Trouble

[Canis-Lupess]

I know somebody who's growing pup learned to chew on purpose just to get attention because she realised that whenever she went to chew the table, they would react. Like children, dogs don't care whether the attention they get is good or bad.

You have to be careful to not advertantly teach her to chew in order to get your attention.

I agree that training classes would be great for you and your pup. You'll both benefit immensely from it and I hope your dad does agree to it but make sure you find a good place because some trainers are so clueless and cruel, they shouldn't be trainers. Ask your vet if they have any recommendations.

Another thing that people don't realise is that growing pups go through a second teething process at about 6 months or a bit later where the adult teeth are settling into the jawline and this can cause chewing as well. It generally settles down as the dog gets older.
The lad I know who's pup I mentioned above is now much better.

[angelchampy]

My Sherry started chewing the rug at 13. One thought was that she was bored (which she was). They start getting destructive when they're bored, plus she had severe separation anxiety. Chewing can also be anxiety. But when she started doing it right in front of me (obviously not anxious - I was home), among other symptoms, we figured she had CCD (Canine Cognitive Disfunction). This is the equivalent to Alzheimers or Dementia. Our conclusion of CCD was due to her age, among other symptoms, and the behaviorist agreed. But anxiety and boredom are many times the reason. Maybe if you buy a kong and put some treats or peanut butter in it (for the boredom). If you think it's anxiety, let me know. That's a whole other ballgame. I could write a book on it.

[angelchampy]

By the way - my previous reply was for Best Buddy!