Toni,

This is the first post of yours that I have read so I'll give you a bit of info, based on what you wrote. If your dog is initiating destructive behaviors as soon as you leave the house he is probably having issues with separation anxiety. A web search should give a lot if info on how to deal with this. But for now, when you are home limit your dog's access to you. He should not have free reign of you when you are around. I too would suggest a used crate. They come dirt cheap and most of the time in really good condition (wish I had known that $200 ago). In the mean time if a crate is still unavailable, pick a SMALL room in your home and dog proof it. I will use a bathroom usually because if an accident does happen then it is easy to clean. Be sure to put away anything your dog may destroy or hurt himself on; plastic garbage bins, cleaning solvents, etc. And provide him with a chew toy like a kong. Also, be sure not to banish him into his crate/room for inappropriate behavior and/or only put him in there when you leave. There should be times when you are around that the dog is also crated.

Toni, I don't know you and like I said this is the first post of yours that I have read, but, it sounds like you need to make a few changes in how this dog is being raised. Don't worry about anybody else (no offense to the other posters!!!) but do YOUR DOG a favor and take some time to consider if this is right for HIM; I say this with no anger. There were some pretty harsh comments directed to you, and like I said, I don't know you but, you should always consider the best interests of your dog and provide proper care. If you really love this dog then he should be treated that way. If you love him and can not handle the responsibility then please consider a new home, thanks.

What i was trying to say was my dog gets out the garden through the hedges and as i dont intend in staying here that long my mum doent want new fencing so chaining him up will stop him running on too the road and yeah i will chain him up for a couple of hours will im at work and the kennel i was refuring to is a shed with a flap so he can get in and out and his chain is long enough so he can rom the garden at will! he will still sleep indoors and whenever im in he will be in so then i can correctly train him not too chew.

Thanks for your honest oppinions however blunt you were! i have a speech inparement and cant write well if that s why you cant understand my posts!

FOR PEOPLE TO JUDGE ME THE WAY YOU HAVE IS DEPRESSING!
i have lived with dogs most of my life which isnt saying much i no but this is a learning curve for me and my dog and this is why i SEEK ADVICE!

Training is harder then i thought i admit but the people i got him from said he was fully trained and didnt need it!
they didnt even bother telling me he was nervous only when i drove half way accross the country to fetch him!

i am asking for your oppinions on chewing not your aproval .

Toni, I believe that someone mentioned in another post here on this site, that the ASPCA or local humane society may have some crates that the public may acquire. That may be a choice & it will most likely be less costly than a new one from the pet store. All you have to do is make some calls to some of the towns around your home & ask. Cleaning it up & disinfecting it is simple & should be done before putting your pup in it. As far as training is concerned..basic dog training isn't rocket science by any means & with all the info on this site (without having to use the e-books) you can learn plenty to get you started on training your pup. That is, if you really want to train him or just complain about not knowing how & not having any money. If you can't do right by this dog as a pup than I doubt that it will become any easier when it is an adult & still untrained. Read, learn & train & stop making excuses or find someone that would like to have a young dog & will train & enjoy & love it.

today i have ben working and my room was a tip. everything chewed to bits, and i gave him bones and toys to chew instead,

Im not saying i am ideal for bruno, i raise my hands and admit it but to be quite frank who would adopt a him, with his temperament towards strangers and with out the chance to bond to someone at a kennels he will be destroyed,

like i said this is only a temp struggle, when i leave i will be able to pen him in the kitchen to prevent chewing furniture when im out with back door open to back garden.

I will get over this hurdle, yes i cant explain my situation very well and thats probably why you think im a hanus dog owner.
I need a little support, you forget i never dreamed of being on my own, i was living with my partner before.

i did however consider all aspects of situations before i adopted him and thought i would manage IF it came to the worst which it did. but i am managing just with a few glitchs.

PLEASE DONT JUDGE TOO SOON!

I DUNNO WEATHER THIS MEANS anything but he likes my dirty socks for some reason, they were all over my room this morning, it not the first ime either???

I can't explain why, Toni, but lots of dogs like dirty socks...? I'd be sure to keep them somewhere where he cannot get at them. I have known some dogs to eat them and need surgery to get them out, although there are also those that have been able to pass them too.

ew! i will do that x

 Quote: Amber Morgan

People here on this board WANT people to succeed with their dogs. If you can change your attitude toward dog ownership, people, I do believe, will applaude and support you.

Toni, I'm not perfect, and I'm not asking you to be. I feel a little guilty for being so harsh on you, but I honestly do feel from previous posts from you, that you don't listen to replies. It almost seems like you're on this board for a social outlet more than actually seeking advice. Making replies to people's questions takes time, effort and in some cases, research. It's frustrating when you appear to have not read anything anyone wrote: For example, your posts when your dog was really sick following a neutering. How many times did people say CALL THE VET. Your response was, in so many words, that you didn't have the money. Unfortunately, you not having the money doesn't make your dog's needs any less significant. Same thing applies with this crate. Even if you don't have the money, there are ways to aquire what you need for your dog if you just put some effort into it.

I'm sorry for sounding so blunt, I really am. Speech impediment aside, writing difficulties aside, you didn't seem to be listening to anything anyone wrote. I really do wish the best for your dog, and that's why I got so grouchy!

If you can't give the dog what it needs, then it is the biggest act of love to give him up. Just consider that. OR, even better, try to find a way to make it work...without sacrifice to your dog. There are ways, but no one on this board can do it for you.

If you work at this, I will be the first one to congratulate you, and offer you all of the help I am capable of in this limited forum.

i think i figure out why he was sick! he was on puppy junior before and the delivery guy bought performance instead, THE WRONG FOOD! of course i asked for the junior but as i had NO dog food at all and the shop was closing for weekend i give it a go but it never registered!!!! could it be possibly it was too rich for him?

i will put him back on the junior on monday< mix with current food and ween him off it! this could be another reason for chewing, TO MUCH ENERGY. performance puppy mix big no no

 Quote: Richard Pryor

Is the dog getting enough exercise?

In addition to the other suggestions, please leave a well-exercised dog (in the crate, which I agree can be had for VERY little money, like $10 at yard sales and on bulletin boards at vets and pet supply stores) when you go.

Destructive behavior, IME, is closely tied to frustrated energy.

Dogs who are not well-exercised (which means structured exercise and not lounging in the yard) have to find outlets. Some chew on furniture. Some bark non-stop. Some chew and bite on their own tails and paws. Some dig.

I would take him for a long fast-paced walk before leaving him in his crate with a filled Kong or other interesting toy.

Training will also occupy his brain and body and use some of his abundance of energy. Motivational training, a few minutes each session, but frequent sessions.......

exercise ---- motivational training --- a crate