14 WEEK OLD PUPPY .... CHEWING ... - Page 1

ANY SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO STOP CHEWING ON EVERYTHING ... FURNITURE INCLUDED!

I don't think that there's a magic solution- you just have to closely supervise the puppy in the beginning.

Our GSD puppy was intensely monitored for her first month with us and every time she tried to chew something we didn't want her to, we directed her to a toy that she liked (eg. deer antler or squeaky ball). We also kept her confined to the main floor of the house (easier to keep track of her) and crated her over night. We also gave her raw bones outside to chew on. Some people spray a bitter apple product (www.bitterapple.com/) on their furniture but it didn't work for us (she licked it off the dining room table leg). After a month, she no longer tried to chew the furniture (she only plays with her toys).

Nikki
         I would keep her on a leash with you or in her crate/kennel. I would give her lots of fun bones to chew in her kennel/crate too.....NEVER leave her unattended...Good Luck...: )


                  Deanna...: )

Yes, that is what they are doing , he is confined to one floor and under supervision and everytime he tries to chew something he is not supposed to , they are trying to distract him with a toy or something else , the bitter apple and other products they have used are not working ... as he is licking them off ... he loves it  ... LOL 
I guess it is just going to take time and lots of supervision  , Thank you for your comments , I appreciate it .. I basically told them the same thing .. just thought that there may be something else that they could try.

There have been numerous threads concerning this subject. Either as something to the effect of "Help, my ?? month old GSD is chewing everything" to "crating" questions. Not saying you don't but the most effective, immediate, fool proof way is to crate the dog. I'm not understanding if some people, (not saying you), think that crating or crating for a decent amount of time is wrong? Not sure, but crate the dog, when you want the pup out, you're it's shadow. If you can't be the shadow, put it on a leash. Not a retractable one, nor a 20-25' lead. Just a 5-6' leash and pay attention and watch what the pup does, where it goes, the curiousity involved and you will see when it gets ready to do something. And something you don't want it to do.

Understand the pup doesn't see things through a humans eyes. 4-6 inches off the ground, what's in front or around him, what smells, what smells good. Everthing is a playgound at his disposal till you teach him otherwise. I start traing as soon as I get the pup. Now, I'm not saying overwhelming stuff but (I stated this in earlier threads) one of the first commands is "NO". Once the pup understands and obeys half of your problems are already nipped in the bud, even as a pup. Understand he has a ton of energy, he's curious and if rules are not laid down in his mind he is doing nothing wrong. And if he wasn't told, shown, taught not too then in reality he isn't doing anything wrong. He's just keeping himself occupied. Toys, chew toys, and old pairs of socks with a couple of knots in them. You'll see. Good luck and keep us updated.  

Thanks for the comments , I appreciate it .. he is not my pup , mine is 6 yrs. old , he is my friends that I work with , and he is is just being a curious puppy .  They do have a crate for him and they are teaching him .. "no" and trying to re-direct him with other things he should be playing with ... toys etc... 

I agree there is nothing wrong with crate training and keeping them on a lead in the house for quick corrections , It's just going to take some time and lots of direction .

What about the kong's for pups ??

Thanks
Lisa

       The leash is not so much for a correction, but to keep an eye on the pup. Also, it can be good for bonding too. I think he is a little too young for a leash correction IMO..Pups this age are very investigative and curious. And live to chew....Just have your friend provide lots of safe things for him to chew. I agree with alboe that socks with knots are fun......: )

Yes, not saying the leash is for corrections just to keep him close. If he isn't use to a leash it might be a constant struggle or tug of war. Just put him in a crate keep him close so he doesn't feel exactly ignored or that he did something wrong. If you have a ton of things to do in the house put him where you'll cross paths a lot. Take notice for a few seconds when you pass, do your thing with him and then move on. When it's time to "break" use up some of his energy. If you're way to busy have your dog spend some time with him, just so he's not totally alone or think he's being alienated for some reason. Say if you're spending time in the kitchen close off the doorway but you still need to watch to an extent. Simple socks do the trick. Just make sure if the boy relly wants to go to town and shred it that you pick up the pieces because he will eat them. Just my thoughts.

E-collar!

ohhhhhhhhh   Don Corleone !!!!   LOL !!!   But I think I will tell them to stick with the knotted socks  ....
You just gave me a good laugh after an awful day at work ... Thanks

 Fredo was always my favorite brother :-)