened, we have usually attributed it to him feeling lonely or not having enough chew toys around. We have two dogs and spend a lot of time with them. They get regular exercise and A LOT of love. Our older dog, Russel, does not engage in the same bad behaviors at all. What can we do? The most recent incident occurred while we were home. He chewed large chunks out of our living room curtains. Just two weeks ago, he ate about 20 square feet of curtains from our front window. We disciplined him (after the fact) and bought new curtains. We had been away that evening and again thought he was acted out due to loneliness. Now, he has destroyed one set of our new curtains, right in front of us (practically). If you have any suggestions, we are all ears! Chrystal and Garrett

Answer by Jenn
Submitted on 7/18/2003
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Hi Chrystal, Samuel needs to be watched at all times while you are home. As soon as he begins to chew on something he shouldn't, tell him "NO" firmly. and give him an acceptable item to chew, such as toy or bone. Consider him a puppy for now. You wouldn't leave a puppy unattended, so keep an eye on Samuel the same way. He never learned what was acceptable as a puppy, so he needs to learn now. If he happens to chew on something while you are home and you didn't see him do it, get a newspaper, roll it up and hit yourself on the back of the head! LOL! Because if you had been watching him he wouldn't have chewed anything up! I know it must be very frustrating to have your things chewed up and destroyed. It is also very dangerous for Samuel to eat things like curtains. The fabric could easily get wound around his intestines causing expensive surgery or worse, death. When you are going to be out of the house, Samuel either needs to be crated or confined to a room that is as dog proof as possible. Disciplining him after the fact is useless. He has no idea what you are so angry about once the damage has been done. Also, make sure he has been throughly exercised each day. A short walk isn't enough. He needs a good run. Remember a tired dog is a good dog! Good Luck

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Answer by AUDI MOM OF SAPPHIRE
Submitted on 3/2/2004
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I AGREE WITH THE ABOVE RESONSE YOU RECIEVED,ALTHOUGH AS LONG TIME OWNER OF NUMEROUS SHEPHARDS,WE USE LEMON JUICE THAT IS SOLD IN YOUR GROCERY STORE IN THE SHAPE OF A LEMON . WHEN OBSERVING THE FUNITURE APPETITE SQUEEZE THE LEMON IN PUPS MOUTH THAT SHOULD PERSUEDE HIM THAT IT REALLY WASNT THAT TASTY AFTERALL.

Answer by AUDI MOM OF SAPPHIRE
Submitted on 3/2/2004
Rating: Not yet rated	Rate this answer:
I AGREE WITH THE ABOVE RESONSE YOU RECIEVED,ALTHOUGH AS LONG TIME OWNER OF NUMEROUS SHEPHARDS,WE USE LEMON JUICE THAT IS SOLD IN YOUR GROCERY STORE IN THE SHAPE OF A LEMON . WHEN OBSERVING THE FUNITURE APPETITE SQUEEZE THE LEMON IN PUPS MOUTH THAT SHOULD PERSUEDE HIM THAT IT REALLY WASNT THAT TASTY AFTERALL. THIS IS A WHOLE WORLD BETTER THAN "NO"AFTER ALL ISNT THAT WHAT THE POOR PUP THINKS HIS NAME IS NOW?????

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