Chihuahua Crossing Forum Closed

kykate · Kid Chi

chewing/shredding paper

JacobsBunch · Administrator

I am not sure as to advice. My Bella is about 7 months old and she will make confetti (I loved that explanation cause that is really what becomes of what ever they get a hold of) She also knows that she is "bad" when we get home and looks quite pitiful. We usually react by saying...in a disappointed tone, you are bad Bella this is bad, we pick it up and ignore her and ignore her for a while (it is NOT easy) and then when we come home and she was good we are like "OH BELLA WHAT A GOOD GIRL OH OH *HUG* KISS*" I think this way she will learn that attention comes when she is good. We also try to "chi proof" the house before we leave, a little preventative damage...So not sure if this helps but I do understand.

Jess · Senior Chi

Like Heather, I am not really sure what to advise. Although I agree see with whoever told you it was boredom or frustration, that sounds very plausable to me. Ellie will shred the toilet paper if she gets a chance, but she knows she shouldn't because she will run and hide if she hears me coming when she's doing it! Like I'm going to beat her or something!

You could try leaving her when you go to work with a few toys that'll keep her busy. Like a mini Kong stuffed with meat paste or something like that. Maybe leaving a bit of background noise too, such as a tv or a radio? Is there any chance of someone coming in at lunch time to let her out and give her a run around or game?

I fear that unless you find some way of stopping her this could turn into a stubborn problem which you'll find hard to shift later.

If all else fails, talk to a dog psychologist, they can be very helpful!

Love, Jess x

brodyslove25 · Baby Chi

I would get some really nasty smelling stuff and spray it on whatever she shreds up. My dogs used to do that alot when they were younger and they don't do it anymore.

ChiMom · Kid Chi

Try the little purple treat balls - fill them with kibble so it's healthy for her. They have to work to get them kibble out. I also have little Kong bones and put a treat in the end of the bone for them right before I go to work. They have to work to get it all out. Also leaving the radio or TV on helps with some distractions. Keep stuff picked up and doors closed - especially bathrooms! Tucker will shred his potty pad sometimes - especially if he doesn't have Bully Sticks to chew on. Keep toys available and rotate them. I keep theirs in a basket, so it's actually a little challenging to get the toys out. These little guys get bored really easily. We are gone for 8 - 9 hours a day and they have free roam of about 1/3 of the house and a doggy door to the backyard. They do really well. But all of the above really helps as well. We also try very hard to make sure that what they have to play with or chew on is different when we're gone than what they have when we are home. Just some suggestions - may or may not work for you.

kykate · Kid Chi

thank you guys so much for the info. i will try the suggestions.

bluebrookchis · Senior Chi

I think it they mainly due that because there bored I have adults that will tear up paper in there crates also. Just something to do.

Elena · Senior Chi

Whenever I go out I am to check every single room to make sure that nothing is on the floor...the only thing that I have to leave there is her potty pad....and every time I come back is in 1 million pieces (I don't go out for more than 1 or 2 hours).If I forget any paper,shoe,sock,pen on the floor,it's guarantee that you will find it in her bed!!!!

bluebrookchis · Senior Chi

Silly puppy, maybe she will need a buddy sooner or later to keep her busy LOL

mika · Kid Chi

Maybe it sounds inhumane, but if things get really bad, you may want to try using a squirt of Bitter Apple Spray on the books. Roscoe's not too bad about chewing on things, but when he gets ahold of my shoes, a little spray sure does keep him away. Then I give him one of his toys to chew on instead.

Elena · Senior Chi

Bluebrook,my husband is already searching for a little brother for her!!!!I think that she is happy as an only child for now!!!lol

bluebrookchis · Senior Chi

Being you got her so young, she may not know how to be with another one, unless you have had her around other dogs before?

Alukex · Adult Chi

I have to agree with bluebrook on the "get a buddy" Ava used to tear up toiletpaper all over the house...and when I say all over the house I mean all over....from the bathroom to the otherside of the house...in our beds under the couches...it was bad....she stopped the moment we got a second chi!!!

Elena · Senior Chi

Ok bluebrook!!!I am waiting for a brother for Pixie!!!

Whenever you have one let me know!

teanicole · Adult Chi

i always put my magazines under my bed..always have dont know why..

well i happen to be looking for a certain one..i got under the bed and Dolly had shredded just about everyone of them..i never knew..never heard her doing it..it was an awful mess..

i knew that she kept going under the bed but i just thought she was playing..well i guess she kinda was..

Radar_Love · Moderator

Radar has got somewhat bad for ripping up toilet paper, tissues and cotton balls. He waits until I got my back turned then tears up whatever he can and then looks at me like he didnt do anything. He never was bad for doing anything like that up until recently. I am assuming it's from boredom. But, I am not really sure about it.