Community Chat

[deeds2]

I've appreciated the posts on this site for a long time, and thought perhaps I could gain some advice re my five year old rescue brittany that I've had almost two years now. I have always rescued adult dogs, but Rusty was in a scary situation and needed a home right away and the rescue org called to see if I could help out. Of course I fell in love, as he is a gentle soul, but has one trouble spot which none of my other dogs has had past puppyhood: he will decide probably twice a week to pick something to chew on. It can differ...he'll leave a remote alone for months and then decide he'll eat it, same with a certain pillow, other things that he ignores until 'he doesn't'. I work four days a week, and there is a second dog who is in the house with him, so it's important to know that he doesn't do this when I'm home..just when I'm gone and not every day. And his target differ. He'll ignore something for months, and then, wham! He decides he wants to destroy it. Short of kenneling him (I know, this would contain him, but it is too long a day when I work and they have access to the dog door from the house and a large fenced yard. I have hidden toys with treats, radio, etc. I just despair of this being something he'll 'outgrow' obviously. My vet says he's fine and does not have the classic separation anxiety traits, but encouraged more exercise which I did. He is rather vigorous when he destroys something. He did get his teeth through a can of corn, so he's persistent. If there's anyone who's had a similar situation with some hope at the end of it, I'd love to hear. He had been through at least three homes before I got him, and he is otherwise a very good dog, very gentle, submissive boy (neutered after I got him) that is affectionate and has come a long way in confidence and gets along well w/ the other dog. Will love him (and keep him) no matter what, but the books, furniture, remotes, pens, fireplace logs, glasses, .....(and the list goes on) gets me weary.