There is a fear period around 10 months that could explain the sudden
fear/aggression.  Keep up the socialization and he will soon work through
it.  

There is a last push of the rear molars around 10 months also.  I have
experienced 10-11 month old pups being pretty destructive during this period
because their jaws are strong and teeth are big.  I would give him lots to
chew around this time and you might have to crate him until this has past.

Kathi Tesarz
National English Shepherd Rescue
(408) 937-4911
Cell (408) 644-6294
Fax (408) 519-6492
[log in to unmask]
www.tesarzservices.com
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Farm Collie Breed Conservancy and Restoration
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Tati Freundlich
> Sent: Wednesday, April 09, 2008 2:13 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [FARMCOLLIE] Help! Sudden furniture chewing!
> 
> I hope somebody out there can help me with this.  My ES has suddenly -
> at 11 months old - become a chewer.  He never chewed anything but toys I
> gave him before this, but last week chewed a corner of my couch, a
> corner of my piano bench, a rug, an entire wing chair, the middle out of
> a recliner - and last night (and he normally sleeps through the night)
> three legs off three different wooden dining room chairs!
> 
> Actually, it's quite *possible* that except for the odd bite here and
> there, it's our other dog, the Lab.  I know they're chewers.  But I SAW
> the ES take a bite out of the couch.  All the rest of it has been while
> we weren't looking.  But I just have this feeling that the ES is the
> chewer on the other items, this time...
> 
> One reason is that the groomer (yes, I'm too chicken to try to bathe him
> at home) has reported that he's gone from being cool, calm, and
> collected to being aggressive and/or frightened.  (Grooming is not new
> to him - he's been going to the same place and the same person every
> month since I got him at 2 mo. old.)
> 
> Now, NOTHING has changed in his routine (except the disappearance of
> destroyed furniture).  Same food, same schedule, same animals & family
> members in the house.  If anything, MORE exercise lately, with the good
> weather.  But he has grown up and started to get dominant with the Lab,
> who has been the undisputed boss until now.
> 
> Any ideas or advice?
> 
> Thanks!
>  Tati