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How to stop my 1-year-old German Shepherd from chewing when alone?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | unspayed | 11 months and 19 days old | 78 lbs

My German shepherd is turning 1 year old in a couple of days and still making a mess in the house every time we leave her alone. We are out of the house for tops 6-7 hours in the morningNot pee or poop just chewing the trash can or whatever she can reach. She got yelled at some times that I witnessed it but she keeps doing it.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on June 11th, 2017

Nykta is still a puppy and these behaviors are not unusual. Large breed dogs will not be mentally mature until 2.5-3yrs of age. It is important to keep her protected so she does not chew up something that will hurt her or swallow something that results in surgery to remove. I would recommend to keep her in a kennel anytime you are not home to watch her until she is older.

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    Answered By Bette Isacoff

    Dog Trainer

    Published on

    Unfortunately, the lesson she learned is that she must only make a mess when no one is at home (because she never gets yelled at then, right?) This may have become a habit--a way for her to entertain herself when she is alone and bored. See if you can get someone to come is for a little while during the day to play with her and give her some exercise. Put anything that looks as if it may be inviting out of her reach. Use a deterrent such as Bitter Apple (spray or cream) on items you can't move. Try leaving a giant Kong toy filled with peanut butter (fill it the night before and freeze it--it will last longer. But do not use any peanut butter made with xylitol.) As a last resort, you may have to crate her while you're gone, although I'd hate to see a dog confined for that long every day. If you need more help with this, click on the prompt to initiate a consult. Good luck with Nykta!

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