Pet Information > ASK Experts > Dogs > Dog Breeds > Basset Hound > chewing

chewing

19 14:50:17

Question
my 8 month old basset, Martha, chewed mu daughter's expensive boots at some point during the night.  she rarely chews anything but I also keep things out of her reach.  When Kate (who lives upstairs) woke up and discovered the boot, she ran into my room and grabbed the sound-asleep puppy and dragged her into the livingroom, showing her the boot and screaming at her.  I'm furious but she insists that it's the only way to teach a dog.  I think all she did was freak Martha out.  and me  PS.  this is my 2nd basset

Answer
Jenna,

Is this your dog or your daughter's?  If it's your dog, you set the rules.  You determine how the dog is to be treated.  What your daughter would be deemed by some, me included, as animal abuse.

That dog knows nothing but that your daughter is a screaming idiot.  The boots were forgotten about 10 seconds after they were chewed, nevermind after the dog fell asleep.  Your dog displayed out of control, unstable behavior...if she continues down this path, she will never have a Martha that obeys her out of respect.

If your daughter insists that this is the only way to treat an animal, I'm afraid she's been misinformed.  This is the exact opposite way to treat an animal...she'll not find one behaviorist or trainer, in person or media, to support her opinion.

If your daughter doesn't want her things chewed while there's a puppy in the house, either close off access to the upstairs or tell your daughter to take responsibility for her belongings.  She's the human...time she acted like it.