Hi guys. I am looking for some advice/opinions on what you would do in my situation. Storm is almost 11months old and has been through a lot recently with us moving to Australia and being in quarantine. She is most certainly going through a somewhat 'teenage' phase, but it's to be expected and we love her just the same. HOWEVER, we have moved in with two of my closest friends and Storm seems to think she can break into their rooms and steal/break/destroy their personal things. She is able to open doors even if they are jammed tight shut so firstly I was wondering whether you have any genius ideas as to how I can cover the door knob so that she can't get to it? I was thinking maybe a babygate lifted higher up so that it covers the door knob making it impossible for her to turn it?

I am slowly training my new housemates to be more assertive towards her and they are doing really well. Storm now respects when they ask her to do basic obedience sit/out/off etc etc. I don't think she is chewing their stuff for any other reason than that it is new/different and she gets bored when we go out. This brings me onto the second element of my problem. She is going through toys like there is no tomorrow. Everything gets de-stuffed and minced into a million pieces. I supply her with raw bones, chew toys, plastic bottles filled with treats and her kong but she still seems to get bored after about 5mins! She is never left alone for more than a few hours! She is getting as much physical and mental stimulation as I feel comfortable giving her at this age, so it isn't a matter of trying to wear her out. So any new and inventive toys or chew things would be very helpful.

Lastly, I am able to lock her in the laundry which she can not get out of as it has a sliding door which we can jam shut. I feel guilty leaving her in there as she cries, even though it is safe, spacious and well ventilated. Would you guys put her in there and be done with it? I am working hard on her separation anxiety, but being a Weim it is probably going to be a long term issue for us. She now sleeps by herself at night (outside my room) and only barks for about 1 minute when I leave the house, both of which are huge improvements on her previous behaviour. I guess I just need some reassurance that its acceptable for her to be put in the laundry where she can't do any damage!

Sorry for such a long post, I guess if she was wrecking my stuff I would be a little less uptight about it- now I panic everytime I receive a text message from my housemates "Storm has broken into my room again :-("

Kate & Storm aka The Destroyer

I have yet to find a dog that can operate a latch/sliding bolt above their height, attach one to each door and frame,

Excellent idea.... however it's a rented house. I will speak with the owner, he may well be open to the idea! Thank you.

Very simple hooks and eyes, screwed into the door and frame - on both sides of the door - have been our salvation!  Not expensive, not obtrusive - and screwed in at the top of each door and frame - easy!

Something like this:-
  http://www.technologylk.com/product/5200/Screen-and-Storm-Kits-and-Accessories/20543/K5054/CRL-Screen-Door-Safety-Hook-and-Eye-K5054.htm?src=froogle

Margot

You can get door knobs that can be locked. I don't know how expensive they are, but surely better than the cost of replacing stolen items? ;-) You wouldn't be damaging the property by putting locks, etc on the doors.

Turn lever door knobs upsidedown works a treat with most dogs -you do get the odd one who figures out if I push up not pull down it will open.

No - upside down knobs didn't deter our hooligans - neither did the round knobs!   But the hooks and eyes put paid to their escapades - it became second nature to clip it on either side - if you were in with them, or wanted them to stay in on their own - they worked!

I can only recommend Lokis Mums' suggestion.. I needed to make sure I had complete safety/seclusion, when I had to re-arrange my dogs sleeping arrangements when Ollie has his operation at the same time Beanie whelped.. and the order of my dogs changed around.. I have round knobs on the door, but can still be opened..

Lokis mum suggested these hook and eyes.. and they work.. I have put one on each side of the door, so that when I am in the room, I can also lock it so no accidental bumps from outside can let dogs in..

they cost around £1 per set.. cheap and very safe

Thanks everyone.... will be out first thing tomorrow morning finding some hook/eyelets. I wonder what she will find next to challenge me!?