[emily0526]

Hey everyone,

I have a 2 year old chiweenie mix, Hypatia. She is sweet, but she is constantly chewing up EVERYTHING. I’m starting to go crazy. Shoes, remotes, chargers, clothes. You name it, it’s probably been chewed on by her.

My fiancé and I have 3 dogs total, so she’s not our first rodeo and we have fostered before. Our other two dogs don’t do this. I know it’s normal for dogs to chew but she constantly has something in her mouth. She also gets really hyper for no reason and I mean, like just can’t stop moving.

We’ve tried safe bones, dog toys. She doesn’t want anything to do with that. You know, we’ve tried the basics: positive reinforcement when she does something good, “time-outs”, being firm, consistent, prompt. The whole nine yards.

does anyone have any ideas? I was thinking about some calming treats when she gets really hyped up (that our vet has recommended) but I don’t want to do that to her. Pleeeeaseeee help us. We don’t know what to do.

 

[Zaria Jade]

How much daily exercise does the dog get? I know my border collie mix will entertain himself with kids toys if he doesn't get enough exercise for his breed, obviously he needs to be held accountable but so do I. ignoring the dog = dog entertaining himself.
Also limiting space is very important.

 

[Lillith]

Sounds like you need to treat this particular dog like she's a little puppy. First, make sure that anything she could possibly chew on is out of her reach and put away. Limit her options. Dog toys and chews should be the only thing available to her.

Supervise her 100% of the time, and when you can't, she is crated.

Make sure she is getting enough exercise. Do a little training session for 10 minutes every day to occupy her mind. Being tired will encourage her to nap instead of finding ways to entertain herself.

 

[3GSD4IPO]

100% supervision, a crate and raw meaty bones (or raw rib bones) in the crate are your friend. Chewing can be from boredom, release of pent up energy or simply unloading stress by needing to chew something.

The first two things you can do something about (lots of training games with this one dog by herself to tire her brain out) and more exercise of only her so you can toss in training as long as you are out walking. The last is something only you can see or understand because you are there.

Are their times when she is more prone to chewing anything (such as when other dogs are playing or when things in the house get noisy or when you are doing a particular activity such as talking to her). All those things can cause stress and the dog may "unload" by chewing.