Dog advice wanted.

[LarryUK]

 

I've got in today and my dog 'Red' has done this. He's chewed a few things over the past few months, but this is the worst. He a 1 year old staff cross. I bought some anti chew spray and it's done nothing. Can pepper etc be used? I don't like crates so that's a no no.

Advice needed?

[btoth76]

Yes. That's what they do when You make them angry. It's their revenge for leaving them home alone. They grow out of this after a while. (I've had many sofas eaten by those furry, four-legged bastards...:))

[Enmitygauged]

I feel your pain I have an 8 month old Sharpei x boxer that thinks everything is a chew toy. hopefully they settle fingers crossed man

[LarryUK]

He's a staff/boxer cross. So full of energy. He does it the instant I go out. I've got the 'Jumi' app on my iPhone and laptop, so I can see him do it.

[ShredAstaire]

What other toys does the dog have to chew?

 

Chewing is important when they are young and you need to ensure they have a few toys that can mow down on. Rotate them out so they don't get bored of the 1 or 2 that are out at any given time.

 

If you catch the dog chewing something it shouldn't, give them some trouble and then lead them to an acceptable chew toy and encourage them to take it.

[btoth76]

The ones of mine that made the most damage were also boxers...

[Namvet]

I installed an underground fence and moved mine outside. I had also tried the spray and it didn't work.

[duluthdan]

Needs a buddy. Buy him a cat.

[DanvillRob]

We spray 'Bitter Apple' on stuff we don't want them to chew.

 

Buy it at any pet store.

[ShredAstaire]

I installed an underground fence and moved mine outside. I had also tried the spray and it didn't work.

 

Your dog stays outside all the time?

 

Whats the point of having a dog?

[btoth76]

Your dog stays outside all the time?

 

Whats the point of having a dog?

 

Keeping uninvited guests away (for example: postman with bills).

[badbluesplayer]

We had a dog that did that and I had a tube of bitter apple that I used.

 

One day I came home and the tube of bitter apple was all chewed up.

[DanvillRob]

We had a dog that did that and I had a tube of bitter apple that I used.

 

One day I came home and the tube of bitter apple was all chewed up.

 

HAHAHAHA.... guess he 'developed a taste for it' eh?

[Guest Farnsbarns]

This is a problem you can't just live with and it is really a pain. Thankfully there is a simple approach.

 

Firstly, I guess he's a rescue dog? I say that because this is separation anxiety and is common in rescue dogs, in fact, all rescue dogs suffer to varying degrees. It is also documented that staffs and boxers are particularly susceptible. My boxer x mastiff really suffers and has done hundreds of pounds worth of damage on single occasions.

 

The problem is that Red is a pack animal and separation from the pack is about the most stressful thing that can happen to him.

 

The solution is to get him to where he is comfortable with being separated.

 

You'll now yourself that he knows when you're going out, this is because he picks up on certain cues. The first thing to do is remove those cues as a trigger so you need to do the things you do before leaving the house, at least twice a day for a few weeks without actually leaving the house (looking for keys, putting shoes, jacket, hat, etc on, spend a few minutes in the bathroom and all that). Being part staff he is very perceptive so think detail during this time and do everything that forms part of the routine of leaving the house. Then just sit down and put the tv on or what have you. This will deprogram the first triggers for his feeling anxious.

 

After a short time you'll find he doesn't even bat an eye lid at these activities.

 

The next step is to start leaving the house after going through your routine but still fake it occasionaly. Only leave for 5 minutes then come back in. If you normally leave in your car then drive it away from the house and back.

 

I'm sure you can see the difference in him between just being pleased to see you and that jumpy relief excitement after he's been left. When you get to where he can put up with 5 minutes and just be pleased you're back, go up to 10 minutes, then 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120. All the while continue faking getting ready to go out occasionaly to prevent that becoming a trigger again.

 

It won't be a quick process by any means but worth it as this problem tends to get worse over time if you do nothing.

 

The last point I want to add is with regards to crating. I absolutely respect that you don't like it. Neither do I although I have to use one because May will literally destroy the house, thankfully my in-laws are close by and love having her, they have 3 dogs so May is fine being there even if no people are in so the crate only sees use every other week or so... BUT, a crate can be a useful tool in this process and can improve life for both of you.

 

The reason is that no matter how hard you try to avoid it, he can tell that you're pissed off about the damage he's done when you get back, this exacerbates his anxiety while you're out. If you do put him in a crate (with some food, water, a toy and some nice bedding) during this process you'll avoid this. Also, unless you intend to clear your diary for weeks while you go through the above you'll undo all your good the first time you really do go out for a couple of hours unless you put him in his crate. If you decide you can accept it as a necessary evil, just temporarily; feed him in there and climb in and play with him for a bit on occasion. This will help him to think of it as a happy place to be.

 

Never put him in his crate in anger or after he's been naughty.

[stein]

It's a discipline thing.

 

My mother was a breeder, we trianed lots of dogs. I don't have a badge or anything, but if you care, I do know of what I say...not because of education or training (which I have), but because I know the results.

 

Story: When Gwennie moved in with her two really cool dogs, one in particular had "behavior issues", such as chewing things when we left, and leaving "presents" for us. Gwennie didn't do the discipline thing well, and I didn't really want to either. "Bad doggie" wasn't cutting it. The little dog would leave nice big steamers in the middle of the kitchen first thing when we left.

 

Finally, after the second time leaving a pile on the carpet in the basement, it was time. I chased the dog, caught the dog, and slammed him down next to the pile. he growled, got defiant. I rubbed his nose right in it, he growled more, I tightened my grip and drove him HARDER into it. Then he wimpered the "he killing me" loud cry, and I slammed him yet again. The more defiant he was, the more I let him know who was truly the boss. Finally, he submitted. I let him up, told him to go outside, and he went directly outside.

 

IMMEDIATELY after that, he was the perfect dog. He obeyed me like a little saint, and wanted to hang out with me MUCH more. He was my little buddy. Night and day difference. Besides the obvious that the behavior issues stopped.

 

This seems violent and cruel, and it is hard to watch, or do. But this is the language of a dog. That is, they speak the language of the "physical". Similar to when you see films of wolves, how they growl and bite at each other at feeding time. You can't sit them down and have a talk, explain to them this behavior will not be tolerated. But rather, to them, getting physical is precisely "that talk" in their language.

 

It is strange in that, you wouldn't treat another human this way. So, it isn't easy for most to gear up to act this way toward another being. And getting good at it doesn't help with human relational skills. It's a separate thing.

 

At the same time, it's also natural, and the dog knows it. The dog should know when you are angry, and know why. They can tell the difference between taking out a bad day on them, being cruel, as opposed to a master who loves them and is angry at them for what they did and is taking it out on them. I even would say they know this better than humans do.

 

Lastly, there IS a difference between showing a physical display, hitting the dogs as dicipline, and causing injury and damage. I have never actually injured a dog in any way.

[Guest Farnsbarns]

It's a discipline thing.

 

My mother was a breeder, we trianed lots of dogs. I don't have a badge or anything, but if you care, I do know of what I say...not because of education or training (which I have), but because I know the results.

 

Story: When Gwennie moved in with her two really cool dogs, one in particular had "behavior issues", such as chewing things when we left, and leaving "presents" for us. Gwennie didn't do the discipline thing well, and I didn't really want to either. "Bad doggie" wasn't cutting it. The little dog would leave nice big steamers in the middle of the kitchen first thing when we left.

 

Finally, after the second time leaving a pile on the carpet in the basement, it was time. I chased the dog, caught the dog, and slammed him down next to the pile. he growled, got defiant. I rubbed his nose right in it, he growled more, I tightened my grip and drove him HARDER into it. Then he wimpered the "he killing me" loud cry, and I slammed him yet again. The more defiant he was, the more I let him know who was truly the boss. Finally, he submitted. I let him up, told him to go outside, and he went directly outside.

 

IMMEDIATELY after that, he was the perfect dog. He obeyed me like a little saint, and wanted to hang out with me MUCH more. He was my little buddy. Night and day difference. Besides the obvious that the behavior issues stopped.

 

This seems violent and cruel, and it is hard to watch, or do. But this is the language of a dog. That is, they speak the language of the "physical". Similar to when you see films of wolves, how they growl and bite at each other at feeding time. You can't sit them down and have a talk, explain to them this behavior will not be tolerated. But rather, to them, getting physical is precisely "that talk" in their language.

 

It is strange in that, you wouldn't treat another human this way. So, it isn't easy for most to gear up to act this way toward another being. And getting good at it doesn't help with human relational skills. It's a separate thing.

 

At the same time, it's also natural, and the dog knows it. The dog should know when you are angry, and know why. They can tell the difference between taking out a bad day on them, being cruel, as opposed to a master who loves them and is angry at them for what they did and is taking it out on them. I even would say they know this better than humans do.

 

Lastly, there IS a difference between showing a physical display, hitting the dogs as dicipline, and causing injury and damage. I have never actually injured a dog in any way.

 

While I agree with this as far as discipline goes, I disagree that it's the right approach in this instance. This isn't a dog doing something he doesn't know is wrong, it's a dog going through completely unnatural mental stress. Those wolves you speak of will start behaving very strangely if you spearate them from their pack. Something that will almost never happen in the wild and which will spell very bad news if it does.

 

I also say, respectfully, that because your experience is with dogs you have bread you may never have seen bad separation anxiety because it really is particular to rescue dogs (when it is as profound as I am talking about)

 

Disciplining a dog for his behaviour during separation anxiety is the worst thing you can do. It adds to the problem very quick. Negatives have far more profound effects, far more quickly than positives do because, like us, dogs learn negative outcomes far quicker than they learn positive outcomes.

[Guest Farnsbarns]

One other thing with regards to what I said about crates, if you have a utility room, sculliary, etc where there is nothing he can damage then lock him in there instead.

 

And... I feel there is a lot of language we use to be soft on our selves with dogs. I never say crate, it's a cage and if you use one you should probably call it what is is and be comfortable with it.

 

I get angry when I hear speak of euthanizing, putting down, putting to sleep. Be honest with yourself, the word is kill, if you are comfortable with the reasons you will be comfortable with the word.

[LarryUK]

I'll add a bit more info. I have three dogs. My old staff cross 'Ellie' 12 yrs. My rescue Jack Russel 'Pip' 2,5 yrs and 'Red', 1 yr. I've had him from a puppy and he's the only one that chews. He's almost always done it. I've disciplined him once (smacked his rear) and he wet himself. I've only practiced 'positive' training since. He never does it of a morning. My girlfriend lets him out lunchtime and he does the damage of an afternoon. It's like her coming winds him up. Sometimes I only go to the shops and he's destroyed the lounge when I get back.

eg...

Note.. Nylon bone untouched on footstool!

[LarryUK]

One other thing with regards to what I said about crates, if you have a utility room, sculliary, etc where there is nothing he can damage then lock him in there instead.

 

And... I feel there is a lot of language we use to be soft on our selves with dogs. I never say crate, it's a cage and if you use one you should probably call it what is is and be comfortable with it.

 

I get angry when I hear speak of euthanizing, putting down, putting to sleep. Be honest with yourself, the word is kill, if you are comfortable with the reasons you will be comfortable with the word.

I have separated him. I put him in the kitchen once and he messed all over it. He gets really stressed when I leave. I have wondered if I should take him to work and leave him in my van. I can let him out every hour for a run around.

[LarryUK]

One other thing with regards to what I said about crates, if you have a utility room, sculliary, etc where there is nothing he can damage then lock him in there instead.

 

And... I feel there is a lot of language we use to be soft on our selves with dogs. I never say crate, it's a cage and if you use one you should probably call it what is is and be comfortable with it.

 

I get angry when I hear speak of euthanizing, putting down, putting to sleep. Be honest with yourself, the word is kill, if you are comfortable with the reasons you will be comfortable with the word.

I have separated him. I put him in the kitchen once and he messed all over it. He gets really stressed when I leave. I have wondered if I should take him to work and leave him in my van. I can let him out every hour for a run around. Why did this post 'double up'?

[Guest Farnsbarns]

I'll add a bit more info. I have three dogs. My old staff cross 'Ellie' 12 yrs. My rescue Jack Russel 'Pip' 2,5 yrs and 'Red', 1 yr. I've had him from a puppy and he's the only one that chews. He's almost always done it. I've disciplined him once (smacked his rear) and he wet himself. I've only practiced 'positive' training since. He never does it of a morning. My girlfriend lets him out lunchtime and he does the damage of an afternoon. It's like her coming winds him up. Sometimes I only go to the shops and he's destroyed the lounge when I get back.

eg...

 

I have a similar photo. I'll dig it out for laughs. I am certain this is separation anxiety.

 

There is a product which is a very tight fitting coat which is supposed to work wonders. I don't know why. I do know it didn't work for May, she removed and destroyed it but I have heard lots of stories of success overnight. There is a money back guarantee which they honoured without question when we returned it in the form of a few scraps of torn (and soiled) cloth. Might be worth a try. Get on to http://www.purplepets.co.UK. give them a call and tell them Charlie put you on to them. It's owned by Steph and Amanda but they all know me.

[badbluesplayer]

Best thing is if the dog can have an nice outdoor place to stay when you're gone. Our yard is fenced in and the dogs have the run of the yard, the back deck, varoius outbuildings and my shop - through a doggy door. They go outside and run around and then they come in and lie around.

[LarryUK]

Best thing is if the dog can have an nice outdoor place to stay when you're gone. Our yard is fenced in and the dogs have the run of the yard, the back deck, varoius outbuildings and my shop - through a doggy door. They go outside and run around and then they come in and lie around.

There's a lot of dog theft here in the UK. Especially Staffys. It's down to the influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe, Pakistan and Afghanistan. They've caused a massive growth in underground dog fighting. So, although I would consider him being outside. The thought of him being stolen stops me. I have a secure garden too (8ft fence)

[stein]

While I agree with this as far as discipline goes, I disagree that it's the right approach in this instance. This isn't a dog doing something he doesn't know is wrong, it's a dog going through completely unnatural mental stress. Those wolves you speak of will start behaving very strangely if you spearate them from their pack. Something that will almost never happen in the wild and which will spell very bad news if it does.

 

I also say, respectfully, that because your experience is with dogs you have bread you may never have seen bad separation anxiety because it really is particular to rescue dogs (when it is as profound as I am talking about)

 

Disciplining a dog for his behaviour during separation anxiety is the worst thing you can do. It adds to the problem very quick. Negatives have far more profound effects, far more quickly than positives do because, like us, dogs learn negative outcomes far quicker than they learn positive outcomes.

I was wondering what you would say...I knew it would be good.

 

I don't disagree with anything you say, in fact, I like it. I would totally take this advice if I was having trouble.

 

My post (and advice) is a little difficult. The most important aspect of any "discipline" in the above is that the dog and the owner have the same connection. In other words, the dog needs to know exactly what is going on. Even in the case where the dogs knows he did something wrong and what, and he knows it's dicipline, the connection is not automatic. You have to be able to connect the dots TO the dog at the time.

 

I should add, also, that there is also an aspect of a dog showing remorse, or showing defiance. I did not address this in my advice. A dog that shows remorse to his owner usually does not need "discipline" as I suggested. As opposed to a dog showing 'defiance", who is communicating he wants it to show his place in the pack, so to speak.

 

One thing though, regardless of breed (understanding there ARE differences and specific problems), ALL breeds I know of have the same over-riding instinct: they want to please the master, and they are happiest doing so. Even though some dogs (and breeds) seem to display it from a pup, and some seem oblivios to an owners wishes, they all want to do it. Once they know that there are wishes and what they are, they enjoy doing what pleases the master. It's even a show of love both ways, as powerful as affection. THAT can aid big time in overcoming a particular dog's issues, and help them through thier problems.

[stein]

I'll add a bit more info. I have three dogs. My old staff cross 'Ellie' 12 yrs. My rescue Jack Russel 'Pip' 2,5 yrs and 'Red', 1 yr. I've had him from a puppy and he's the only one that chews. He's almost always done it. I've disciplined him once (smacked his rear) and he wet himself. I've only practiced 'positive' training since. He never does it of a morning. My girlfriend lets him out lunchtime and he does the damage of an afternoon. It's like her coming winds him up. Sometimes I only go to the shops and he's destroyed the lounge when I get back.

eg...

Note.. Nylon bone untouched on footstool!

THIS is hilarious!

 

Especially the dog posing while the others nap on the couch.