Sheilaheel02

Geez, cavNrott, if I'd waited 5 more mins I could have just put Ditto. Shaz

Hi Chloebear, Sorry to hear you are having problems with your pup. We all hope that dog ownership will be a pleasant, rewarding experience rather than a stressful one. I think your pup is basically young, smart, lonely and bored - a recipe for destruction. If she is the only dog and is kept outside only, she is going to amuse herself in ways you will find less than amusing. She needs stimulation, physical and mental. She also needs structure and boundaries. A secure dog run will cut down on the destruction, but if you cannot provide enough 'work' and 'company' for her, then in all likelihood she will develop other unattractive behaviours and any separation anxiety will be exacerbated. Rather than going out and petting her periodically, can you spend say 45 mins in the morning with her playing games (low impact) or teaching tricks until she is tired and then bring her inside in a crate? I highly recommend crate training this pup. She (and you) can relax while she is inside and she will also get more time with the family. You mention that she is scared of people and other dogs, so she also needs to get out and about and be socialised ASAP. Obviously, plan how you are going to do this to ensure that she gets lots of positive experiences - you don't want her fear and anxiety re-inforced. A short on-leash walk daily would be great but if you can't get out every day, then perhaps some of your friends who have steady, reliable and social dogs can come to your house. You could enroll in Puppy Pre-school at the local Vet's and then take her to Kindergarten at Dog Club next year. (Dog Club is a fantastic place to socialise, but it's also a brilliant resource of affordable training and behavioural advice). I understand time is scarce when you have a toddler, but any time you can invest into your puppy now will reap massive benefits as the gets older, stronger and more energetic. Saving her was an honourable thing to do, but hopefully you will go on to be able to say you saved her and trained her to be a well-adjusted, social dog who you are proud to have as your family companion. Good luck! Sharon (who has already spent a small fortune on destroyed dog toys in her lifetime)

Excellent Vickie, Thanks for posting this link. I love seeing these guys with a job to do! Shaz

Lucky you Toilet Duck!!!! Sounds awesome. I have just put in an arena but it's not an indoor one unfortunately It's very cold and dark outside here at the moment, not condusive to getting me motivated to train........... S

Hi Vickie, I'll let the feral dog know you remember him He is trialling in UD at the moment. Sheila has been retired for many years, she is 14 now. I hope to catch up with you sometime soon in the future and introduce Mick Monster S

Hi Vickie, When I'm not rescuing or competing in obedience, I also train in Agility with Poodlefan and FHR at ACT Companion Dog Club in Canberra. However, I'm sure you remember me and my crazy dogs S