To chew or not to chew???

[foreverlove]

We have a 14 month old rottie female, that really has us convinced there is some brain damage going on here. Her zest for unatural chewing/eating things is driving us to the edge. Some of her favorites include but not limited to: toilet paper, paper towels, sheet rock, dirt, leaves, rocks, wrappers, carpet, and the list goes on. We are told that either 1. we should provide plenty of acceptable things to chew on OR 2. she needs to learn to self sooth and should not be provided things to chew, therfore learn to live without chewing... I can understand both sides, if we provide chew toys, it seems the more she wants to chew on everything, but if we provide nothing, it seems the nature of dogs to chew no matter, so she must chew????? I know there is probably a controversy over this topic (at least every vet/trainer that we talk to has a different answer)..... would like to hear from other fellow people owned by rotties that have maybe experienced this, and have found relief.... and please tell me how...lol!

[AngelBunny]

Dogs chew for several reasons. One reason for chewing is because they're bored and underexercised, mentally and physically. In my experience, a dog who's worn out from mental and physical exercise is more interested in napping and sleeping than destructive chewing.

What type of mental workouts is your dog getting in terms of being in class, practicing what you learn in class, and teaching her new things?

How much physical exercise is she getting? And what type of exercise is she getting?

[moondog]

Originally Posted by foreverlove

We are told that either 1. we should provide plenty of acceptable things to chew on OR 2. she needs to learn to self sooth and should not be provided things to chew, therfore learn to live without chewing...

Well.......she IS self-soothing by CHEWING. Chewing is a natural and relaxing activity that all dogs engage in and that is how they self-sooth. I can't imagine there's a better alternative for her, such as visiting her therapist a couple times each week so she can intellectually re-direct her nerves, or that picking up the latest book on meditation or self-hypnosis will help solve the problem - unless she gets to chew the book. LOL.

Dog proof your home, meaning prevent access to things you do not want her to chew and/or contain her in a safe area where there is nothing TO chew except what you provide for her.

[Shelby427]

You should have chew toys for her! Chewing is natural for dogs. If you don't provide appropriate chew toys, then of course she will chew anything and everything around her! It seems like your dog has too much time and too much energy, so she's spending her time chewing and destroying. If you keep all the things out of reach, then she won't be able to access them. If she's being supervised when she's out, you can correct her when she goes for an inappropriate item and redirect her to something she CAN chew. If you cannot watch her, crate her. You're lucky she hasn't ingested something that could cause a blockage or death! From the time a puppy comes into our home, we TEACH them what is appropriate to chew on. We keep everything else out of reach. We supervise vigilantly, when we can't, the puppy goes into his crate. Are you in OB classes with your dog? It sounds like to me she needs mental and physical stimulation. And you need to puppy proof your house. I apologize if this sounds harsh - but you have a 14 month old - what have you been doing with your dog this whole time? Letting her chew whatever she wants?

[MaddoxsMom]

She may be asking for a job. Herding, fly-ball, formal obedience, tracking and other outlets for her may give you some relief for her need to be kept "busy" mentally. If she comes from very strong working lines, it could cause her to have more drive and need for a job than others.

I was told once about a bitch that would go in the backyard and go to a stacked pile of firewood, and "re-stack" the wood in another area of the yard. Some dogs just have a stronger need to be kept busy than others. Obviously this dog was not choosing a destructive method to reduce her boredom like yours is, however it is probably the same issue.

Also, you will notice that when she is asked to put her brain to work, that she will come home and be much more exhausted than if you had taken her to the park and worked her physically.

[brunie's mom]

No controversy here. Dogs need to chew, they need to be taught what is appropriate to chew. Sounds like there is alot more going on here.

First of all why is your dog being allowed to chew all of these things???
She should be either confined(crated), or leashed to you when she cannot be watched. Everything that can be chewed or taken, should be put away.

How much excercise and training is this dog getting per day? I notice a common theme to most threads where dogs either chew or dig holes...bordoem and lack of excercise. Often negative attention paid to the dog is better then no attention. Teach the dog the "drop it" command...do a "search" to see how to teach it.

Is the dog in obedience classes?

Give your dogs appropriate things to chew a raw soup bone, bully sticks , a stuffed Kong,etc...and confine and supervise...and praise for appropriate chewing.

Gina

[Sasha's Mom]

I agree with you Gina. But what are "bully sticks"? Never heard of them. Please explain

[daaqa]

Originally Posted by Sasha's Mom

I agree with you Gina. But what are "bully sticks"? Never heard of them. Please explain

the cured penis of a castrated bull, i do believe! dogs LOVE them, but OH MY do they ever stink!

[brunie's mom]

Originally Posted by Sasha's Mom

I agree with you Gina. But what are "bully sticks"? Never heard of them. Please explain

Yes...what dagga said...only I'm not sure they are only castrated bulls?...I think just cow penis's. Do a google search on "bully sticks"....dogs love them, and there does not seem to be much problems with them chewing a chunk off,etc. They usually last about half an hour or so depending on the size?...but some stink more than other's. They are expensive as chews go....but not fatty or greasy like pig ears,etc.

Good for a crate chew.

Gina

[daaqa]

well, actually, cows are the bitches of the cattle world, so no penis to begin with. *grin* "bully" comes from "bull."
bull = male cattle
steer = castrated male cattle
cow = female cattle
heifer = female cattle that has not yet calved

Bull pizzles are almost exclusively used/produced today as chewing treats for dogs.[citation needed] The pizzles of bulls are cleaned, stretched, twisted and then dried at a very high heat. The result is a very hard, 80-100 cm long brown stick, which is then sawed into pieces appropriate for the size of the dog, usually 10-20 cm (this process also makes its anatomical origin rather unrecognizable).

[debbiej]

sorry, but cow's don't have a penis. they have udders....

[foreverlove]

Wow, I should have realized everyone would jump right down ones throat when a problem occurs (simple right? blame the owner!)... our dog is far from bored, most likely beyond any training most do here.... she has more than 30 voacb of commands and does agility DAILY! Not to mention her daily walks, etc... and yes, I'm so concerned about my dog to actually post here, that I LET her chew/eat these things... come on... I was asking those who care, not those who want to cast a stone. She grabs them even while leashed... I can wrestle a 100lb dog only so fast to snatch it out of her mouth. EVERY other aspect of training is glorious, think I would say I'm getting mixed messages from trainers/vets/behaviorist if we didn't care or vest the time???? This site was recommended, but so far not really interested in the clientele here, you make a great first impression, thanks for the warm welcome :)

[brunie's mom]

Originally Posted by debbiej

sorry, but cow's don't have a penis. they have udders....

I meant that either bulls or steers can be used for the making of bully sticks. I raised Black Angus cattle for years....I know that they are different.

Gina

[moondog]

Originally Posted by foreverlove

Wow, I should have realized everyone would jump right down ones throat when a problem occurs (simple right? blame the owner!)...

Unfortunately for dogs, most problems ARE the owner. We all have to live with that...you, me, and everyone else. So yes, blame the owner. Who else? It's certainly not the dog's fault she doesn't know the difference between her chew items and your belongings.

Originally Posted by foreverlove

I'm so concerned about my dog to actually post here, that I LET her chew/eat these things... come on... ..She grabs them even while leashed... I can wrestle a 100lb dog only so fast to snatch it out of her mouth.

Since you are the one with the means to control access, then that's a job you're going to have to do. Teaching her the "leave it" and "drop it" commands will also help.

Originally Posted by foreverlove

This site was recommended, but so far not really interested in the clientele here, you make a great first impression, thanks for the warm welcome :)

Sorry we didn't live up to your expectations.

[jlaack]

We have a 14 month old rottie female, that really has us convinced there is some brain damage going on here.

Are you being sarcastic or serious? If you are being serious that you think there may be an issue beyond the need to chew than maybe you could consider a CT scan? From your post it sounds as if the dog is bored, underexercised and not provided bones or good chew toys. But seriously if you think there is a problem beyond this your vet would be a good guide. Brain tumors do occur...