How do I deal with dog chewing?

elsien

I feel your pain - my last car failed its MOT due to mutt eating the seatbelt. If she's doing it because she's bored, could you give her a toy or a chew to take her mind off it while you're out of the car? Bitter apple didn't work for me, mutt didn't seem to notice it.
Otherwise it sounds like crating her or not leaving her. If she's doing it for attention, you're going to have to train her out of it otherwise. Maybe leave her in the car where you can see what's happening and leave her for very short periods (maybe only 20 or 30 secs to start with) then come back reward her for being a good girl. Then slowly build up the time you can leave her for, till she associates you leaving the car and her not chewing with nice things happening. Could take a long time though - a crate might be easier.
Can't your local garage sort out the seatbelt? Mine did.

missmontana

Is it possible to fit her in a harness of some sort so she can't reach the seatbelts? and get a seat cover so she can then sit in the front with you?

maybe give her a chewy treat when you leave the car to amuse her?

Halfords have lots of car accessories!

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchCmd?catalogId=10151&storeId=10001&categoryId=165716&langId=-1&action=listrefine&constraints=sor||Price||1||pag||2

downshifter

elsien wrote: »

I feel your pain - my last car failed its MOT due to mutt eating the seatbelt. If she's doing it because she's bored, could you give her a toy or a chew to take her mind off it while you're out of the car? Bitter apple didn't work for me, mutt didn't seem to notice it.
Otherwise it sounds like crating her or not leaving her. If she's doing it for attention, you're going to have to train her out of it otherwise. Maybe leave her in the car where you can see what's happening and leave her for very short periods (maybe only 20 or 30 secs to start with) then come back reward her for being a good girl. Then slowly build up the time you can leave her for, till she associates you leaving the car and her not chewing with nice things happening. Could take a long time though - a crate might be easier.
Can't your local garage sort out the seatbelt? Mine did.

Thanks, some good ideas here. My normal garage quoted a small fortune, said I'd have to get the whole mechanism changed, chunter chunter (obviously didn't want the job really) If anyone in London wants this I think the co was just called Seat Belt services I believe, they were brill. She never used to do it, only recently with this car. I can't believe she's bored for such a short time, it's a shame as she loves going in the car and used to happily sit and watch the world outside. thanks for the sympathy too, nice to hear I'm not alone.

DS

downshifter

missmontana wrote: »

Is it possible to fit her in a harness of some sort so she can't reach the seatbelts? and get a seat cover so she can then sit in the front with you?

maybe give her a chewy treat when you leave the car to amuse her?

Halfords have lots of car accessories!

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchCmd?catalogId=10151&storeId=10001&categoryId=165716&langId=-1&action=listrefine&constraints=sor||Price||1||pag||2

Thanks missmontana, unfortunately within a couple of minutes she had chewed through the harness like the one on the Halfords link, I think it needs to be made out of metal or something to contain her!! I've got a grille thing too, but unfortunately the seatbelts reach right through into the back. If she sits in the front, where do I put my bag, maps, chocolate, phone etc etc??!!She's already had a good go at the drivers belt too.

Seriously though, a treat is a good idea, she usually demolishes those in a couple of minutes too, but I might try a bone which should last a bit longer. Thanks

Don't know why we bother with these pets, as I type I've just had to chase the cat out who appeared with dead mouse in mouth. Which means I'll have to step carefully as I go out of the door to avoid stepping on whatever entrails she leaves for me. And the dog will eat those too.

UGH!

elsien

Try the car forum for some seatbelt ideas - someone might be able to recommend something.

missmontana

lol, I had to giggle.. how about a roof rack?

downshifter

missmontana wrote: »

lol, I had to giggle.. how about a roof rack?

I had to giggle even more, it's actually a campervan converted from a mpv. So when the roof is raised she'll be launched off into space if she's on a roofrack. Serves her right, she's sitting here with a 'butter wouldn't melt aren't I as cute as a big issue seller's dog' look on her face. HMMM!

missmontana

Ha ha, poor puppy! I know that look, the "I know you want to throttle me, but I'm too cute and you lurve me" look!

mrcol1000

[STRIKE]Get yourself a kennel with a motorbike attached[/STRIKE]
Get yourself a motorbike with a kennel attached

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3334/3426016141_bc6c485164.jpg

downshifter

mrcol1000 wrote: »

[STRIKE]Get yourself a kennel with a motorbike attached[/STRIKE]
Get yourself a motorbike with a kennel attached

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3334/3426016141_bc6c485164.jpg

Oh wow!! That is fantastic - I want one!