Chewing

by Connie Wagner
(Klamath Falls Oregon)

My 1 yr old Pyrenees is a super chewer and finding toys is a challenge but we cope. The problem is he thinks he's part beaver and has destroyed one of our apple trees! Is there any hope of him growing out of the chewing stage or stopping him from chewing on things that aren't his? I cought him chewing on the corner of the wall!! He chews wire, metal, plastic, rocks and most anything he can get his mouth around! Thankfully he doesn't chew furniture!!

Comments for Chewing

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Dec 06, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Chewing
by: Donna

How much exercise does he get? How many games do you play with him? When you aren't around, make sure he is crated so he doesn't get into trouble but make sure he's had plenty of exercise before he gets crated.

Trade him for toys when you think he's going to start chewing. There are toys on the market that make him do a little thinking, too. If he continues after working with him on games and exercise, you may have to train him to the muzzle so he doesn't hurt himself.

Here are some games you can play:

https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2010/01/the-puppy-one-hundred-and-thirty-five/

There is also a Free Dog Training Workshop with Susan Garrett: https://www.facebook.com/groups/freedogtrainingworkshop/?ref=bookmarks
Dec 06, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Reply to Donna
by: Connie

He plays hard several times a day. He prefers playing by himself or with our much older dog but he comes to us for loving a lot! We chose not to crate him because he'd spent the first 4.5 months of his life in a field with several other dogs and 300 goats, didn't have a name, never wore a collar, and had never been in a building of any kind! He's got a doggy door to a large fenced yard so he can continue to "guard" his "flock" at will. Typical of the breed he chooses when to mind us LOL
Dec 06, 2019
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		interesting
by: Anonymous

This is an observation, not a criticism.
Its always interesting when a human imagines that the life they choose for an animal is so much superior to the animal's own choice for themselves. Your very good intentions to give your dog an improved lifestyle seems to have left him a bit frustrated. You may have alleviated that frustration just enough that he chews on trees and not furniture or people.
So, lets think about this from what his breed profile may tell you what was so right about his former life. He wouldn't have cared less about not having had a collar or a name. For a dog that has been bred to roam, a 'large fenced yard', and 4 walls and a roof is not am improvement. The protocol of pack co-operation with other guardian dogs and a herd of 300 goats is the life he was bred to live. Play, even with other canines, is a wonderful way to blow off steam but he did that with his mates while they guarded the goats. There was in that life, an intention to his daily activities.
Now the question is how close can you, as a kind and caring human, even come close to what he would choose for himself? Can you give him a purpose? It may be helpful to consider what it is you expect him to accept in this life with you, from his own viewpoint. It is humbling to think that they do not need us (and a comfortable life) as much as we need to be able to think that he was'saved' from his own. Food for thought.
Jan 22, 2021
Rating
starstarstar 		Update on chewing
by: Connie

Dandelion Fluff is now over 2 years old and inappropriate chewing is a thing of the past! He's a wonderful companion, very protective and so much fun with a quirky personality! He was traumatized when we had to put down our 15 year old dog but seems to be adjusting well now. We are considering a playmate for him but I'm not sure I can do another puppy! For now we'll just love and enjoy him!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Great Pyrenees Questions.

Show / Hide
CLICK TO FOSTER A PYR
PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE

Breaking News

RSS

  1. Thor

    Sep 15, 26 05:48 AM

    Thor
Location: Acton, ON
 DoB: June 25, 2021 (5-years-old)
 Required: Single detached dwelling with a large securely-fenced yard of at least 5-feet with

    Read More

  2. Courtesy Post - Comet

    Sep 01, 26 05:07 PM

    A bite. Courtesy Post - Comet Location: Fergus, ON DoB: September 26, 2018, 7.5-year-old female Great Pyrenees From her owner: This is one of the hardest

    Read More

  3. Bo

    Aug 25, 26 07:39 AM

    DOB: late Sept 2023 (don’t know for sure) rescued Dec 2023 Location: Acton, Ontario Name: Bo He is close to 100 pounds. No children under 16. Bo

    Read More

  4. Lady Lu (a.k.a. Ludi)

    Aug 18, 26 05:43 PM

    *ADOPTED* From her new family: I am thrilled to say that Ludi is even lovelier than I hoped. She is fitting in well with everyone, she is very chill

    Read More

  5. Lila

    Aug 15, 26 05:58 PM

    Lila Location: Acton, ON DOB: 2021 - 5-years-old Single-family detached is home required. Minimum 5-foot securely fenced yard. Make sure to do your

    Read More

  6. Stanley

    Jul 21, 26 04:36 PM

    *ADOPTED* Stanley is settling in well in his country home with his new canine and feline friends along with his new people. Stanley Location: Acton,

    Read More

  7. Courtesy Post - Sasha

    Jul 17, 26 01:34 PM

    Working Male Dog for Hobby Farm DoB: 2022 Required: Secure fencing Location: Bridgewater, N.S. Sasha is a 4-year-old neutered male. He previously

    Read More

  8. Courtesy Post - Nova

    May 25, 26 06:06 AM

    Location: South River Nova: 3-years-old Children: 12 years and up NEED A NEW COUNTRY HOME It is with a heavy heart (and a lot of procrastination)

    Read More