Hi and unchewable dog beds?

[Jellybelly]

Hi, got two dogs - lab/collie cross who's as good as gold (about 9 years old)....and a young (two year old) golden retriever who chews absolutley everything, including skirting boards and walls. He has plenty of chew toys - one of which is permanently in his mouth.....

The two dogs get on really well but they sleep in the kitchen at night, on a quarry tile floor. Every single type of bedding has been trashed within 24 hours of purchase and I don't know what to do. i want to give them a nice, compfy bed but the retriever keeps shredding them?

Help.....

[Natalie]

Hi Jellybelly,

How much exercise is he getting before bed? I know its gettin a bit cold now but a worn out dog will be a lot better than a bored one. If he's bored he'll chew eeevverrything ha.

The other thing it may be in separation anxiety, this is when they cant stand to be away from you and get very anxious and restless, resulting in chewing. or this you could try leaving the radio on to keep them company, or try being away from them during the day to see if he is the same.

Let us know if any work. Kong Toys stuffed with peanut butter or a treat seem to be a good way to occupy them too.

[Jellybelly]

Hi Natalie, thanks for that....They get a walk every day and to be honest I'd be more worried about a worn out owner than the worn out dogs! I generally leave a tv/radio on when I'm not around but I have such a varied lifestyle I doubt the seperation anxiety is much of an issue as I'm always too-ing and fro-ing (never written that phrase down before, looks a bit weird) so they generally have someone in - and they seem happy with each others company.

It's just that as soon as I put some bedding down the retriever shreds it! I'll try stuffing some toys with peanut butter etc etc....

[Natalie]

There are 'chew proof' dog beds, but to be honest they often say that but its only a matter of time until your dogs would manage to get through it i should think.

maybe you can try getting a crate for them, dogs love a den like place to sleep and relax, it makes them feel a lot safer when they're at home if that does turn out to be the problem.

Maybe try only giving him the dog toy stuffed with treats at bed time too, so he doesn't get bored with it during the day. Let us know how it goes and in the mean time i'll have a look around see what i can find