Question:Hi - Recently saved a puppy (about 12 months old) from the local shelter. He has a habit of attacking the couch. Has chewed a hole in the arm and the bottom corner.
Any help as to how I can get him to stop, short of putting him outside permanently. Thanks
Answers:
When you catch him doing this, give him a firm "NO" , then redirect him to a chew toy and give lots of praise.
He is probably doing this out of boredom or separation anxiety. If you must leave him alone, try to coral him in a room where he won't do much damage. Make sure you give him lots of positive attention so he won't be afraid that you will let him wind up back in the shelter. (BTW- congrats for making the rescue!)
The positive reinforcement works much better than physical punishment.
theres a spray for the couch
Raw hide chews!!!! They saved my EVERYTHING!
we kennel (in home) one of our dogs who chews when we arent around.
It does not solve the problem, only to say that nothing gets chewed.
She seems to only chew on the cushions of the couch and carpeting under the bed, wierd.
There are many products to spray on the fabric as well as many other things that the dog can chew on.
There are several things that you can do to break this habit.
1. There are many different types of bittering sprays. That you can spray on the couch to make it taste bad to the dog. However if your couch is leather you have to place a sheet on it.
2. Only allow him inside when he can be supervised. You have to be there to correct his behavior. If not he thinks it's OK because he is not getting punished.
3. Spray bottle. When you see him getting ready to gnaw on your couch squirt him with a spray bottle full of water. Aim for his face and have the sprayer on stream and tell him no bad dog.
4. This dog sounds like he needs some proper chewing toys. There are a lot of toys out there. Kong's work so well because you can put treats inside them and they keep the dog entertained for a long while. There are also Raw hides, pig ears, tennis ball and so on. When you catch him doing the behavior tell him NO BAD DOG and give him a proper chew toy. When he takes the toy and walks away from the couch praise him with love and a treat.
You may have to bribe the dog for a while before he understands what you want from him. Thank god he got an owner who wants to give him the love and training he needs!
Good Luck and be patience. He is obviously new to love and being trained. It may take a while.
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