My Golden Retreiver chews things

[Aida]

I should mention my dog is two, and should be out of that stage right? But, she was abused. I got her last year. She was kept in a large box 24\7. Isn't that horrible? My poor baby was never taken for walks. Never played with. She is so sweet, and good with my kids. She goes outside, and never does any thing in the house. Which is hard to believe, because she was left to soil in that box. Maybe there is some reason she goes after the kids things, when we leave? Well, I am going to continue to work with her, and for now leave her in the back room when we leave.

[Genny]

I'm so sorry she was abused; I'm glad you've got her now.

My Maltese/Pomeranian is 1 y/o and she loves to go in my brother's room and find his toys and chew them up! She has tons of toys, but if his door is left open then she will go and chew his toys, but I don't know why. She just seems to like the toys she isn't supposed to have, kinda like your dog.

I don't know how to get her to stop so we just try to always keep his bedroom door closed at all times!

[shais_mom]

welcome to the world of a retriever!
They are extremely MOUTHY dogs!
You mentioned she is 2 - technically in golden speak she is still a puppy.
My golden wasn't able to be left out of her crate completely until she was over 2 years old. It was about the time she was getting closer to age 3 when she became the almost perfect dog.
Course give her a box of tissues STILL and turn your back and when you turn back around half of them will be ingested the other half in bits and pieces all over the floor!
Maybe your girl just isn't sure what is her's vs your kids.
Try KONG toys. I have had a large RED kong since I had my greyhound and she passed away in 2001. The BLACK ones are for strong aggressive chewers. Look on EBAY.
Good luck..

[borzoimom]

All my dog toys are rubber of some type- kongs, rubber bones etc or nylabones. Granted our children are grown and gone, the fact is, we went through a pillow fettish with Zubin. Putting the pillows up, and monitoring him not to touch the ones I had out to train worked. Keeping the doors shut, child gates where you want the dog etc will do the trick- that and remaining calm when you come home. Even even negative interactive is still attention to a dog.
AS far as her being abused- at some point you have to move on in your mind. Unless the dog is showing signs of fear still, my guess is she has moved on too. She just doesnt know what to do with herself when left to own devices. Either remove the obects- or put her in a place she can not set herself up for failure.
And I also agree- two is still young- especially if she didnt learn this lesson some months back. Remember each new thing turns them back into a " puppy" as far as understanding what you want. ...

[Aida]

Thank you everyone for your input. I will try to look for a Kong on E-Bay. I'll try and send some pics soon.

[Freedom]

I am glad to hear you are trying to keep her in a room. A dog proofed one, yeah. With her past, keeping her in a crate may not be such a good idea. Just a thought.

[xcolbi]

I'm so sorry she was abused; I'm glad you've got her now.

My Maltese/Pomeranian is 1 y/o and she loves to go in my brother's room and find his toys and chew them up! She has tons of toys, but if his door is left open then she will go and chew his toys, but I don't know why. She just seems to like the toys she isn't supposed to have, kinda like your dog.

I don't know how to get her to stop so we just try to always keep his bedroom door closed at all times!

That's the exact same thing Colbi does! She'll go in someone's room, and find either a toy or a slipper, brings it out to the living room, and starts chewing on it!

[Genny]

LOL, I don't know why they do that!

I hope your dog starts acting more like you want it to, Aida, and goodluck to everyone else too!