[mogrann]

I have been with Owen almost all of the time as I got fired from work shortly after we got him. I am now working again and it seems to bother him that I am not at home with him. He is now taking my slippers, gloves etc when I am not at home(also it seems like no one is home when he does this). When I do find the object that is chewed to bits I tell him No and leave it(he has learned that command in dog obedience class).

I do make sure my boy gets lots of love and attention from me. If hubby is driving me he gets to go in the car to drop me off and pick me up. He loves the car. He is almost 9 months old not sure if that matters. He is also very hyper as his walking and exercise time depends on his elbow displesia. When he is limping we of course take him home or don't take him out for walks.

Can I do anything else to help him not chew my things? I don't think he is doing it for lack of toys as he does have his ropes and stuffies that he knows he can chew on.

Susan and Owen

[Aurora_Bell]

The surefire way to avoid anxious or just bored chewing would be to crate while you are away. Make sure you give him lots of appropriate things to do in there. Nyla bones, chew toys and water are great things to include in your crate.

It doesn't really sound like separation anxiety, but it could definitely become anxiety. Sounds like he may just be bored. He's in his young teen stage, and just hasn't figured out what to do with himself when he is left alone.

[Just_Another_Lemming]

Susan, I agree with AB. At 9 months old he is still a puppy and gets bored easily. The fact that he is picking things with your scent on them is very normal. Those items give him comfort while you are out of the house. If no one is home to supervise and correct his behavior, he will not leave your things alone. Please crate him until he outgrows this stage. It is the only thing that work and it will keep him safe from ingesting something that may cause a blockage.

[mogrann]

Thank you all. We will be crating him when we go out. I do feel bad with confining him in his crate but will make sure he has toys to play with while in there.