My Doods are driving me CRAZY!!!

[SamsonsMom]

Samson and Henry have been pretty cooped up the last week or so. It's either way to cold from them to play outside for to long, or snowing like crazy.

So for the past week I've been leaving them in my bedroom while I'm at work. (they have more room to play & I hate leaving them in a crate if I've already cooped them up in the house for most of the day) I make sure they have their food and water and all their toys. Last couple days the boys have just been CRAZY in the house. Slamming so hard into furniture while playing that it moves the furniture, etc.

Last night I get home and my nice sitting chair in my bedroom is CHEWED up. The right arm is chewed to the wood frame, and the wood frame is even partially chewed. Stuffing everywhere. I was SO upset, it WAS such a nice chair. So I'm cleaning up the stuffing and notice they had knocked my cell phone charger off the end table. It's in 4 pieces.

UGH - I was able to put arm covers on the chair and it looks alright (I refuse to throw that chair away) and I have to buy a new cell phone charger today. I didn't even think twice about leaving that stuff out, they always are so good and only chew on their toys. Guess that's what happens when you coop up an active dog for over a week - finally they just go crazy. LOL.

[Lora]

Hang in there!! Is daycare an option? I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have doggy daycare for Boyd. He was cooped up on Saturday and by Saturday evening I was wrestling with him just to get him tired. I don't know who got the better workout! LOL!

[lindamarie]

I hear ya! BOREDOM!! It will do it all the time!
THINK SPRING!! ........and in the meantime, guard your things and do your best! This weather stinks!
Yep! Daycare is always an option.........a little costly, but it sure does the job! They're exhausted when they get home!

[SamsonsMom]

I'll look into the daycares around here, I did once & the place was nice but ultra pricey - and I'm kind-of a tight wad...LOL. But it just might be worth it now.

This weather STINKS!!!

[Jac]

Ugh...I totally relate...times, well, a bunch! LOL

Once they have the knowledge about destuffing furniture, they will likely continue unless you do extensive training...even then, you won't want to leave them alone in a room with good furniture...mine have been known to chew holes in walls! Nothing is safe!

My best advice would be to find out if there is a retired neighbor or youth that you can pay to come in and walk them while you are away...or play ball with them. They do need their exercise and they are so intelligent that they get bored if they are left alone too long. (I have given up on furniture...only have the bare minimum, so believe me I DO know what I am talking about. )

During the day, my dogs will sleep most of the time but about every 4 hours they MUST get out to run or play...they only need about a half hour to 45 minutes, and then they sleep again...so I think if you can find someone to come in (a dog walker, if not a neighbor?) once during the day, your dogs will be more likely to behave.

Plus, you could give them fun things to "find"... we used to leave paper bags (large ones) filled with toys and treats ...even old toys and used chewies will do...but they loved to find the bag and pull the things out...and then the things helped to keep them busy.

I also leave things out that I don't mind if they destroy...old magazines and newspapers...or I buy cheap toys at the thrift store that they can destuff...sure, it leaves a mess, but it can save furniture...but not always...

[SamsonsMom]

Good suggestions! I'm going to see if my lil' sis can come over and let them out. She's looking for a job, so heck I can exchange my internet service for doggie service.

I do have a retired neighbor across the street that would probably be more than happy to do it. But he's on oxygen and in pretty bad shape. And he already does so much for me, if I forget to put out my trash can - he puts it out for me and in the summer, if my yard gets to long - he comes over and mows it while I'm at work.

[Jac]

Sounds like you have some great options! And a very wonderful neighbor!