My Puppy Is Turning My Home Into A Bomb Site

[chloebear]

My six month old puppy is making my home look like a rubbish tip. Anything that she finds she rips to pieces and runs around the yard leaving bits everywhere especially dumping junk on my patio. Our yard is looking like a underground mine field, with holes everywhere. She has just chewed up another pair of shoes, we put them up high, but she jumps and gets them. My door mates get either ripped up and spread over my patio or thrown around the yard. It has been a long time since I have had a puppy but I don't remember my last one being this bad. If we leave the shed door open, she goes in and graps anything she can move, drag it around yard, chew it up and go back for something else. She is an escape artist, 6ft enclosure, with chicken mesh on bottom half but still manages to break out when not wanting to stay in bed (enclosure only used when not home, or during night) She even digs holes in the concrete in her kennel. She rips washing off the line.

I have given her toys,kongs,bones, play ball with her, has about an acrea on which she can run but the destruction is getting worse instead of better. She has chewed the arms of our patio chairs. When I am hanging washing, she steals the pegs and chews them up.

Sorry can't tell you what breed she is as she is a rescue pup, we have had her for about 2 1/2 months. Think she is a ridgebach cross she has hugh feet, but they keep getting bigger. I have desexed her.

Edited section:

I have noted that it seems that I have not done enough to entain her, so please help me work out some things to do with her, plus some items to buy in the way of toys for playing with her. I am going to go to town tomorrow on a mission to get things for my puppy to keep her happier, plus to puppy proof my home (outside)..........all idea's welcome. Yes she is having an early Christmas "i'm makin a list and checking it twice"

Edited December 14, 2007 by chloebear

[cazxxz]

Gosh, what a headache she must be! Have you tried taking her for a walk before you leave for the day?

Does she behave destructively even when you're at home? Is there a chance her behaviour could be anxiety-related?

Have you tried putting things in cupboards, rather than just almost-out-of-reach but within eyesight? Can you lock the shed door and keep the patio clear of anything she might shred? I know these are obvious things but clearly the temptation is too much for her.

Depending on how long you spend away from home, crate-training might be a good option. Maybe a dog-walker too.

What do you put in her kongs? The longest my dog has ever spent on a kong or a bone was when I combined the two

Have you trained her to give/drop? That command would be helpful for when she steals pegs. Sit and stay would help then too - she could just watch you and then get rewarded for being so calm.

[sidoney]

This article reminds me of your post.

This looks like another useful article.

[SUPERKAZ]

I could not cope. Ginger was a boisterous puppy, and at 2 and a half is still very young acting, but that is RIDICULOUS!!! Not a good advertisement for rescues either unfortunately.

You poor thing, sounds like you have the best possible environment, do all the right things, but this dog is like a reincarnation of Ghengis Kahn or something. Or Linda Blair. Maybe she has a neurological or physical disorder? Does not sound remotely normal.

[poodlefan]

How much mental and physical stimulation are you giving this pup Chloebear?

What training does she do?

What play/exercise does she get?

All dog owners need to "puppy proof" their homes to some degree. If she's still getting access to things like shoes, you need to lock them away.

[Poodle wrangler]

My sister has a Ridgeback Cross pound dog who has issues, though not these destructive ones.

I know a number of pound dogs of this cross and it doesn't seem to be a good one- All I know have dog and/or human aggression issues .

I'd be investing in a dog run on concrete.

If you add up the total cost of destruction (not to mention time spent cleaning up etc.) then they're really not that expensive.

More stimulation and exercise?

With the washing- the behaviour is too rewarding- far too much fun for the dog.

Really must separate the dog from anything that's entertaining to chew/ destroy and give him "good" things to do e.g. exercise, walks, training, chew toy.

[Miranda]

This dog sounds bored, she appears to needs more physical exercise and more mental stimulation. You say that she has an acre to run around on, are you actually walking around with her encouraging her to run and playing games with her or are you just leaving her to exercise herself while you stay inside? I have a large yard here, but my dogs don't really exercise in it unless I'm out there playing with them, I take them out to the park on a daily basis. Are you taking her for plenty of walks? Are you doing any training with her? How much one on one time do you spend with her on an average day?

Chicken wire is not suitable for a dog run, it just isn't strong enough, you should also look at putting in a new concrete base so she can't dig out, if she's currently digging holes in the concrete that's there, the concrete is obviously old and broken and needs replacing.

You will probably have to fence off the washing line until she grows out of the behaviour, either that or keep her inside while the washing is on the line.

Puppy proof your yard, if she drags things out of the shed make sure the door is always closed, make sure that everything is put away where she absolutely cannot get to it, putting things up high is encouraging her to jump and this just makes it more fun for her. Door mats are fair game for a puppy, I've never had a puppy that didn't chew up mats, do without them until she's older. Put the patio furniture in the shed when you're not going to be using it.

You could also start her on the Triangle of Temptation, it did wonders for the headstrong young boy I have here.

As I said it sounds like she needs much more stimulation both mental and physical and she also needs training and an understanding of where she fits in her 'pack', at the moment she appears to be out of control and basically doing whatever she wants. Taking her to obedience would be a good idea and I think both of you would benefit.

[chloebear]

Gosh, what a headache she must be! Have you tried taking her for a walk before you leave for the day?

Does she behave destructively even when you're at home? Is there a chance her behaviour could be anxiety-related?

Have you tried putting things in cupboards, rather than just almost-out-of-reach but within eyesight? Can you lock the shed door and keep the patio clear of anything she might shred? I know these are obvious things but clearly the temptation is too much for her.

Depending on how long you spend away from home, crate-training might be a good option. Maybe a dog-walker too.

What do you put in her kongs? The longest my dog has ever spent on a kong or a bone was when I combined the two

Have you trained her to give/drop? That command would be helpful for when she steals pegs. Sit and stay would help then too - she could just watch you and then get rewarded for being so calm.

I am a stay at home mum, so I let her out at 5.00am out of her kennel, play with her and give her breakfeast then I am in and out of the house most of the day, always passing her patting her on the patio (bin on the other side of patio). I make her sit before I pat her. This morning after I wrote my post, she destroyed, my husbands runners (from on top of the shoe rack) plus chewed up my shoes. She also got a piece of wood from somewhere, and chewed it up to pieces at the door.

I am keep shed shut when just me and kids home, but my husband is out in shed alot when he is home working on things, when he pops in and out of shed he leaves door open (I have no chance of getting him to shut them during the day when he is home).

If I make her kong to hard for her, she just goes and burries it and then moves onto the next item....

I have also found on the patio this morning, a light bulb (looks like car or trailor one) with wire attached, hoping she hasn't damaged OH boat trailer.

My OH has had enough and wants her to be kept in her kennel, unless one of us are going to be outside with her to stop the damage, and that was before he finds out what she has done today.

[chloebear]

This article reminds me of your post.

This looks like another useful article.

Thanks, I have had a quick look at articles, will read them in full tonight when kids are in bed........

[Kavik]

I think some mental stimulation would help. Do you do much training or games with her? Doesn't have to be formal obedience - tricks are great, keep her mind occupied (which gets them tired) and fun for you - you can show them off to friends (or husband )

[chloebear]

I could not cope. Ginger was a boisterous puppy, and at 2 and a half is still very young acting, but that is RIDICULOUS!!! Not a good advertisement for rescues either unfortunately.

You poor thing, sounds like you have the best possible environment, do all the right things, but this dog is like a reincarnation of Ghengis Kahn or something. Or Linda Blair. Maybe she has a neurological or physical disorder? Does not sound remotely normal.

Must admit, I have bitten off more than I can chew, I am ready to go nuts between her and a toddler. I have no idea what the people did to her before I got her but she is one hand out of control with destroying my home and things, but on the other, afraid of strangers and other dogs to the point that she wets herself. I honestly think she needed to go to a more experienced dog owner than me, but I am afraid it was me or she was being PTS.

I keep telling myself she will grow out of it.......but it's getting worse as far as the destruction goes, but she is getting better in other ways.

[peibe]

She sounds like a really smart pup who needs to work

After seeing pics of her I thought she looked like she had some Cattle in her and they are clever dogs

She needs agility, obediance, structure

[DistinctivelyTish]

It could be a form of separation anxiety? My pup is 10 months old, and she's been an angel (only ONE shoe nibbled at!, lol). BUT she does try to destroy the place when I leave the apartment without her. My boyfriend watched her the other day after I left the place and he said it was like a dog possessed. She went nuts as soon as I shut the door and went around picking things up, flinging it around, pushing things over for a good 5 minutes. Seemed like she was trying to take out her frustration on being left behind on things lying around. Perhaps you could work on leaving her outside for a few minutes, then work on it until she can leave things undisturbed for longer?

[cavNrott]

You don't mention if this pup is getting any training or if you are walking her to exercise her. A pat every time you pass her on the patio isn't nearly enough to keep any pup out of mischief. Pups will get up to all the mischief you describe and more when they're bored. Most dogs are unlikely to exercise themselves irrespective of the size of the yard. Do you play fetch with her? It's a good way to give her a run and burn off some energy.

A puppy can't chew shoes if they're not left around where she can get them. Keep shoes out of her reach. She can't get into the shed to destroy things if the shed door is closed. It's not the pup's fault that an open door is an invitation to inspect the goodies inside. The pup has already learnt that when the shed door is open there is fun to be had. Unfortunately your husband has not yet learnt to close the door when he leaves so he has no one but himself to blame for the destruction. Put a temporary fence around the clothes line and she can't pull the washing off the line.

Pups are a lot of work. A well behaved dog is usually equal to the amount of time and effort the owner puts into training and socialising. The saying that a tired dog is a good dog is true. This pup needs something to do and if you don't provide it then she will find something to do herself. This usually means things you don't like her doing. She doesn't know what she is allowed to do until you teach her. In the meantime everything is up for grabs.

It's very frustrating I know but you will get the best out of your dog if you put the time into her. She sounds like a very smart puppy who wants to learn but she needs someone to teach her.

[Sheilaheel02]

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)

[Sheilaheel02]

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

Shaz

[dee lee]

Chloebear, your post almost made me cry.

I recognise all your dog's problems, destructiveness, willfulness, behavioural issues- and am suffering them with my dog too!

I dont know if you remember (i have replied to another of your posts) but i have a nearly 12 month old staffy x (prob kelpie) rescue pup and have had so much trouble with her from day one. If i could have given her back i wouldve except i know that would mean she would be put to sleep and i do love her.

I also have 2 preschoolers who just dont enjoy our dogs boisterous behaviour and a OH who didnt want a dog at all.

Every day i wonder is it ever going to get better?

I have no advice for you- ive received all the same advice you have gotten and have found little improvement. I have just starting on training her to do tricks to tire her mind out- but now everytime she sees me she gets even more excited and it doesnt seem to be tiring her out at all. At least she can rollover annd shake hands now.

Fortunately(?) for me i have a very small yard so there is LESS scope for damage but i have learnt to just put up with the fear of finding something damaged everytime i come home. As for shoes, she has gotten better, but i am vigilant about having shoes and toys put AWAY- we have baskets for that upstairs and down. If something gets eaten its the owners fault- so i keep telling my husband! Still i dont know how that translates to a boat trailer

I wish i could give you some kind of hope- as someone said to me on another post, dog ownership shouldn't be this hard, we just got unlucky. Hopefully its just a matter of immaturity and they will grow out of it - Oh and with a lot of persistant training!!

My heart goes out to you, you are not alone,

Dee

Edited December 13, 2007 by deelee2

[chloebear]

Chloebear, your post almost made me cry.

I recognise all your dog's problems, destructiveness, willfulness, behavioural issues- and am suffering them with my dog too!

I dont know if you remember (i have replied to another of your posts) but i have a nearly 12 month old staffy x (prob kelpie) rescue pup and have had so much trouble with her from day one. If i could have given her back i wouldve except i know that would mean she would be put to sleep and i do love her.

I also have 2 preschoolers who just dont enjoy our dogs boisterous behaviour and a OH who didnt want a dog at all.

Every day i wonder is it ever going to get better?

I have no advice for you- ive received all the same advice you have gotten and have found little improvement. I have just starting on training her to do tricks to tire her mind out- but now everytime she sees me she gets even more excited and it doesnt seem to be tiring her out at all. At least she can rollover annd shake hands now.

Fortunately(?) for me i have a very small yard so there is LESS scope for damage but i have learnt to just put up with the fear of finding something damaged everytime i come home. As for shoes, she has gotten better, but i am vigilant about having shoes and toys put AWAY- we have baskets for that upstairs and down. If something gets eaten its the owners fault- so i keep telling my husband! Still i dont know how that translates to a boat trailer

I wish i could give you some kind of hope- as someone said to me on another post, dog ownership shouldn't be this hard, we just got unlucky. Hopefully its just a matter of immaturity and they will grow out of it - Oh and with a lot of persistant training!!

My heart goes out to you, you are not alone,

Dee

Like yourself I am hoping every so much as she grows up she will get better, but she is a member of the family, we love her and she is here to stay. It makes me realise what a saint my previous puppy was, I don't remember going through anything this extreme. I just got home from visiting a friend and when I walked across the patio i just felt disgusted at the mess that was there. I have always taken pride in my home and now it just looks like a dumping ground, riped up palm branches (draged from the compost area), rags riped up, anything she can find chewed up. At the moment I can hear her outside destroying something, I am almost to afraid to look.

I have my fingers crossed for both of us, that it will get better soon.

[chloebear]

Chicken wire is not suitable for a dog run, it just isn't strong enough, you should also look at putting in a new concrete base so she can't dig out, if she's currently digging holes in the concrete that's there, the concrete is obviously old and broken and needs replacing.

With her dog run, it is 6ft high dog mesh, she was climbing out through the larger sections as our dog wire has larger holes as it goes towards the top. So I wraped chicken wire around the bottom section to stop her from climbing to the higher section. Yes I think we are going to have to break up the concrete that we have and pour a new slab.

[chloebear]

As I said it sounds like she needs much more stimulation both mental and physical and she also needs training and an understanding of where she fits in her 'pack', at the moment she appears to be out of control and basically doing whatever she wants. Taking her to obedience would be a good idea and I think both of you would benefit.

I agree, I need to take her to training, but we have a location issue. I have worked out that I would be able to take her month about, attending for one month then I would have to miss a month (OH rooster/works away) plus two young children (one won't stay put at training will disrupt everyone). Obiendence has now shut for christmas in my closest town until next year. I will have to check then if we can go month about. Must admit I have no idea how to mentally stimulate her, yes I do some training with her, sit,stay,come and we play ball. We where playing tug-of-war but I have stoped that incase it was encouraging her to rip the washing.