[jennyal-timimi]

Betty, my labradoodle (scruffy black) is now seven months old and has so far done about £500 damage chewing. I provide her with lots of chews, which she loves, but if you accidentally leave something like your glasses or mobile phone within her reach for a moment she will chew them (which explains the £500 damage). I try to make sure that I leave her in a 'safe' room when I go out, but now she has chewed up all the cables in the room, like the phone wire, tv extension lead, etc. It feels like we have to barricade ourselves and all our valuables in one area of the house to keep ourselves safe from her. She is the most destructive dog I've ever had. The latest trick is to pull clothes off the washing line - which is very annoying as she has ruined my daughter's work trousers.

Oh and she sheds incredibly - but I could put up with that if the chewing would stop.

Has anyone got any suggestions?

Jenny,
Milton Keynes, UK

 

[jennyal-timimi]

chewing - thanks

Dear everyone

Thanks for your advice. I think she is too old and big for crate-training now, but I have tried the distraction techniques suggested and am hoping for the best. She was a lot happier over Christmas.

 

[jennyal-timimi]

Thanks, that sounds like a brilliant idea.

Jenny