I adopted a 2 year old German Shepherd mix from the Humane Society seven weeks ago. She is been in a crate and has been doing well. Over the Christmas holidays, she has been pulling her blankets out of the crate and chewing on them? Should I be worried about this? She doesn't chew on anything else in the house. Will this chewing lead to other things. Should I correct her?

Leanne, Of course you correct her, she should only be allowed to chew on her toys or bones, she cannot differentiate between items she is allowed versus ones that are off limits unless you teach her. Of course you may not care if she chews up her blankets, but then she will chew the furniture, shoes, etc. unless you teach her what is ok to be chewed and what is off limits she will chew what is available. GSDs are very intelligent, just teach them, you will be amazed at their learning capacity and their williness to comply. But they cannot read your mind, teach, teach, teach.

You cannot correct a dog for doing ANYTHING unless you catch them in the act, SO, unless you see her doing this to her blankets, your best bet is to remove them.

IS it possible that she may be doing this out of boredom? Try giving her raw meaty bones to entertain her for longer periods of confinement.

BTW, I had a few dog blanket destroyers in my years, but NEVER did one of these EVER destroy furniture or shoes or anything else, so I disagree with Denver that one thing will lead to the other. He is correct to say you must set house rules, but your issue seems to be a seperate one IMO.

Good Luck <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

leann,
I don't think that chewing on blankets in his kennel is deviant behavior... my dog did the same thing. Maybe he was bored while in the cage, maybe he was just trying to get comfortable? After several blankets, three really expensive dog pads, and one wool pad that looked like fake snow after one day, I just went and got one of those livestock rubber mats (1" thick or more, not thin) Since then I have had no problems. When I come home to let him out alot of times he is sleeping like a baby, he seems to love it.
I just think that if you have somthing in the dogs kennel... in his personal space... the dog is going to assume that it is his and that he can do what he wants. If you have to have the blanket/pad in the kennel, why not try having it out of the kennel first... make your dog lay on it for periods of time throughout the time your home... if you see any deviant behavior, correct it (proof him against the unwanted behavior) Then gradually add the pad back to the kennel.
It is an idea. Some others may have other ways that work better... this is just what I have had sucess with.