My Puppy Is Turning My Home Into A Bomb Site

[chloebear]

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)

I know this may sound stupid, but to be honest, I have no idea of what to do with this puppy, I do play ball with her and take her for short walks. But we need to be careful when walking due to other dogs in the neighbourhood (rural) not being fenced and we get ran at. I have no idea how to mentally stimulate a dog. I am trying to get her more comfortable with other people by getting friends to call over and if possible bring their dogs (I keep stealing the neighbours little dog to play with my puppy).

I have no idea how I am going to train OH to keep his crap put away and to shut the shed etc. Unfortunately he is of old school and doesn't beleive in the soft approach.

[chloebear]

I have noticed that a number of people have suggested that I need to be more structured in the way that I deal with Holly, can someone please explain what you mean? Sorry I am confussed

[cavNrott]

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

Shaz

I just read your post following mine. I too say ditto to what you advised.

Crate training with the dog inside with family is the very best way to bond with a pup I think. The pup grows up as a member of the pack and learns his position in that pack.

[The Spotted Devil]

CavNrott put it beautifully IMO

My Dally pup has just turned one....and I would not leave him unsupervised in the house or (very small) yard for more than 5 minutes - and trust me, I've had stuff destroyed in less time than that Luckily my contact hours with Uni are low and he is rarely left alone for more than 4 hours.

Approximately every 2nd day Zig has a 20-30 minute free run at the beach where we practice his recall (up to 6-8 times) - lots of praise and the occasional treat. On the other days he has a brief walk to the shops that involves some free sniffing and leg lifting in the park and other controlled walking near the shops. Most days he has a couple of short training sessions. Plus show training one night a week and a few outings on weekends (shows, cafes etc).

Training at home - playing fetch is all very well but make puppy think about what she is doing - if she loves to fetch make her WORK for it....in fact, make her WORK for everything!!!! Zig has to do either a sit stay, drop stay or stand stay to have the toy thrown for him (mix up the toys - hide some and rotate regularly to keep up the novelty factor). Now I've started to introduce a few different exercises such as stand-drop-sit then celebrate by throwing the toy OR having a gentle tug game. The tug game itself is a training session - he has to tug and give the tug toy on command (then it is thrown for him to fetch as a reward). Do a search on clicker training too - great fun for owner and dog....may take a bit of practice but it's very helpful for channeling that mad energy into sensible behaviour.

Ziggy is a very active and pushy pup and I have put in so much work with him - once he's had enough play time he will settle on his inside bed while I study - that has taken a lot of practice in itself!!! If I can't supervise him he is in his crate - even for 20 minutes so I can wash the dishes for example (he's not allowed in the kitchen so I can't watch him). This means he gets loads of praise for playing nicely with his toys and I can give him the appropriate "leave" command if he puts his paws or mouth in the wrong place every single time he does it - it really is all about consistency.

And, I'm afraid, there is no magic solution for "stealing" shoes etc - you MUST put it out of reach of puppy (which means closing a lot of doors in our house) OR supervise 100% of the time. I don't know what I would have done without a crate or 2 in the house - brilliant!!!!

[chloebear]

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

Shaz

I just read your post following mine. I too say ditto to what you advised.

Crate training with the dog inside with family is the very best way to bond with a pup I think. The pup grows up as a member of the pack and learns his position in that pack.

There is no way that the puppy can come inside, my OH has a zero tolerance policy with dogs inside, both me and the dog would be homeless. Especially considering my son gets an allergy to contact with dogs, after being outside he needs to be sponged down or he comes up in rash.

[chloebear]

CavNrott put it beautifully IMO

My Dally pup has just turned one....and I would not leave him unsupervised in the house or (very small) yard for more than 5 minutes - and trust me, I've had stuff destroyed in less time than that Luckily my contact hours with Uni are low and he is rarely left alone for more than 4 hours.

Approximately every 2nd day Zig has a 20-30 minute free run at the beach where we practice his recall (up to 6-8 times) - lots of praise and the occasional treat. On the other days he has a brief walk to the shops that involves some free sniffing and leg lifting in the park and other controlled walking near the shops. Most days he has a couple of short training sessions. Plus show training one night a week and a few outings on weekends (shows, cafes etc).

Training at home - playing fetch is all very well but make puppy think about what she is doing - if she loves to fetch make her WORK for it....in fact, make her WORK for everything!!!! Zig has to do either a sit stay, drop stay or stand stay to have the toy thrown for him (mix up the toys - hide some and rotate regularly to keep up the novelty factor). Now I've started to introduce a few different exercises such as stand-drop-sit then celebrate by throwing the toy OR having a gentle tug game. The tug game itself is a training session - he has to tug and give the tug toy on command (then it is thrown for him to fetch as a reward). Do a search on clicker training too - great fun for owner and dog....may take a bit of practice but it's very helpful for channeling that mad energy into sensible behaviour.

Ziggy is a very active and pushy pup and I have put in so much work with him - once he's had enough play time he will settle on his inside bed while I study - that has taken a lot of practice in itself!!! If I can't supervise him he is in his crate - even for 20 minutes so I can wash the dishes for example (he's not allowed in the kitchen so I can't watch him). This means he gets loads of praise for playing nicely with his toys and I can give him the appropriate "leave" command if he puts his paws or mouth in the wrong place every single time he does it - it really is all about consistency.

And, I'm afraid, there is no magic solution for "stealing" shoes etc - you MUST put it out of reach of puppy (which means closing a lot of doors in our house) OR supervise 100% of the time. I don't know what I would have done without a crate or 2 in the house - brilliant!!!!

I shall start making her run more, try and wear her out, I feel bad about locking her in her kennel or run it is about 2x3mtrs. Should I start putting her in her kennel when I am not outside with her.

I will also look into clicker training, I am willing to try anything.

[dee lee]

I know that you are restricted from obedience classes but can you possible get a private trainer to come to your house? I have difficulty getting to classes too so ive done that before and am planning on doing that again soon- a trainer should be able to clarify what can be done. I'm sure that there are people on DOL who can recommend one in your area.

[The Spotted Devil]

Just remember it's not all about tiring her out physically (although that does help) - it's the mental stimulation that's often neglected! You must be consistent AND persistent!

[chloebear]

I know that you are restricted from obedience classes but can you possible get a private trainer to come to your house? I have difficulty getting to classes too so ive done that before and am planning on doing that again soon- a trainer should be able to clarify what can be done. I'm sure that there are people on DOL who can recommend one in your area.

This is going to sound terrible, to say the least. But trying to convince my OH that we need to get help with her is going to be the biggest problem. When it comes to training my OH and I are completly opposite, I don't know what to do, it is just getting out of control.

[chloebear]

I have spoken with two dog trainers re correspondence training, but given my dogs issues, they have advised that they need to see her. So far havn't been able to track down a trainer, with good recommendations in the Mackay region (largest closest city)

[cavNrott]

;)

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.

It seems we disagree on a few things about dogs Superkaz.

I could not disagree more strongly with you that this is not a good advertisement for rescue dogs. I do hope it will not deter anyone who is seeking to save a life by adopting a dog in need.

This is a pup who has had no training, is mentally unstimulated, not walked and who does not live inside with its family. She sounds perfectly normal for a pup who is not receiving direction. There is no indication shown of a neurological or physical disorder in this puppy, neither is there reason to call her a reincarnation of Ghengis Kahn etc., ;)

I will always have a rescue dog in my home and haven't had a problem with any of them just because they are a rescue. Any issues that arise are sorted out in quick time. My rescues live inside the house and they are very quick to learn the routine, mostly from my other dogs rather than me, I suspect. I do think it's quicker and easier to train a dog who lives inside with their people.

In saying that I am not having a shot at Chloebear. She is new to dog ownership and will do the hard yards as she learns, like the rest of us have. I commend her for saving the life of this pup. Who knows what this pup's life was like before Chloebear came along?

Some puppies are more difficult than others. My Rottweiler was difficult but I knew it was due to my handling of the situation. Sound advice and training had her behaving well in quick time.

edited to delete a stupid word

Edited December 13, 2007 by cavNrott

[Kavik]

If you look up clicker training you should find heaps of fun things to teach! It is fun as the dogs really have to think about it.

Targetting (teaching the dog to touch its nose or paw to an object) is a fun one that I often start with, you can get them to target anything, your hand, a piece of paper.

My dogs will nose touch my hand, a target stick, one will paw target a piece of paper on the ground. That one will also collect a toilet paper roll and put it in the bin. Mostly taught with a cliccker.

Spin is also fun and easy, you can use food to lure the dog to spin in a circle, then fade the lure.

There are heaps of tricks you can teach, I think there was a thread on it somewhere? I'm not that good at searching.

[chloebear]

If you look up clicker training you should find heaps of fun things to teach! It is fun as the dogs really have to think about it.

Targetting (teaching the dog to touch its nose or paw to an object) is a fun one that I often start with, you can get them to target anything, your hand, a piece of paper.

My dogs will nose touch my hand, a target stick, one will paw target a piece of paper on the ground. That one will also collect a toilet paper roll and put it in the bin. Mostly taught with a cliccker.

Spin is also fun and easy, you can use food to lure the dog to spin in a circle, then fade the lure.

There are heaps of tricks you can teach, I think there was a thread on it somewhere? I'm not that good at searching.

Before joining DOL I have never even heard the term "clicker training" when the kids are asleep shall try searching for it, to be honest I don't even have a clue what it is - just know it is something that you do with a dog.

I will start trying to teach her more tricks etc, we have started working on stay. Must admit I am not very creative, and had no idea of how to stimulate her, so I will definately try your ideas.

I need all the help I can get, at the moment I feel like a failure, I am trying but not suceeding.

[chloebear]

IIn saying that I am not having a shot at Chloebear. She is new to dog ownership and will do the hard yards as she learns, like the rest of us have. I commend her for saving the life of this pup. Who knows what this pup's life was like before Chloebear came along?

Some puppies are more difficult than others. My Rottweiler was difficult but I knew it was due to my was handling of the situation. Sound advice and training had her behaving well in quick time.

Thanks CavNrott, I must admit today I really needed to hear something positive. I knew when I saw Holly that she would be a challenge, but I honestly had no idea how much. But in saying that how could I leave her there to die, but I feel horrible for saying my life was so much simplier before I got her. I have never walked away from a challenge before and I am not going to turn my back on her either. I am just hoping tommorrow is a better day. Today I feel totally deflated with the whole situation. All I can say is thanks so much to everyone for their support, I don't know what I would do without it.

[Kavik]

Here you go - whole subforum for tricks!

http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showforum=54

[dee lee]

The tricks thread is locked at the top of the training/odebience/dogsport forum. (oh, too late- see above!!)

I have to say my naughty girl picked up 2 tricks in 2 days after following the instructions on the thread (its nice to see that clever brain put to good instead of evil!! When i tell her to sit now she gives me the paw! hmm...) But she is not tired by the training in the slightest- just wants more.

Its worth a try Chloebear, if i can do it you can and the kids will love it.

Edited December 13, 2007 by deelee2

[chloebear]

Here you go - whole subforum for tricks!

http://www.dolforums.com.au/index.php?showforum=54

thanks so much

[chloebear]

The tricks thread is locked at the top of the training/odebience/dogsport forum. (oh, too late- see above!!)

I have to say my naughty girl picked up 2 tricks in 2 days after following the instructions on the thread (its nice to see that clever brain put to good instead of evil!! When i tell her to sit now she gives me the paw! hmm...) But she is not tired by the training in the slightest- just wants more.

Its worth a try Chloebear, if i can do it you can and the kids will love it.

Tomorrow is a new day, I am going to be positive and start trick training, thanks for you help and support.

[Poodle wrangler]

Can you add another short walk?

Simple to do, lots of sights, smells etc. for dog. I find a short walk tires my dogs totally out of proportion to the exercise involved.

Raw, meaty bones- keep dog entertained for a while.

You need to contain her at times in the yard.

A secure dog run will be useful when your toddler wants to spend more time out there without having allergic reactions to the dog.

At the top of the training subforum is Triangle of Temptation which is great to do and takes only 5 minutes extra once you get it in your head what to do.

[benny123]

Mine ate our bed when they were 6 months old.

Exhibit A

Then when our bed was gone, they ate their own bed

Exhibit B

They are now 15 months old and perfect angels

It gets better.