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Loves to Chew Wood/Mouldings

648 views 5 replies 5 participants last post by  Florida3154 
#1 ·
Hello, my son's Golden will be 3 years old in October. He is the sweetest dog but has destroyed so much in his condo. Corners of wood/chair rail mouldings, legs of tables/chairs. It's really such a shame but will this ever stop? My son pays so much attention, takes him for walks/runs. He has lots of toys/bones. Is this a trait for these dogs or does anyone know why he is doing this? I understand when they are puppies they do things like this but now he is almost 3. Any suggestions is greatly appreciated.
 
#2 ·
Usually they grow out of it, but since he's almost 3 years old, maybe it's a stress issue? Are you sure he's getting enough exercise? Usually dogs chew when they're bored or haven't gotten rid of all their energy yet. You can try bitter apple spray but I'm not sure if that'll be effective enough to deter him from chewing.
 
#3 ·
Welcome to the forum.

Sorry to hear your son's dog is eating his woodwork and moldings.

Is he crated when your son is not home? I take it this happening whenever your son is at work or out?

Sounds like he may not be getting enough exercise, he may not like being left alone at home either.

Your son may want to see about getting someone to come in during the day when I am guessing he's at work to let his dog out, walk him, play with him etc.

Or he may want to check into doggie day care for him.

Some dogs do great when left at home while others need to be crated when someone is not home to prevent them from being destructive or possibly hurting themselves by getting into things.
 
#4 ·
Chewing can be a result of boredom or stress/anxiety, it is a natural behavior that many dogs enjoy throughout their lives. While enough physical exercise is great, dogs also need mental 'exercise' (stimulation) as well. A 'slow' walk at the dog's pace, where he is given the time to stop and sniff, investigate, follow his nose (within reason) can provide mental stimulation and tire him out , help him 'relax', both physical and mentally. Teaching tricks and new skills, clicker training for example: 101 things to do with a box - is fun and good 'mental' work out for them.

Management in the form of confinement, closing doors and baby gates limiting access to just a room or two, minimizes the risk of him finding inappropriate things to chew on. Providing a 'safe spot' ,whether it be access to an open crate, (if he has been properly crate trained) or a comfy dog bed that he has a positive association with, can be 'comforting' to them if they are feeling stressed with being alone.

Food puzzle toys, such as a Kong Wobbler, that he can knock about and the treats/kibble will fall out, can give him something to do. Or stuffing a Kong , or hollow bone, with his favorite foods/treats) even kibble soaked for 10 minutes then packed into the bone or Kong, or some peanut butter, banana (if he likes them), yogurt and frozen, and given when he is going to be alone, can entice him to work his brain and chew more appropriately, and give him an outlet for his energy, as well as help to relax him a bit.
Perhaps consider 'rotating' the toys, putting away all but a few, then
changing them out every day or two - to a dog a 'new' toy is 'fun' and more interesting/enticing to them.
 
#5 ·
Frank's red hot

My parents would always always spread Franks red hot (an inexpensive hot sauce) on things to keep dogs from chewing on them.

We did this with our pup, and while she now doesn't chew on wooden furniture or molding, she will not leave us alone any time we order hot wings...
 
#6 ·
Thanks for all the suggestions. He gets plenty of exercise/attention. He is not crated because he is 2 1/2 but it is such a shame how he is destroying his place. It's not every day he does it but I would have thought by now he is old enough to not be destructive.
 
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