Dame Aussie Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 Why are people so aggro about this? Donatella has said she's getting someone in to assess her dog and she'll decide from there what to do based on the advice she receives. I really don't see the point in laying blame for the current situation or asking her what she'll do if the behaviourist advises this or that. Let her have the appointment and see what the recommendations are first at least. You'd think people would just be able to acknowledge that someone's trying to address the problem without getting stuck in to them. Took the words right out of my mouth! I'm surprised at some of the comments to be honest. She is having problems and asked a question about behaviourists, that's it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsdog2 Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 Why are people so aggro about this? Donatella has said she's getting someone in to assess her dog and she'll decide from there what to do based on the advice she receives. I really don't see the point in laying blame for the current situation or asking her what she'll do if the behaviourist advises this or that. Let her have the appointment and see what the recommendations are first at least. You'd think people would just be able to acknowledge that someone's trying to address the problem without getting stuck in to them. Took the words right out of my mouth! I'm surprised at some of the comments to be honest. She is having problems and asked a question about behaviourists, that's it! I was wondering the same thing - have we missed something Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aidan3 Posted March 14, 2012 Share Posted March 14, 2012 They all seem to prescribe to the dominance theory - will be surprised if the behaviourist comes up with much more than establishing the "pack order" plus NILIF, bored dog food toys and confinement where appropriate. Dogs are social animals with social rules, but it's very rare that I ever see a dog who I imagine is trying to overthrow anyone. The owner needing to take control of the situation, on the other hand, is usually the reason they have sought help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowgirl Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 I think seeking the advice of a behaviorist is a good idea. An outside perspective can often help. She may be a more stressy dog than you realise. The framework a behaviorist can provide may be just what you need. The other thing to consider is that she may have an anxiety disorder that she channels into unwanted displacement behaviours. A vet recently told me that one in five dogs has this type of problem. This can be medical but the behaviorist should be able to point you in the right direction. As long as they are positive in their approach (no shock collars,dominance theory or phyical punishment). I agree I'm curious to see if there are any underlining problems, as there must be some reason she is so destructive (both when alone and when people are home). I actually started the thread to find out the process of what happens (ie they come into your home? Watch your dog?). I have no idea as I've never heard of the concept before DOL. Im not here for advice to stop her chewing, all of it is bleeding obvious, I actually came to ask about the behaviorist process as id already made up my mind to consult one. Telling me to confine her and put things away is a bandaid solution, I'm keen to delve further into it to see WHY she actually does it. Sue me for wanting to consult a professional to get help for me and me dog. I recently had a behaviourist come and see my foster girl, Angel, a very bad abuse/neglect case and I want to do everything I can to help her recover. I completely understand what you're saying Donatella about wanting an expert in the field to explain a dog's behaviour and what recommendations they would have. I too am really interested in the underlying causes of behaviours and if I feel I don't know enough or haven't done enough it's in my dogs best interest to bring in someone who specialises in these areas. In answer to your question, the lady who came to see Angel basically sat with us in the backyard and watched Angel's behaviours and her interactions with me and the other dogs. She commented on all the signals the dogs were using and explained why they were using them. She pinpointed positive signs as they were happening and which signs to look for that would indicate a stressful situation. I was relieved to know that I was doing all the right things for Angel and will continue to make sure she is safe and happy so she can continue to blossom. I also use the Tellington Touch with her as well as my other dogs, although it's taking a bit of patience for Angel to get used to it as she's so fearful of a human touch. Obviously your situation with your little one is completely different to mine, but I wanted to add my support of bringing in an expert if you feel you're out of your depth with your dog's current behaviours. I think it's a good idea to have an outside, objective opinion. It sure can't hurt. Good luck with it and let us know how you go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest lavendergirl Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Did you end up booking the behaviourist? I would be very interested in her/his opinion and recommendations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest donatella Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 I had contact with the recommended lady, although haven't booked a time as yet as was going to try all the above home suggestions first. For the last 2 days I have been exercising her morning and night (in hope of a happy worn out dog is a non destructive one), even taking her for a spin at a massive dog park at off peak times which she loves and runs around like a greyhound. However this morning I got up at 7am to discover the bottom underside material of the couch (underneath the couch so not visible thankfully) has been shredded and strewn over the floor. this must have been done at 5am as was in tact when I went to bed at 10.30pm so we will definitely be booking an appointment with this lady as aside from crating her which I'm not entirely sold on, there is nothing left to try. Yellowgirl thank you very much for your story, that is very helpful and much appreciated :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dame Aussie Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 I had contact with the recommended lady, although haven't booked a time as yet as was going to try all the above home suggestions first. For the last 2 days I have been exercising her morning and night (in hope of a happy worn out dog is a non destructive one), even taking her for a spin at a massive dog park at off peak times which she loves and runs around like a greyhound. However this morning I got up at 7am to discover the bottom underside material of the couch (underneath the couch so not visible thankfully) has been shredded and strewn over the floor. this must have been done at 5am as was in tact when I went to bed at 10.30pm so we will definitely be booking an appointment with this lady as aside from crating her which I'm not entirely sold on, there is nothing left to try. Yellowgirl thank you very much for your story, that is very helpful and much appreciated :) At least she's cute as a button ;) :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest donatella Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 I know little brat! I couldn't believe it, I think though there was a loose thread and the rest is history, there's no way she went looking for the underside of the couch hahaha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OSoSwift Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 WOuld a puppy pen be less offensive for you? A bit bigger more open but the same concept. I wouldn't have trusted one of mine inside until she was oevr 12 months of age Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WreckitWhippet Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 I had contact with the recommended lady, although haven't booked a time as yet as was going to try all the above home suggestions first. For the last 2 days I have been exercising her morning and night (in hope of a happy worn out dog is a non destructive one), even taking her for a spin at a massive dog park at off peak times which she loves and runs around like a greyhound. However this morning I got up at 7am to discover the bottom underside material of the couch (underneath the couch so not visible thankfully) has been shredded and strewn over the floor. this must have been done at 5am as was in tact when I went to bed at 10.30pm so we will definitely be booking an appointment with this lady as aside from crating her which I'm not entirely sold on, there is nothing left to try. Yellowgirl thank you very much for your story, that is very helpful and much appreciated :) The answer is simple. Put her in a puppy pen or a crate and night, give her something to chew on and be done with it. Each time you allow her to chew something else, the habit becomes harder for you to break. I think you'd rather whinge, than actively do something about the yapping, destructive monster that you have created. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebanne Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 The answer is simple. Put her in a puppy pen or a crate and night, give her something to chew on and be done with it. Each time you allow her to chew something else, the habit becomes harder for you to break. I think you'd rather whinge, than actively do something about the yapping, destructive monster that you have created. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest donatella Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 (edited) Playpen is a good idea, the only thing that worries me is her trying to jump it and believe me for little legs she gets height now. There is a small hallway between the dining/kitchen and the lounge, I might get a baby gate today and section her off the lounge as the dining/kitchen is all tiles and thus far been destruction free. Eta it's not as easy as giving her something to chew, she has every dog chew toy known, my lounge, dining and courtyard look like a kid lives here with all the toys strewn through it. She has the option to sleep with me and I leave my door open for her but she prefers to sleep on the tiles in the dining room Edited March 20, 2012 by donatella Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 (edited) Rotate toys... dogs, like kids, have short attention spans, and will get bored .They also need firm boundaries and rules. wash all the toys, store them away, and, every couple of days, pick up the used, and replace with 'new ' ;) close doors to rooms easily damaged. provide her with cardboard cartons /gladwrap rolls etc to rip up. feed all dry food in a treat ball or similar. be consistent with Nothing In Life Is Free She would be confined to the yard/one room if she were doing that in my house. Edited March 20, 2012 by persephone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest donatella Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Perse I do most of that already, she's just a demon lol. I think the baby gate could work for now, but i'll read that NILIF article properly. She's been getting big runs at the dog park (off peak) and I've had time off work so have been home all day (go back to work tonight). Now I know why she was the last left in the litter lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavik Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 I like to keep things simple for behavioural problems like you are having - she would be outside or crated so she couldn't destroy stuff, and then trained to keep her busy. Each to their own though :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huski Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 She doesn't sound that bad to me TBH, I think the behaviourist will help provide you with direction but it's likely she will also recommend containment as the best immediate solution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest donatella Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Shes not that bad huski, she's worst at about 5am in the morning when she wakes up and we're all asleep. I think baby gating her is the best idea, keep her on tiles, still plenty of room to roam, but nothing to damage or swallow. I'm hitting chermside this morning :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsdog2 Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 I like to keep things simple for behavioural problems like you are having - she would be outside or crated so she couldn't destroy stuff, and then trained to keep her busy. Each to their own though :) Yep, couldn't agree more . Crating at night is a given at our place - and my dogs aren't destructive, BUT I wonder if that's because they were never given the opportunity in their first 12 months. And 'training' as opposed to running her at the park - using her brain for training instead of how to pull the couch apart :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gsdog2 Posted March 20, 2012 Share Posted March 20, 2012 Shes not that bad huski, she's worst at about 5am in the morning when she wakes up and we're all asleep. I think baby gating her is the best idea, keep her on tiles, still plenty of room to roam, but nothing to damage or swallow. I'm hitting chermside this morning :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miranda Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 The answer is simple. Put her in a puppy pen or a crate and night, give her something to chew on and be done with it. Each time you allow her to chew something else, the habit becomes harder for you to break. I think you'd rather whinge, than actively do something about the yapping, destructive monster that you have created. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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