Chewing Things Up

Question
My mini schnauzer is 1 yr.  Topper loves stuffed animals but can't keep them b/c he chews the stuffing.  I have the unstuffed ones and he still chews a hole and eats it.  He chews anything i leave around. He knows better.  When I come home from work, he will have chewed something either the side of the couch, steps going upstairs, his bed (stuffing everywhere).  He has lots of chew toys.  I talk to him every morning and he knows I am going to work and will return.  Help!  Why is he doing this?

Answer
Linda;
It is simple for attention!
Some dogs are so smart, they rather get "Negative" reinforcement if that gets them the attention they crave!!
He is a Schnauzer, so loads of "Prey drive"!!!
This means he is looking all the time or on the "hunt"!
So, you will need to put him in a "Exercise" pen when you are gone, or crate him for short intervals, so, you can break this habit!
You have to take the control back in your "Den" so to speak!
Best wishes,
Melissa