[pcm2a]

I have a 1 year 4 month old Chihuahua. I have had him since he was 5 weeks old. Best dog in the world, smart, learns tricks easily, snuggles, makes no noise (no barking!). Does pee inside, and most of the time doesnt poop either.

My only problem is with chewing.
If I am at home he will only chew on his dog toys.
If I am at home but outside, mowing, car work, etc he will only chew on his dog toys.
If I get in the car and leave, he will chew and tear something up. This has ranged from a pillow, a shoe, even a hole through the side of my couch.

I am forced to keep him baby gated in my kitchen all day when I am not home and if I have to leave in the evening and dont take him with me.

Every 3 months or so I test the waters by leaving him out while I leave for an hour and so far he always tears something up. It's almost like he does this because he knows I have left the property.

Any ideas?

[briteday]

Leave him gated.

[pcm2a]

Is there a chance in the years to come be outgrows whatever his problem is? I would love to let him sleep where he wants and not lock him down.

I thought I great alternative would be to put a loose cloth muzzle on him so he coulld drink and roam the house freely, but I read you are only suppposed to muzzle them for 20 minutes at a time.

[skelaki]

You don't leave a muzzle on an unattended dog. The solution is to confine him either in a dog-proofed area or in a crate when you are gone. This is much better to coming home to destroyed items or even possibly to a dead dog if he chews something such as an electrical cord.

[pcm2a]

He knows when I'm leaving and he walks into the kitchen and gets on his big dog bed and faces away from me. If I try to go get him and tell him bye he wont even give me a kissy.

Breaks my heart!

[Amaya-Mazie-Marley]

He may get mad at you, but he has to learn. Chewing on things is unacceptable. When you aren't home, gate him, and don't think twice about it. Would you rather be happy and content that your dog is able to roam the free but have all of your things torn up? Or would you rather be upset for five minutes because he is gated and can't tear up your stuff or harm himself?