[Zoey3080]

I have a 1 yr old Newfoundland mix that loves to chew. She is such an awesome dog, but so far she has eating $400 worth of shoes and a hold in my hard wood floor. No to mention the nice bed I got for her crate since I felt bad that I had to start crating her again. She also DETROYS any stuffed toy you give her within 24hrs. And I mean torn to little pieces... I have multiple chew toys, but it is like she has a desire to search and destroy... any suggestions?

[JudyKayTee]

Does she do this when you are home? If so, do you crate her?

I had a wonderful yellow Lab - he owned my heart and I still miss him BUT he chewed until he was 2 years old and then he lost interest. He age a leather jacket and a videocam - yes, a videocam.

I watched him like a hawk but he needed tons of exercise or else he was bored and chewed.

I eventually heard about virtually indestructible dog toys and bought some of those and they (sort of) worked.

[KISS]

Try some Kongs.

[simoneaugie]

Praise her when she chews something appropriate. Redirect her when she gets hold of something inappropriate. Put your shoes totally out of her reach. You can get stuffed toys cheaply at second hand stores.

I would crate her whenever you're not there to watch her. Or, if you are there, hide around the corner and let her make a mistake, then surprise her with a firm "no chew." Take the item away and direct her towards one of her toys.

Newfies are such smart dogs, love to make their owners happy.

Something I've learned recently is that dogs do remember what they've done. If you return to find something chewed up, that you know is her handiwork, show her that finding it chewed makes you displeased with her. My dogs really get the point when I ignore them.

[shazamataz]

Don't leave you shoes on the floor.

I'm being serious. Dog's don't understand what OK to chew and what isn't, and if you leave $400 worth of shoes on the floor then you are just giving your dog a very expensive chew toy.
I do the same thing, leave shoes on the floor, come home and they are destroyed, there's no point in getting angry at them because really... it was my fault :p

Kongs are good like KISS suggested, and you can buy bedding that is made of really tough canvas stuffed with fibre fill.

The stuffed toys will probably always be ripped the shreds so maybe either find some tougher toys, or only give them on special occasions.
My mother has a 9 year old poodle who can destroy any toy in 10 seconds flat, kongs take him a few days, be he manages to turn them into little balls of rubber eventually.

[minda964]

I completely understand I have decided to not put anything in my pups crate except toys that are made of tough rubber.

I also agree that kongs are a great idea, thus far they are the only toys that my dog has left. They have the toy you stuff treats into and also have just came out with a new frisbee.

Another toy that has worked for my black lab is a water bone. It is made of tough material and you can fill it with water and freeze it. I have learned that My pooch has a great time with the kong just tossing it as well because it bounces really well he has a blast trying to catch it. I hope this helps :)

[aimee_tt]

Kongs are good. The only toy my sisters belgium sheppard x labrador couldn't break easy. Took over a week for her to chew it.

I remember when I learnt not to leave things on the floor. When my dog was a puppy she chewed my singing lesson book. I was very awkward going into my next lesson telling my teacher I couldn't so the homework task she set me as my dog chewed my book.

[J_9]

The joys of owning a Newfy. I have one as well.

The kong is the only toy he has not figured out how to destroy.

Unfortunately, you have to dog proof your home just as you would child proof for a baby.