Why is my dog suddenly chewing shoes and challenging commands?

Question

We have a power chewer ! Since we adopted our Rhodesian mix at 4 mos , we have learned what chews are unsafe, and to supervise him . He does best with benebones, antlers, selects kings if they are solid . He slowly eats them, spits out kong pieces . We are used to hearing him contently chewing . We praise him. . He is very healthy and happy . The problem: I was hearing him chewing and it sounded different . He was eating my husbands leather shoe! He is challenging commands he knows as well! ?? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 11 months and 8 days old | 72 lbs

Christie Long, DVM · Accepted Answer

Well, Ranger is adorable, but that's one chewed up shoe! It's possible that as a nearly mature adult, he's starting to challenge some of the rules you've so clearly established previously. We see this from time to time with other behavioral issues (especially potty training), and I'm not sure I can tell you the exact reason in Ranger's case. If you are noticing that his chewing sounds different, it would be worth it to get his teeth/mouth checked by your vet, since hard chews (especially antlers!) can cause broken teeth (the upper 4th premolar most commonly) which could explain the change in sound. If everything is OK, you're going to have to go back to those puppy basics - keeping everything chewable out of reach, gentle scolding (no!) when you find him chewing something he shouldn't, and redirection to appropriate chew toys (I love Kongs, especially). Be consistent and have patience, he'll re-learn his training.

Why is my dog suddenly chewing shoes and challenging commands?

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