Bula likes to eat wood......

[tl_ashmore]

I don't know what has gotten into Bula lately, but she has been chewing and eating my tables. My coffee table, my end tables, she has even chewed on my wooden aquarium base. I had a wooden incense holder...she ate that. She has even eaten the window sill...I'm starting to wonder if its anxiety, because she only does it when I'm not there. But, she only eats wood. She doesn't eat anything else. I really don't understand her.

 

[MEG126]

there has to be some kind of treatment you can put on your furniture that doesn't taste good to dogs... i'm sure there's plenty of household items that would work, i just don't know what they are. i know that there's a bitter apple spray you can buy at pet stores that discourage chewers and you spray it in your dog's mouth, but since bula only does this when you're not around, i'm not sure how helpful that would be. so i suppose there's the possibility of spraying it on your furniture, but i'm not aware if there are any damages it can have on wood... hope this sparks some problem-solving ideas!!

 

[Renee750il]

Yeesh, that's a worrisome problem, especially if you have lead based paint anywhere!

My first GSD, Purdue, cut his teeth on the leg of our solid walnut dining room table. I thought my Mom was going to have a conniption fit! The table is now an heirloom with a fond memory of our wonderful Poozy, and we wouldn't sand the toothmarks out for anything - even if they weren't too deep! (lol) By the way, I have the table now - he was my dog, after all. (g)

You might try the bitter apple spray, or even rubbing a fresh, split jalapeno over her favorite chews if the bitter apple doesn't work. The jalapeno should be hot enough to be unpleasant for awhile, but not hot enough to blister. Just don't use anything stronger! And do try the bitter apple first. Test it out on a part of the wood that doesn't show first to make sure that it won't discolor it.

If she won't quit, your may have to put her in a room where there isn't much for her to chew on while you're gone. The bathroom might be one to look at; just make sure your towels and things are up out of her reach! She'll probably outgrow it after awhile. I won't even suggest leaving her toys because I know you do that already, although a loaded treat ball might help if she doesn't have one.

 

[tl_ashmore]

I have already tried the bitter apple spray. I think she liked it!!! That didn't stop her. Maybe I will try the jalapeno. That sounds like a good idea. I won't have to worry about it much longer though, because we are building a new fence at our new house!!!!!!!!!! We can't wait.

 

[Renee750il]

No one understands the joy of a new fence like a dog owner! Just make sure it's good and high; take it from me, they can be accomplished escape artists, and I've seen some that were convinced that chain link was just a new climbing toy. (g) I'm going to guess, from some of your photos, that you're building a solid privacy fence. For my money, they're the best and safest for dogs. Are you and the dogs going to have a New Fence Party when it's up? (lol)

 

[tl_ashmore]

We need to have a party. I think everyone is going to be much happier. And yes, I am installing a wood privacy fence. Bula would climb right over a chain link. I can't wait. We start on it this weekend!!!