Carpet Shredding

[Koekeishiya]

I know i need to update with pictures of Chewy as he has grown leaps and bounds the last few months, but I had a question I wanted to ask as far as behavior issues.

I work from 8-4, so I usually take chewy out for a walk before I leave for work, around noon during my lunch break, and off and on during the afternoon when I get home from work.

I know its been mentioned that Dutch Shepherds are very into being with their pack, but I can't exactly take him to work with me, and another puppy right now is out of the question. I feel bad keeping him in his crate all day, so I like to have him able to stretch around the house and play with his toys. I have thought about a doggy day care where he can play with other dogs while I am at work, but its really expensive, and they require him to be neutered first (which is a couple of weeks from happening).

He has been destroying things he knows are not his to play with even if he has toys and things to occupy his time. Recently he has pulled up the carpet and shredded it in 3 places (bye bye deposit ) destroyed 2 pairs of sandles, 1 pair of slippers, and recently bit off the draw string to my hamper. So far its not been terrible, but I don't want him to continue doing these things and eventually it becomes something i can not replace.

The past few weeks I have been leaving the radio or t.v on in the hopes it will calm him down by not being in a silent house.

On the other note, he NEVER does that when I'm home or around him, so i can't really tell him not to do it if i'm not catching him in the act. I have tried bitter spray on the carpet, but I don't think he is biting it, more like taking his frustration out on in with his nails.

Any suggestions? I don't want to keep him crated all day while I am at work unless I have to.

Also, for those that have a fully grown Dutch Shepherd, how big are your crates? he is growing fast and I am going to have to purchase a new one soon, and Id like to get one that will last the longest. Any good brands?

Thanks so much!
~Kathy

[LyonsFamily]

The crate is the safest option. If you can secure an xpen or kennel in a safe spot, that would give Chewy some extra room, but he doesn't need it. Frozen filled kongs, bully sticks, and other appropriate chews can be put in there to occupy his time.

If your exercising and working the dog sufficiently when you're out of work, being in a crate during the day isn't going to be a big stress. You're only working 6 hours a day with a break in between. Chances are your dog will learn to sleep while you're gone. Eating the carpet and other items around the house are much more dangerous than staying in a crate for a few hours a day.

[Dutchringgirl]

The crate is the best option unless you can put up an xpen like Stephanie mentioned. DS's need jobs and ripping up the carpet has become his job. Saide's job was ripping up dog beds. She has now been fired. He will find something to do. Good safe chew toys are best and frozen goodies to keep him occupied for a while. I love moose or elk antlers for my girls, they are very safe. For the crate, make sure they can stand up and move around, a large may be good.

[Stacy_R]

Saide's job was ripping up dog beds. She has now been fired.

Tyson is right behind her... I keep telling him that this is his last chance.

[Asha]

Sounds like Chewy is living up to his name