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The subject line about somes it up. What can I do to make her "get it" when it comes to stopping the chewing? I have a lot of different chewie toys for her but she still gets clothing, toys, hats, shoes, you name it. My hubby says it's her or him! Help!

>>The subject line about somes it up. What can I do to make her "get it" when it comes to stopping the chewing? I have a lot of different chewie toys for her but she still gets clothing, toys, hats, shoes, you name it. My hubby says it's her or him! Help!>>>

Her teeth are driving her nuts. They have to be set in the jaw by chewing, and at this point she's not able to stop and think "Gee, what should I be chewing?" She needs a lot of supervision and help from you before she'll be able to make this distinction consistently--that could be a year away.

Meanwhile, don't leave her loose alone around things she could damage. Keep up the good chew toys, and keep adding more, especially toys with textures similar to the things of yours that she chews. These are textures that her teeth may need.

When you see her chewing the wrong thing, walk up calmly with a spray bottle of Bitter Apple or similar safe product. Spray the item as you say "Leave it." Then INSTANTLY get one of her toys and "tease" her with it just enough that she wants it. Give it to her and quietly praise her as you return to what you are doing.

You will need to do this many, many times, and she will need to mature more before she'll be ready for the responsibility of being loose with your things unsupervised. Meanwhile use a dog-proofed room or a crate for her to rest in (with toys) when you can't supervise her. It won't be forever, but she needs this now. It's not just about your things, either. Dogs can die from things they chew.

Bitter Apple evaporates quickly, so don't expect it to "protect" your things from chewing. It's simply useful for training. Also be very careful not to punish the dog for chewing. If you do, you will create problems in your dog much more serious than destructive chewing.

Dogs don't ever really "get it" as to why we don't want our stuff chewed. After all, a dog has no concept of money or the value of an item. Your goal is to help your dog form good chewing habits. She HAS to chew--for her teeth. Dogs who chew a lot and are provided with the right chew items can have better dental health for their whole lives.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com