How can I stop my adult dog (bichon/shiatsu from chewing bed linens, couch,...

[casinobar]

...underwear, etc...? She chews on our bed quilts, sheets, couch pillows and coushions, underwear and anything that has our scent or body oils on it. The no chew sprays don't work cause you have to apply daily--that would be impossible to spray everything. Squirting her with water (spray bottle) won't work cause she does it when we are asleep or not looking or not home. I keep buying new quilts and she keeps chewing holes in them. Getting very expensive!!! We have seen her licking at a quilt. We think she probably starts licking at it and works herself into a frenzy and starts biting at it until there is a hole. HELP ME PLEASE!!!
oops, stupid spellchecker! Shih-Tzu

 

[watercurves]

Someone else mentioned separation anxiety, but since she does this when you are at home and when you are asleep, I don't think it is separation anxiety. She could be bored, and if she is not getting enough exercise so she is chewing at night when there is nothing else for her to do. Try giving her a few more walks a day, or playing with her inside when you have time. Mental stimulation also tires out dogs, so half an hour of obedience training in your home would also help tire her out before bedtime.

I also recommend crate training. It will keep her safe from ingesting material, and your blankets safe from being destroyed. It is not a mean thing and it is not taking away her freedom. It is giving her a place of her own where she can be comfy and happy and where she feels safe.

Good luck!

 

[melissa k]

There may be an anxiety component to her behavior. May not be separation anxiety, as she does this when you are home, too. Here's some info about the problem: http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/pica.pdf

If none of the suggestions help, speak to your vet about the possbility of using medication to help her relax.

BTW, it's "shih tzu." Shiatsu is a type of massage.

 

[Memphis]

The reason your dog is terrorizing your belongings may be because she becomes nervous when her family leaves her (separation anxiety). This most likely is not her being naughty but rather stress. Your dog probably sees you and your family as her wards and shes seems to be displaying emotions similar to how most mothers would if they lost a child in a shopping mall.

When she is left at home alone shes is most likely thinking to herself where are my babies??? because that seems to be how she sees you.

You need to maybe read a book or two on different types of dog anxieties but for the moment a few things you could do would be to ignore her every time you walk into a room until she settles down and becomes calmer do not give into her cries for attention.

You might notice that when you are home she is much more relaxed and seldom chews things? If so then this most definately sounds like separation anxiety. Shes needs to be told that she is not in charge, therefore she will not worry about looking after you and wont get stressed when you leave, and a dog without responsibility is a happy one.

Best of luck

 

[Tony C]

go to the computer and u can find dogs OK lol good luck

 

[karen]

What in the world is a Shiatsu? Isn't that a massager?