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Unusual chewing on clothing

19 9:25:26

Question
My dog Chloe, is a female red/blue heeler mix. She's generally well behaved except for the occasional hyperness. She's year and a half old and knows that she's only supposed to chew toys that we give her. But lately, she's been chewing holes in all of my boyfriend's pajamas. It's especially strange because she loves him and hasn't chewed anyone else's clothing. We were thinking that it may be because she hasn't been spayed yet, but are otherwise at a loss for answers. I hope that you can help us.
                                               Sincerely, Dolores

Answer
Spaying does help some behaviors and eliminates the hassle, mess, and risks of her seasons.  I would strongly recommend it before her next season is due.  If you were delaying it until she was mature, it should be OK now.  

It may help with the pajama chewing, but you are more likely to have to do more.  The most effective thing will be to keep them where she can't get to them, in a drawer or hamper or the bed room door closed.  If she moves on to other things, you may even have to crate her.  

The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat.

Damaged possessions are the fault of whoever was watching the puppy. When you are watching it, immediately correct it as soon as it goes for anything except its own toys. In a quiet, but firm voice give it an ''Ah, ah, ah!''. Gently remove what ever and replace it with one of her toys.   Holding eye contact after the ''Drop it!'' command until the puppy drops it also works.

If nothing else works and you want to try crating, post back.  Since old questions are hard to find, just put the details in a new question.