Dog going back to chewing habits

What about putting him in an x pen when you leave so he does not chew on things? Actually chewing might be a sign of anxiety due to your boyfriend's mother "unfriendliness" towards him

I would crate train the dog.  This will prevent access to chewing inappropriate things, and deal with any stress (because if crate trained properly, the dog will enjoy his crate and view it as HIS den, his safe zone).

espencer

What about putting him in an x pen when you leave so he does not chew on things? Actually chewing might be a sign of anxiety due to your boyfriend's mother "unfriendliness" towards him

 

Agreed.  Dogs often chew because of stress, especially if their living arrangements have changed, since they are such creatures of routine.  Some breeds tend to do this more than others, too.  Hounds are notorious for it, when they are anxious and bored.  Just in case your BF's mom does try to do something, please be sure the dog is properly licensed to you, and has a microchip.  That way, if she drops him off at the side of some road somewhere, maybe he can find his way back to you. 

Chewing on wood isn't uncommon.  It's a satisfying material because it's hard but also has some give to it. Not safe for the dog though due to splinters. My dog Gabby loves to chew on wood but doesn't have access to any outside (she's eaten it all,lol) and inside she doesn't chew on inappropriate items. I agree that he needs to be crated or contained when you aren't actively supervising him.  Try to find him some deer or elk antlers.  They last a long time. They're not cheap unless you can find a hunter willing to give you some.  It's still going to be cheaper than a new picnic table and most dogs seem to really enjoy them. 

It's tough when you aren't living in your own space, so to speak.   As difficult as it may be, it's completely up to you and your BF to do all you can to prevent damage to her property.  I don't fault her for expecting you to be responsible for your dog.   She is providing living quarters and whether she likes large dogs or not, she's allowing him to be there.  Good luck.

corollagirl

i might try the spray method....

I must have missed something.  What spray method are you referring to? 

 For the crate training, take it slow and gentle.  Dogs with separation anxiety are often much worse when crated.  Most dogs if properly introduced to a crate love being in their crate. They like the feeling of security it gives them.  It should never be used as punishment.  Use the less than perfect search function on this forum for tons of advice on crate training.  Again, take your time and make it all good.

I don't think you should assume the dog chewed the table because he sensed your BF's mom doesn't like him.  He may have chewed it due to stress but that could be from your stress as much as from her attitude toward him.  Another reason could be that he was laying under the table (safe place) and just started to chew to relieve boredom.  Dogs like to chew and sometimes it's just because they're dogs. :)

Yeah I think too many human feelings are being projected onto this.  He probably just needs more training, more management, and appropriate things to chew.  I have one dog that loves to chew.  It has nothing to do with stress.  He's a dog, it's his nature to chew things.  I give him things that are OK to chew and block his access from things that are not OK to chew.

 I never liked the idea of a crate either but I did confine my dog when he was young. Luckily I had a mud room about 5 X 8. I would use that as his crate and it worked out great. You may want to try leaving him in your bedroom when you are not there. Dog proofed. I know some people use their bathrooms.  See if he likes it? When you are there it's your responsibility to watch your dog and stop any unacceptable chewing. No one wants there stuff destroyed, especially by someone else's dog. If the picnic table is treated wood you really don't him chewing on it.

Just cos no one has mentioned it -- **make sure** this dog doesn't have a dental issue please?  LIke a tooth that hasn't come in properly or something.  That can drive them to 'suddenly' start chewing again.

It may not be likely but it's a "possible" and I wanted to at least mention it.

Liesje

Yeah I think too many human feelings are being projected onto this.  He probably just needs more training, more management, and appropriate things to chew.  I have one dog that loves to chew.  It has nothing to do with stress.  He's a dog, it's his nature to chew things.  I give him things that are OK to chew and block his access from things that are not OK to chew.

Liesje is right that some dogs just like to chew, but if this behavior is new, then my guess is that it has more to do with the change in housing than with just being a chewer.  In any case, don't spray him.  If his chewing is the result of anxiety, punishment will just make him more anxious, not less.  But, DO take Liesje's advice and see that he has appropriate things to chew.  Bully sticks, a stuffed Kong...  And, train him to a crate gradually.  At first, you don't even want to shut the door.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_Gb-TF9c9U

New, or maybe he wasn't quite ready for the freedom, or is just always going to be a chewer by nature?  I made this mistake with Nikon.  He *seemed* over the GSD landshark chew everything phase so I gave him free reign and for several months, he was fine but then one day he tasted a photo album, then a throw pillow, etc.  So for several months he was free in the house without incident but now at 3 years old he is confined to one area.  I like this arrangement better anyway, each dog has their own part of the house so they have a large area but can't start any mischief together while I'm not there.  Coke has never been a chewer so his area of the house is the bedrooms and living rooms which contains the sensitive items (books, decorative things).  Nikon gets the kitchen and the basement, nothing really in the kitchen to grab and the basement is already dog proofed.  In our case it was not a medical or emotional problem with the dog, just a dog that really likes to chew given the opportunity and will probably always have to be managed.

I also crate him on occasion as well to keep up with crate training.  That was really important when he had a foot infection and had to be on crate rest without getting anxious in a crate.