Suggestions: chew toys for crate

KatCH · #1 11-04-2009, 01:06 PM

So my Ozzy has started destroying everything in his crate. At first I thought it was an isolated incident since it had been awhile (a few weeks) since he destroyed his first crate pad, but recently he has gone through a pillow, another crate pad, and a towel. He's down to the bare crate which can't be comfortable for 8hrs. I was just wondering if there were "safe" chew toys I could leave him with in his crate so he has something other than his bedding to chew.

I dont really think it's an anxiety issue because he doesn't freak or whine or anything....unless it's Saturday or Sunday or an odd time of the day when I put him in the crate or if he can hear me around the house. In the mornings when I leave for work, it's just routine and he seems fine...yet...he destroys his bedding.

I dont want to leave any bones or soft toys that he could choke on while I am gone, so I was just wondering if there was a good suggestion for something we can leave him with.

Thanks for the suggestions!

jessic · #2 11-05-2009, 07:46 AM

I have used a Kong with my little guy. I stuff it, then freeze it, then pull it out right before he goes in the crate, and it's like constant licking for long time. Then when he gets all the stuff out he still has the kong to chew.

KatCH · #3 11-05-2009, 08:38 AM

I had not thought about stuffing and freezing them. Maybe I will try that. I am still reluctant to buy him yet another bed, but I feel bad that he is now down to the plastic liner.

Also the last few days I have come home and he's pushed the plastic liner out the front of the crate and is sitting on the metal bars on the carpet. Not good if he has an accident of any kind...

Mesquite · #4 11-05-2009, 12:08 PM

Sounds like he is bored and just looking for a way to pass the time (I have a really boring job so I can relate!). I'd definitely try the kong and some kind of chew bone. I'm also looking for some other kind of toy to occupy my boxer when I'm away. They're smart dogs (lots of wheels turning in those furry heads) and they need some challenges.

sunspot · #5 11-12-2009, 06:13 PM

i've found that the "antlerz" are a great substitute for any kind of bone because they are real sterilized deer antlers that don't splinter and the larger ones middles are filled with a softer calcium rich substance. my jack russels an incrediable chewer as well as my boxer pup and they are kept busy for hours. a little pricy but i'm willing to pay for safety. you only need to watch when they get down to the nubby size so they don't swallow them by accident but i just throw em out and buy new ones. and by the way the deer shed them naturally so theres no animal cruelty issues there.

mueltrain · #6 11-13-2009, 05:32 PM

I think the kongs are probably your best bet. As far as him being in the bare kennel you could try buying a chew resistent bed... Jay started destroying beds in his kennel and i bought him one and so far so good. Most of the ones i have seen are a bit pricey, i think KONG brand makes one and sells it a petco for like 55$. I happened to find one at target of all places and like i said so far so good.

HyperNeko · #7 11-15-2009, 06:44 PM

As far as the crate padding, I've noticed that the padding with a zipper is not the way to go. I've tried a couple until I purchased a mat that is canvas on oneside and soft padding on the other. I have had the padding since he was 9 weeks and now he is 20 weeks. For the toy in the crate, he has a small teddy bear and rope toy. So, far so good. He stays in his crate the hole 8 hours while I am at work.

BoxerRiggo · #8 11-15-2009, 08:45 PM

Riggo does well with the non-edible nylabones. They are large and great for chewing, every now and then tiny pieces will shred off but nothing big enough to swallow or choke on. quite pricey, i think around $20.00 for a large one but so worth it, they do last!
Good Luck,
Courtney and Riggo

lmorey · #9 11-16-2009, 12:47 PM

Cash is the same way. I finally just had to stop putting blankets in there with him. I leave him about 4 different chew toys a day, and rotate them so he's getting something different every day. I always stuff a Kong with various treats (sometimes filled with peanut butter and frozen) and leave it for him, plus the 3-4 hard plastic chew toys like Nylabones that he can't destroy. He also mastered pushing the pan in his crate out, so we had to use tie wraps to hold it in place. Good luck!

MKAD · #10 11-16-2009, 01:45 PM

Sally & Sam get Kongs. Sal is my power chewer; aside from the Kong, a large gourdo (with the rope part cut off) is the only toy that lasts. Plus, she is very attached to it.
Good luck!