Chewing holes

[gailgog]

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Hi,I’m having issues with my dachshund.He is 18 months old now and ever since he was 8 weeks old has been chewing holes in any sort of material.I can’t get him a dog bed because he destroys them.Hes obsessed with material.I have to give him blankets but he chews holes in them also.He even wants the washing off the washing line.Constantly barks at the washing.Anybody else’s dachshund have this behavioural problem?Any solutions would be really appreciated.Any solutions to a dog bed?

 

[JudyN]

I have seen fabric dog beds advertised as indestructible - have you tried any of these? I'd be tempted to look for one with a money-back guarantee.

Do you think there could be an element of stress or boredom in his chewing? Maybe not if he's been doing it since just 8 weeks, but the more mental stimulation you can give him in other ways (check out Mental enrichment for dogs ), the less he should need to chew.

I'd also find a 'safe' fabric chew toy that he likes (or a few, as he will probably destroy them in time), and whenever he chews something he shouldn't, redirect him to that. If you're really consistent, he might learn to stick to his toys.

 

[gailgog]

Thankyou I will try that with the bed and also with the toy but that is going to be hard I know.Any advice is so much appreciated

 

[JoanneF]

You could also try a strong 'leave it' cue, but that relies on you being there to give it, and also that he has something else he can chew on instead.

I wondered too what was driving the chewing. If it's boredom, maybe offer more activities (they don't need to be physical, sniffing or puzzle toys might help). If it's stress or anxiety, can you identify whats causing it and remove that. If it's dentition, maybe he needs to see a vet (I had a compulsive urge to bite down myself when I had a mouth infection, like babies who are teething).

Of course, it may just be a habit he developed when he was teething, and he has just carried on with it.

 

[Hemlock]

I'd supply lots and lots of things he can chew safely e.g. cardboard tubes stuffed with newspaper and a treat in the middle, cardboard boxes without staples similarly filled with crushed newspaper and a few treats inside that he really has to work for, scent-trailing games in the garden that he can do with you, more walks. Look at what you are feeding him to see if there are colourings/additives that may cause hyperactivity - there are independent websites that analyse dog food.

Good luck! And kudos to you for being such a kind owner wanting to get at the cause instead of just telling him off.

 

[Ideal Dale]

Some dogs just love chewing everything! you must have chew toys. That might keep him busy instead of chewing fabrics.
I'm sending you a picture of my dachshund at this moment.