Suggestions for my destructive dog.

[VickiVM]

Like what do you mean?

Our pest exterminator said she needed a 'heavy hand'.

 

[NikiM20]

We don't abandon her altogether - she gets played with a lot in the house. We have a long tiled entry hall way that we throw a ball back and forth to her.

We have actually thought about getting her a playmate...

IMO, this is a bad idea UNTIL you get one dog under control. Dogs learn from each other.... so now what if this 2nd dog learns the destuctive habits of your first dog.

If I can be honest, and not spiteful, I'm not sure you are ready to handle a dog like you describe.

BTW, I am a very experienced dog owner.... have owned a few lab mixes, a Golden Retriever, my Aussie, a German Sheperd, a St. Bernard, an Irish Setter, a Boxer, a few mutts... and my next dog will be a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog.

OP, I would strongly suggest taking dog #1 to obedience school before thinking about another dog.

If you add another dog, you could get lucky and it would solve your problems. BUT, you will probably end up with 2 bored dogs and double the problems and bills.

I recently changed my dogs food to one with no corn, wheat or soy, and the difference it has made in their behavior is amazing!! So you may also want to look into another diet for her.

 

[Papa Deuce]

That's why the 2nd dog has been only a thought. And you may be right about being able to handle her, but we have her now and we'll do what we need to to stabilize the situation. We've come too far with her to give her away.

I'm going to try the whistle that someone suggested earlier. If we can just get her attention outside, then we may make some progress. She's responsive in the house, but goes wild outside. But we all know she needs more walking.

Walking is GOOD, but it really doesn't wear the dog out enough... especially a Lab. Seriously, you need to work her like a rented mule. She needs to be EXHAUSTED.


I am honestly trying to help. You see how many dogs I have had? I have NEVER had a destructive dog.... because, especially as puppies, they need to be as worn out as you can make them.

Good luck.

 

[HelenePA]

We don't abandon her altogether - she gets played with a lot in the house. We have a long tiled entry hall way that we throw a ball back and forth to her.

We have actually thought about getting her a playmate...

I just answered your question what we did with our dogs. We never left them outside when we were gone. I dont know anyone who does. I also never used a crate. Who knows this might work for you? but I doubt getting another dog will fix the problem. What if it just makes it worse?

 

[Aimeedyan]

You need to learn how to train your dog. Book, classes, something. Do NOT get another dog until this one is trained. We practice Nothing in Life is Free in our house to establish boundaries. You can Google it and get some good info. I do not believe in physical discipline, such as hitting, but I have used a water bottle to make corrections. We use mostly verbal cues.

I crate my dogs until they are trustable. Dogs have to earn trust - not walk into my house and have free reign. It's MY house, they earn their rights in it. Getting 3 of them as dogs under the age of 1 plays a role in that. I had a foster dog once who was older and she earned her place in my house quickly and never had to be crated after a few days.

I can't find one good argument for throwing a dog outside by itself all day long. They are pack animals - they become easily bored and destructive. Most dogs would love to sleep the day away but being outside makes that harder for them to do. One day, you'll likely find a hole right out from under your fence and a dog either missing or dead on the road. I have never understood people who think that is a good idea - esp when it's an untrained dog. When you go out and command things of him, you're in his space. He thinks he runs that place. After all, he's out there all day by himself anyways.

Dogs are den animals - they enjoy having a space to call their own like a crate. I have cratetrained all my dogs, and fosters I take in. I'm of the belief that all dogs should be crate trained, even if they never stay in it. They need to know it's a safe place. If your dog has surgery, they are placed in a crate. If your dog gets out and is picked up by animal control, they are placed in a crate. If they are groomed, they are placed in a crate. If they are kenneled in some places, they are placed in a crate. In case of an emergency, your dog is placed in a crate. I want my animals to not freak out in those instances because they've never encountered a crate.

My three dogs have earned the freedom in my house - they are not allowed into most rooms, simply because they don't need to be, but they stay out and lounge on the couches all day long in the AC. My foster dog is in a crate. We tried moving him into our bathroom since he was doing so well and he decided to chew the drywall off my wall.

I stick with frozen Kongs for dogs that will be crated and they are thrilled to chill out in there with a special treat.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I agree with Papa Deuce and others that she's not expending enough energy, and until you take care of that issue, you're going to have problems.

Dogs that were bred to work need to work and work hard. They don't understand why they need to work, they just know they do. It's instinctual. If you don't give your domesticated dog a job, they'll find one themselves. This is actually a great example of that. Your dog is digging up the yard because she has nothing better to do; no other job.

I also think that adding a second dog would complicate the issue more than help it right now. (Not to mention be another expense.)

Our pest exterminator said she needed a 'heavy hand'.

I would disagree. It's an "easy way out" of trying to deal with a problem - by brute force. Unfortunately, people see some results with that. But there's a better way. But it takes time and understanding.

You'd need to work with the dog on a regular basis. That means lots of exercise and also some training. Google something called a "recall". You basically attach a long rope to your dog's collar. You work on calling her back to you, but here's the tough part: you need to make her want to come back to you. You guide her with some gentle tugs on the rope, but she should for the most part come on her own (not be dragged). You might have to be creative to get her to come to you (this is easier with a young pup). Jump up and down if you have to. Entice her with the promise of play. The lesson is over when she does it correctly. Praise her with your voice and a few ball tosses. Do it several times a day, every day. Find a word to go with it. Do not give this command unless you can get the dog to come back to you, and don't repeat more than once, she heard you the first time, make it happen. Coming back to you should always be pleasant.

The more you put into your dog, the more you'll get out of her. Try to spend more quality time with the dog. Read Good Owners, Great Dogs by Brian Kilcommons. Tune into The Dog Whisperer. Join a group class. Find a safe place to let her romp. She would probably love to swim, also. Find some games you can play with her in your yard. Good luck.

 

[karibritt01]

If I can be honest, and not spiteful, I'm not sure you are ready to handle a dog like you describe.

I disagree only because every dog is different, and usually it is only a matter of learning the tactics that each dog responds to. I've had dogs my entire life, and they have all trained in different ways... sometimes it really is a trick to figure out how your dog thinks and learns.

My lab mix was very bad to chew until she was a little over 1 yr. She chewed the handle off the recliner, a coffee table leg, the heel off my boot, and a couple slats on the deck. It is just a bad trait in lab puppies that they do grow out of. We would use pennies in a soda can for a loud, startling noise whenever we found her chewing. We would also buy the beef bones for her to chew on, and it would keep her busy in the backyard for hours. A pig hoof works for that, too.

She was also a digger. We bought a product from pet smart made for digging - you just spray it on the spots that they like to dig, and the bitter smell stops the behavior. This worked very well for us. I have also read that red pepper works.

I also recommend obedience classes for things such as learning to walk on the leash.

As for wearing her out... just get the kids to go out in the back yard and play with her. My kids could get the dog running chasing toys and such... and it would wear EVERYBODY out! It was a quiet night in our house for sure!

 

[ksjayhawks]

You really need to try a crate as pp's have mentioned.

Also, you need to train the dog yourself or go to obedience classes. It will make a big difference. They will also teach you how to walk the dog so you aren't ending up sore and/or hurt.

 

[karibritt01]

Our pest exterminator said she needed a 'heavy hand'.

I would disagree. It's an "easy way out" of trying to deal with a problem - by brute force. Unfortunately, people see some results with that. But there's a better way. But it takes time and understanding.

You'd need to work with the dog on a regular basis. That means lots of exercise and also some training.

Just want to point out that this may not be meant the way you are reading it. That is a popular saying in my area that does not mean beating or physical punishment, but firmness. He may be saying that your dog needs someone who is firm and consistent EVERY time they are worked with.

So basically the pest exterminator could mean exactly the same thing that many people are suggesting here.

 

[java]

If she is enjoying chasing the ball in the house- get her in the yard*which I am assuming is fenced- and throw it around. let her run it out in the yard.

Also on days when you are gone you can make it fun for her- hide some things (like a kong filled with something in the yard) it makes for a much nicer treasure for her.

She needs a purpose. Our Lab likes to be helpful. She wants to protect us. But also wants us to laugh with her. She loves all games. When we are gone though we do crate her*I stay home so that is when we go out as a family. She doesn't hate her crate- she feels safe in it. And I feel safer with her in it. She will get into trouble if she is home alone(particularly if it is raining)

Our Lab is 100 pounds and my 11 year old can walk her. She gets that if she doesn't behave she doesn't go on a walk.

Sounds like you may need a trainer. It's worth the $$ for the sanity.

 

[Papa Deuce]

I disagree only because every dog is different, and usually it is only a matter of learning the tactics that each dog responds to. I've had dogs my entire life, and they have all trained in different ways... sometimes it really is a trick to figure out how your dog thinks and learns.

What are you disagreeing with in my quote? I offered no advice in the quote, per se. All I did was say I am not sure that THE OP is qualified to handle a dog like this. The more I read of her posts, the more I am sure of it - again, with no disrespect.

BTW, I have had MANY labs, if you read... NEVER had a single destructive one. NEVER.

 

[karibritt01]

What are you disagreeing with in my quote? I offered no advice in the quote, per se. All I did was say I am not sure that THE OP is qualified to handle a dog like this. The more I read of her posts, the more I am sure of it - again, with no disrespect.

BTW, I have had MANY labs, if you read... NEVER had a single destructive one. NEVER.

No offense intended. I disagree that the OP isn't ready to handle the dog. I happen to believe that anyone can handle any dog if they can figure out what the dog responds to. I think she is doing a good job with the dog in terms of the way the dog is being treated. But the dog has behavior issues that need to be corrected. I think she has excellent ideas on here to correct those behaviors, and could have a whole new dog in a very short amount of time.

BTW... the dog is a lab mix. Much of the behavior could be a trait from the other half of the mix. But chewing and digging ARE lab traits. My lab/chow is 4 yrs old and extremely well-behaved NOW. But there was a 6-9 month period that we really had to stay on top of her to train her and correct the bad behaviors.

 

[Papa Deuce]

No offense intended. I disagree that the OP isn't ready to handle the dog. I happen to believe that anyone can handle any dog if they can figure out what the dog responds to. I think she is doing a good job with the dog in terms of the way the dog is being treated. But the dog has behavior issues that need to be corrected. I think she has excellent ideas on here to correct those behaviors, and could have a whole new dog in a very short amount of time.

BTW... the dog is a lab mix. Much of the behavior could be a trait from the other half of the mix. But chewing and digging ARE lab traits. My lab/chow is 4 yrs old and extremely well-behaved NOW. But there was a 6-9 month period that we really had to stay on top of her to train her and correct the bad behaviors.

I wasn't offended... I was confused.

 

[ShootingStarMom2]

When we got our lab he was just over a year old. The shelter said he was turned in because of divorce, but I think it was because he misbehaved. I've lost several pairs of heels and part of our downstairs carpet. We took him to a behavior class for 8 weeks. He learned the basic commands and did ease up on the chewing/digging issues. He used to pull on walks but since the class actually stays with us without saying a word. He's never been crated either. We got him before we had kids but now there are gates all over the house. Where the kids don't go, he doesn't go. He's crazy excited when company comes over, and then leaves everyone alone after a few rounds of visiting.

I think you'll handle the dog fine. It's not like you can just 'return' the poor thing and I was happy to read your response that said that too! We also take him to a fenced run at the forest preserve and let him go. There are enough friends there to really wear him out in a hurry. We have a fire hydrant toy (like a Kong toy) and pack as many treats as we can in it when we leave. As far as outside, we did extra leash training with him to get him aware of areas he wasn't supposed to play in. That was done with a longer leash to give him enough freedom to move but still be corrected quickly.

I also thought it would be fun to have a playmate for him but those fun ideas left my head once he ate the carpet. He loves the kids and makes the house fun.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Just want to point out that this may not be meant the way you are reading it. That is a popular saying in my area that does not mean beating or physical punishment, but firmness. He may be saying that your dog needs someone who is firm and consistent EVERY time they are worked with.

I dunno, she first mentioned she didn't want to use physical tactics before she explained what the exterminator said. I think I read it correctly.

 

[Kristina78]

I have 3 dogs they roam the house freely but they also don't destroy things either, Daisy when she was a puppy yes she ate brand new pair of nike's ate new wooden chairs, Princess ruined the couch a little but I thank her for that it was an ugly couch lol. Copper ate sound system wires and Lucky ate money. They all out grow this of course I'll have to ask my mom what we used to spray on things so they wouldn't try to destroy things.

I would never leave a dog unsupervised in a backyard for long periods, when I go out like I said my dogs roam freely and they don't have accidents on the floor either even if we are gone for hours on end.

I never crated my dogs either I always thought that was mean but sometimes its necessary to do so. Also like others said your dog is bored walking your dog for 45 mins to an hour would help him or her out also while you walk your dog you can get what looks like a backpack and put it on your dog and add a water bottle on each side so he or she thinks it's actually working.

Hopefully your dog will out grow soon good luck

 

[kacaju]

I agree with the exercise. Your dog needs a job to do. Please try to invest in obed classes. This alone will get you started on the right path. We have a mutt who I have been told countless times by non dog people that if every dog was just like him they would consider getting a dog.

Scooby (yes, that is his name) did not get this way by *luck* he got this way from training. Your dog walks all over you. Go back to day one. Pretend you just got her and start over.

the dog should not be left outside all day while you are gone. It soulds nicer to say the dog is enjoying the outdoors while we are at work. If you are coming home everyday to a mess, that that is not good for YOU. If you don't want to crate the dog all day, then buy a dog run. This will keep the dog outside and in a much larger area then a crate, yet it will keep the dog confined to one area and not your whole yard.

Have your kids come home after school and play with the dog. You said it is hot , buy a hard plastic baby pool and fill it with water. Let the kids throw a ball to your dog and have them throw it in the pool too.

Informal training. When any of you throw the ball you yell *take it* as soon as the dog has the ball in her mouth yell, *(dogs name) come* as soon as the dog comes back to you with the ball say *out*
The dog will learn those words over time and it should help.

in the evening have family time outside and play games with the dog. Can your husband build any platforms, get a kids tunnel from Toys r Us. have things for the kids and the dog to enjoy together.
Dogs are a lot like kids, they need to be doing things or they will get bored and get into trouble.

 

[waltsgirl]

Crate the dog when you are at work. Make sure the crate is big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and stretch in. What do you expect from the dog if you are leaving it outside all day alone. Of course the dog will chew and dig that is what dogs do.

We also walk our dog with a gentle leader, works great.

 

[karibritt01]

I dunno, she first mentioned she didn't want to use physical tactics before she explained what the exterminator said. I think I read it correctly.

Yes. But perhaps she misunderstood to begin with, which is why 'physical tactics' was mentioned refering to that quote.

I'll agree that it is a possibility that the exterminator was refering to physical tactics, since I was not there for the conversation. But it is equally as possible that he was using an expression that simply means to be firm and consistent.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Yes. But perhaps she misunderstood to begin with, which is why 'physical tactics' was mentioned refering to that quote.

I'll agree that it is a possibility that the exterminator was refering to physical tactics, since I was not there for the conversation. But it is equally as possible that he was using an expression that simply means to be firm and consistent.

Technically, we can both be correct.

Dictionary.com

Main Entry: heavy-handed
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: strict
Synonyms: coercive, cruel, harsh, oppressive, severe

Main Entry: heavy-handed
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: awkward
Synonyms: bumbling, clumsy, graceless, inept, unskillful

But in the context of an unruly, destructive dog, I think it's safe to surmise it was meant as more than firm and consistent.

But she's ultra destructive in our backyard. Has destroyed it - constantly digs everywhere. Chews on the wooden fence (we've had to replace 2 boards). She's dug up the TV cable (luckily we have a dish, but who knows if the neighbors are having problems...). Chews on anything and everything. A regualr Marley.

When she's in her frenzy in the back, she will not respond at all to us. We don't want to use any physical tactics, but can't seem to get her attention enough in the backyard to get her to respond to any of our commands. She understands 'leave it' and 'no' and 'out' in the house, but is deaf to us when she gets outside.