Chew Toys For Finicky Dogs?

[jason_els]

I have two 10 week-old pups and they don't like anything. What I've given them to chew so far:

• Kongs
• Kongs stuffed with peanut butter
• Kongs stuffed with liver cookies
• Cage-type rubber ball
• Nubby bone made of softer rubber
• Kong with rope pull
• Non-squeaky plush toy
• Ever-lasting treat ball filled with liver cookies
• Ever-lasting treat ball filled with bologna
• Ever-lasting treat ball filled with beef hot dog
• Nylabones of various flavors
• 6-inch bully sticks

What they want to chew:

• Newspaper bits
• Pebbles
• Dead leaves
• My socks
• My slipper
• My shoes
• My boots
• My underwear
• My blankets
• Towels
• Cardboard
• Wood moulding
• Juniper branches
• Tree of Heaven stumps
• The deck
• Anything made of plastic

I'm at a loss. Yes, I supervise them when ever they are out of their crates and I re-direct with various chew things. "Don't chew that, chew this instead," is followed by me taking something away and giving them something appropriate which they then sniff, lick, and then ignore. Despite this, as soon as their business is done outside they make a beeline for a juniper bush next to the door and proceed to chew on it. The tree of heaven stump is their next favorite. I can't figure it out. Tree of heaven smells awful; it's evolved to taste bad to anything that eats it. I've found nothing that says either of them are toxic to dogs but I still don't want my dogs focusing on chewing the landscaping.

So far the only thing that keeps them interested for a few minutes at least are the everlasting treat balls filled with bologna. They will play with it for a little bit then look for something else to chew. They seem very frustrated with everything I give them and I don't know what else I could possible give. I was sure the bully sticks would go over well given their reviews here but they weren't interested in the slightest. Maybe that means they're straight? I'll try real bones next but I'm not comfortable making those a chew toy I can trust with them when I'm not watching.

I've spent over $100 on chew toys now and there's not a one that pleases them for any length of time. Any ideas are appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[TopShelfPets]

Jager will only make proper use of rawhide bones. He has a kong that i stuff with peanut butter if i'm going to be gone for more than 2 hours, just for variety. he licks the peanut butter out and will not chew the kong. He had a non squeaky stuffed animal just for kicks, and would carry it around and slobber on it, but he only actually chewed on it when he was really anxious.

so the only thing i can suggest is rawhide retrievers. get basted ones from walmart or target, it's a lot cheaper.

 

[ToscasMom]

ROFL! Love your list.

 

[Saje]

I would try raw knuckle bones from your butcher. Also you might want to try the big (or little) kahuna dog toys. They squeak, float and are tough to destroy (but possible). http://www.k9sports.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=19

My dogs like them and they are pretty much the only 'stuffie' they get. Sometimes I but them actual stuffies from thrift stores but then they just fill the yard with fuzz!

 

[Saje]

Also, I would just put old newspapers or phone books in their crates until they get through that phase. It's probably wrong since we should redirect but at least it amuses them!

 

[Buckshot]

Mine is still in that phase at a year an a half. He likes CDs, Playstation controlers, cameras. I added up over 400 dollars worth of damage in 2 days. He only wants to chew what he isnt supposed to and things that other animals want. He will let chicken or rabbit parts turn green, he likes em green, but if a hawk goes to eat it he freaks out.