GSD started chewing - out of character. Any advice?

[The wife]

Sorry long post, advice/thoughts appreciated please.

This is my parents dog - Neither would know how to use this forum, hence my post...

Just wanted to pick any brains or some ideas on my parents dog please who has started some really out of character behaviour... He is a 5yr old, entire GSD, who has been in the family since a puppy. He has always been a very sensitive but well behaved dog until very recently where he has started chewing anything he can get his paws on. This is completely out of character for him as he has never chewed anything before (even as a puppy he wasn't a chewer) There seems to be no specific thing that he will chew but has so far put holes in carpets, chewed shoes, slippers and started on the door frame.

The first time we witnessed him chewing was after he had stayed at my own house for a few days with my dog while my parents went away about 6 months ago. He was left alone, with my dog (which he has done frequently in my parents house and occasionally at my house) for 30 minutes in which time he chewed a foot square hole in my carpet - this we put down to stress and separation anxiety at the time as he very rarely leaves my fathers side.

There was new chewing present until about a week ago in which the behaviour has started on a regular basis. He is well exercised, eats well and has plenty of attention. There has been no trauma that we know of (doesn't appear to be stressed by the recent fireworks etc). He does not appear stressed while he is chewing and will do it in front of us or while there is nobody present. When he is seen chewing, he gets a firm 'No', where he leaves the item he has been chewing and goes into his 'naughty' corner. 5 minutes later he may start again or may not chew for another few days/hours. He has plenty of his own toys and as above is well stimulated and exercised.

Any thoughts appreciated please as to why he could be doing it and the best way to reprimand him. He is a very sensitive dog and the word 'No' is more than enough to correct unwanted behaviour normally but is it enough in this case? Should my parents be telling him off more firmly?

 

[chillipup]

I understand chewing can be associated with stress, and could well be contributing in this case, especially as the dog is now 5 years old and hadn't displayed this behaviour before. The only other idea that came to mind was perhaps there could be a problem with his teeth/gums. It may be appropriate to get the dog checked over by the vet first to rule out any medical issue that could have caused him to start this chewing. If this confirms no issues, then the next step would be to seek professional behaviour help. In the mean time, especially as you mention the dog is very sensitive, continue just telling the dog 'no' if you see this behaviour and perhaps distract it with a toy/chew. I do not think that reprimanding the dog more firmly will result in stopping the behaviour but if it found to be stress related, it will probably do far more harm than good.

If this behaviour is related to separation anxiety, especially from your father, perhaps your mum could play a more prominent role with the dog, ie. feeding, walking. Perhaps leaving a kong toy with treats in the mean time may help when they leave the dog.

I hope, that those with more knowledge in dog related issues, on this forum, may offer their experience and wisdom to help you find a solution. Good luck.

 

[chillipup]

Bumped...because I'm looking forward to all your words of wisdom too.

 

[Booboos]

My first though was also to get his teeth checked by a vet in case there is a physical issue.

Have you tried flooding him with a lot of chewable toys/treats? Perhaps an appropriate chewing outlet will solve this. Another idea is an Adaptil collar/diffuser to see if that helps with stress. If that helps Zylekene may also be helpful.

 

[gunnergundog]

Dogs will chew through stress and boredom .....assuming an adult dog with no teething/puppy behaviour issues and a dog appropriate diet.

How much is he exercised/trained/stimulated/left on his own? What is his routine? If he is caught chewing something he shouldn't, blame yourself for leaving it within reach and provide him with something he CAN chew - raw marrowbone for instance!

 

[Aru]

Get his teeth checked.strangely enough a fractured tooth,which are usually painful, can sometimes cause this in adult dogs...
otherwise provide substitue chews and encourage him to use these when he feels the urge- kongs with frozen food etc are great as they will engage his brain to a certain extent and provide a chew.
Stress and sometimes boredom can also be a factor.has there been any changes in the household..new pets/babies increased freq of visitors/building works..is there any bitches in heat nearby?
Adaptil exercise and some suppements can help with stress. Im a big believer that a tired dog-physically and mentally is a happy dog!
Whats his exercise regime?how often is he left alone?

 

[Moobli]

I would also firstly ask how much exercise, training, stimulation he gets on a daily basis. Is there a certain set of circumstances that might set the chewing off?

Definitely get his mouth/teeth/gums checked by a vet, as an infection or pain could be prompting this behaviour.