biting and chewing poodle

Question
I have a miniature poodle who is approx. 10 yrs. old.  We keep him in a closet when we are gone, with the door open, on a blanket, tied to a leash.
He has been fine in there since we moved into our new home; but for 3 weeks now he has been chewing on the nylon lead, and biting through the leash to free himself. He cries and whines most of the night, and we don't know why the sudden change in behavior.
Also, he chews on his feet almost non-stop.  I have allergy problems, and this seems to exacerbate the problems.  I am wondering if this behavior can be changed somehow.  Thank you, Tom


Answer
Any change in behavior calls for a checkup at the vet.  Make sure the vet knows his behavior has suddenly changed.  There is no sense trying to fix a physical problem using behavioral modification.  Unfortunately the vet may prescribe tranquilizers.  I would like to see you try some other things first.  Still they might be a good temporary measure.  

Replace the nylon lead with a chain one.  Most of them have a nylon handle.  Cut it off and replace it with a snap or ring from the hardware store.  This is sort of a negative step, but solves the immediate problem while working on reducing his anxiety and boredom.  Try to figure out if anything in his environment has changed or if your schedule is causing you to spend less time with him.  Strange noises, smells, vibrations, even the angle of the sun may have upset his routine.  Undo anything new you can think of, if you can.  The foot biting may be physical, but often it is from boredom.  Get a Kong, a small one maybe 2''.  Ask at any pet store. Fill it with peanut butter.  He will spend hours licking it out, too busy to chew his lead or feet.  If it is doesn't seem to last long enough, freeze it.  For more fun, see http://www.vetvax.com/biscuittoys.html#225  Something different every day.  

Spend more quality time with him.  If he has never been obedience trained, do it now.  You and him could be passing on each others tension.  A year ago, my friend literally worried her dog sick.  Fixing his problems will reduce tension in your life.  It may be concern for him, not the his foot biting that is making your allergies worse.  I hope my ideas help.

You do know that poodles don't have the dander that causes most dog allergies.  They are actually trained as service dogs for people with allergies.  Take good care of each other.