Last night I was not going to give Oscar another bed. I figured he could spend a couple of days on the hard floor and he would appreciate a comfy bed. At night, he’s in the crate and he has a sheet in there.
Vince put the new bed in the area with Oscar and it wasn’t long before he started scratching and gnawing on it. I kept saying “No, Oscar!” and for a while, he would stop. After half an hour or so, “No” meant nothing so I got up to go get the bed and take it away. When I got close, he dropped . . flat out on the bed . . like he wanted to say “What’s YOUR problem, lady?”
I would sit down, he would start scratching and gnawing again. I would get up and when I got close to him, he’d fall down and lay there like he was the perfect little puppy. Not buying that . . I know better! 🙂
But, look at that perfect form. Straight as an arrow, front paws sweetly tucked under his adorable little chest. I know some day he’s going to be a sweet, docile, loving little dog so we continue to work on the destructive behavior. He’s still a puppy!
I feel like if he lays down when he sees me coming, then he knows he’s doing something wrong. I’ve also read that dachshunds do not respond well to negative talk or punishment. I don’t think he’s doing this because he’s bored . . but what do I know? He has plenty of toys that he likes, we go out and walk a lot. Vince and I will sit in the floor and play with him with his toys.
Finally, I did take the bed away from him and I left it where he could see it but it was bed time by then. We’ll see what happens today. I think I may try to find some fabric that might be hard for him to chew up and make a pillowcase of sorts, but sew the end shut. Then if he gets a hole in that, I can cut it off and make another one. These pillows were on sale for $10 and it may cost me more to buy some kind of fabric and make a pillowcase than buying a new bed. I’m thinking something like canvas or denim. Any suggestions?
I have plenty of cotton quilting fabric but I think he would rip right through that.
Sibyl says
Judy I have had dogs that would tear up their beds in no time flat. I have purchased these over the years and they work pretty well, made of either canvas or denim. You put 2 bed pillows in the first waterproof lining. Then the outer cover zips on (and off for cleaning). Not totally indestructible but close. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00ESNWZ94/ref=twister_B07FM1HXLX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
judy.blog@gmail.com says
That looks perfect and easy and I think Oscar will love sleeping in the little indention between the two pillows. Ordered one as soon as I saw your comment. Thanks.
Joyce says
I would try a heavyweight denim. Maybe a double layer? That will last a little longer than quilting fabric…LOL
Helen says
It seems like I was told that dogs don’t chew fleece. Not sure if it’s true, but it’s pretty inexpensive.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
Speck did. I made him a blanket with it and he ate huge holes in it.
Vicky says
Have you thought of a raised bed? Either by itself or put the bed you have on top of the elevated bed. It’s only a few inches off the floor and dogs like them.
Cilla says
Who’s training whom?????? I have to smile at Dachshund antics.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I can’t believe you would even ask! Of course . . Oscar is training us! 🙂
Tracy says
–I see above that you already ordered a bed, but just in case it doesn’t work out, look at these https://k9ballistics.com I have a Bernese Mountain dog, who has always dug holes in and chewed up every bed he has. He is large, 110 pounds, and determined to shred that bed. The K9 ballistic bed has lasted four years so far, and other than a small corner where my dog chewed on it with his molars, its still a good looking and serviceable bed for him.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
Thanks for that info. I’m saving it in case he chews through the new bed.
April L Reeves says
My husband only likes to buy kong dog toys cause he says they are the only ones that last. I wonder if the same can be said for their dog beds.