AboutDelores Beck Expertise Health, nutrition, and training issues.
NOTICE: I NO LONGER RECOMMEND CANIDAE DOG FOOD. DUE TO A CHANGE IN FORMULA AND MANUFACTURING FACILITIES, DOGS ARE GETTING SICK ON THIS BRAND.
Question QUESTION: We have the most perfect male golden cocker 18 mths old (Alfie). The only problem is he chews the door frames when left alone for any amount of time. The only frames he chews are the one that will get him to an exit from the house. He is well exercised especially if we are going to leave him he understands sit, wait, paw, down etc. We have tried sprays etc but no luck. We do wish we had caged him from a puppy but thought it was a little harsh on him. We have tried it now but he will not entertain going in a cage at all!! Any help would be much appreciated.
ANSWER: Where does Alfie sleep? What does he do if you confine him when you're at home? Has he always done this or is it a new behavior?
How much exercise does he get?
Just fill me in a bit more and I do have some suggestions.
Delores
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: We live in a bungalow and his bed is in the hall, with access to the kitchen where his food and water are kept. All other doors are closed when we go out.
If he is confined when we are at home he has no problems at all. He sleeps happily at night on his bed separated from us. The behavior started when he was around six months old. He gets lots of regular exercise at least twice if not more a day. He is excellent off the lead and socializes well with all dogs. As we work shifts the exercise is not at routine times of the day.
He has loads of toys and chews which he loves to play with but when we leave him alone they are untouched (just the door frames). We also tried a Kong toy with peanut butter and also a DAP plug-in which did not seem to make any difference.
Answer Have you tried confining him to the kitchen when you leave? Or to the "hall with access to kitchen"? Would this prevent access to "exit" doors (which is the door you left by - ergo, the chewing).
Please bear with all the questions but I do need to know specifics.
How long is it after you leave that he starts up? And by "chewing the door frames" - how bad is it?
I must say,I'm even at this point convinced this isn't anxiety but just a teensy bit spoiled and ticked off cocker. :) But I want to be sure. And I do have a few tricks to surprise & correct rowdy little boys :)
Delores
