Adult dog has started chewing

[FraggleVonShizzle]

Hi,

Just joined here as I was hoping to get some insight into my dog's newly acquired chewing habit. I have two dogs (T, a 12 year old collie / greyhound mix and S, a four year old spaniel / staffie mix) and we have a one year old son. Both dogs have bonded well with our new baby and although we would never leave them alone with him we trust them with him. Just recently though, S, the four year old has started to chew some of our son's possessions. Any shoes or toys left unattended are pretty quickly secreted away for him to chew and it's really starting to annoy me now.
He had a brief chewing stint when we first got him two years ago but we soon got him out of it with a few firm words and finger wagging. This isn't working this time (predictably....I thought we'd got off light last time) and I just wanted to know if any of you have any ideas before I start shelling out much needed cash on a dog trainer. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Pawsitive]

Chewing can be a way to relieve stress and it might be a good idea to try to find the root of the problem (having a new baby come along, changes in routine etc) rather than just trying to stop the behaviour. Otherwise, it usually manifests itself in some other way ie leg licking / barking etc

Perhaps even though he has bonded well with your baby, he is feeling anxious and is chewing to release the tension. Have there been any other changes? Regime / walkies / food and so on?

You could try playing 'swapsies' - every time you catch him with a forbidden item, swap it for something high value (stuffed kong / chicken / amazing toy that only comes out on special occasions etc)

Or teach a reliable leave and then reward each time he listens to you.

Goodluck!

Keep us posted!

[chasexx11]

I also have staff's they are renowned for chewing.. I bought some spray that you leave on your wall's posessions when you go out.. Although It wasn't that fab for me. Depends on how bad the chewing is. I have a wall demolished and some of the flooring in my kitchen. I had to get a crate for them.. They ae absolutly fine now.. No stress on leaving. They are good as gold in there cage.. Just can't leave them for too long in them.. I think it makes them feel more secure.. as i feel half of the chewing was trying to get out of the door to follow me..