Chew Toys, Anyone?

A little less than a year ago, my brother adopted a sweet little Boxer puppy. Everyone has great hopes for their newly adopted pups, and my brother was no different. While Gunner is an incredibly sweet, loving, smart dog, he definitely has one big vice: chewing. In all, Gunner has destroyed:

--a Blackberry

--an iPhone

--two additional cell phones

--a pair of Oakleys

--a windowsill

--a set of blinds

--a CD case, and the 72 CDs in it

--countless rolls of toilet paper --power cords

--a TV remote

--business cards

--and a pair of glasses.

He’s also taken all of the shorts out of a dresser drawer and chewed off the buttons. Just the buttons. The corners or mattresses and bedroom furniture are favorites as well.

I know many of you out there are thinking exactly what I was, “Then don’t leave him alone.” Unfortunately, Gunner does it at night when he should be sleeping. I also suggested not leaving things like phones and glasses on the floor, where Gunner has easy access. To which my brother replied, “He climbs onto the bed and takes them off of the nightstand.” Also, keep in mind that it happens quickly. Once, I was on the phone with my mom, who was dog sitting Gunner. She turned her back on him for a second, and then I heard, “Well, there goes the rug.”

The moral of the story? Be prepared when you bring home a puppy. My brother has handled it well, providing chew toys for Gunner and isolating him when he’s alone so that he has minimal access to off-limit items. Other adoptive owners have difficulty with destructive dogs, and unfortunately, many get returned to shelters because owners don’t want to put in the time to train them. So when you’ve got a newly adopted puppy on your hands, here are a few tips to remember:

--Breathe. Remember, it’s a phase. With the proper instruction and reinforcement, this will pass.

--Find the humor in it. I once used my boyfriend’s library card to check out a book. I promised him it would be returned on time, and I wouldn’t mar his name with late fees. Freckles had other ideas and promptly chewed the cover off. While I could have been upset and angry, I had to see the irony in the fact that he chose that particular book to destroy. And really, what’s $25 when I get to come home to this cute little face every day?

--Provide toys that dogs can chew up and destroy. Then, leave those toys with the dog when they’re alone. Isolate them if you can, either in a kennel or in a room that isn’t easily demolished (like the laundry room. Just make sure all cleaners and detergents are stowed).

--Play dates are a great way to socialize your dog and tire him out, leaving him less inclined to misbehave. Dog parks provide a lot of stimulation, or scheduling time with friends who have dogs can give those dogs who are more shy the opportunity to play one-on-one.

Now, go forth and enjoy your new addition. Your patience and constant love will be worth it in the end :)