Please help, destructive chewing just started at 1.5 yrs. old

[Chopper30]

Chopper is 1 1/2 yrs. old. We have let him wander the house since 11 months old, without any problems. Over the past few weeks, he is continually chewing things that are not his. (Magazines, cd's, remote control, bags, etc...)

We have been gone more often over the past few months. (5-6 times per week versus 2-3 times) Each time we are gone is no longer than 6 hours and typically 3-4 hours.

I am thinking he may need more exercise, as he only gets my big back yard to run in and an occasional walk every 10 days. (We constantly play/rough house with him inside)

I hate to put him in his over-size kennel while we are gone, so would prefer to fix this chewing phase he has gotten into.

ANY HELP will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Jan]

I would guess he needs a lot more exercise. One to two good walks every day, especially before your go out. He will then be more likely to sleep while you are gone instead of being destructive.