Suggestions for my destructive dog.

[princess momma]

This is why it's so important to research dog breed before getting your doggy. It's too late for the OP because they've already made the commitment to this dog, but it doesn't seem like it's a great fit. Some dogs need lots of exercise and attention..

My dog is a mix of Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle. and Bichon Frise. He's just a little guy but he needs a couple long walks a day to wear him out. We took him on an 8 mile hike last weekend and he did great. My youngest probably plays fetch with him a minimum 30 minutes per day, usually more. We also have lots of chew toys. We switch the toys up to keep him interested. We crate him when we're gone. He has his blankie and a bone in there with him. He usually spends his day sleeping, so it works well. It's his little home and he loves it. When he needs a little peace and quiet he goes in his crate.

Owning a dog is a lot of work. It's so much more than just feeding and pottying them.

I wish you luck OP!

 

[VickiVM]

Thanks for some of the good suggestions - will explore the doable solutions. And I appreciate the words of encouragement some of you gave. Wrong dog or right dog, she's our dog and we love her

 

[VickiVM]

duplicate post

 

[princess momma]

Thanks for some of the good suggestions - will explore the doable solutions. And I appreciate the words of encouragement some of you gave. Wrong dog or right dog, she's our dog and we love her

I hope I didn't come across as nasty. I've had dogs all my life but it's still surprising what a lot of work it is to get them trained. Once you've got it down everything is soooo much easier. Your dog needs exercise, so you've got to figure out a way to get it for him/her.

You can do it.

 

[crz4mm2]

I'm curious, what do dog owners do with their dogs when family is at work/school?

We crate ours. They know when it is time and they go in their crates. Our Lab would eat our home if we let her! LOL.
I am a firm believer in crates.

 

[VickiVM]

I hope I didn't come across as nasty. I've had dogs all my life but it's still surprising what a lot of work it is to get them trained. Once you've got it down everything is soooo much easier. Your dog needs exercise, so you've got to figure out a way to get it for him/her.

You can do it.

No, not at all. I asked for suggestions and got several good ones. Some are cost prohibitive and some are spot on for us. I agree it's a lot of work and we're willing as a family to put some effort into it (especially my husband, now that his backyard is wrecked).

Thanks

 

[NJMomma]

I also have a lab mix adopted from an animal shelter. I don't know what he's mixed with, but he thinks he's a lab!

I crated him while we were we out until he was reliable in the house. For him, that was at about 1. We adopted him when he was about 2 1/2 months old. He's now almost 2 1/2 years old, and I can say without a doubt he has calmed down a lot as he's gotten older. I worked with him a lot when he was younger - I put many hours into training, and we went to training classes for almost a year. He's not perfect (but who is) but so much better.

I use the Gentle Leader for walks as well - he's 78 lbs and a puller. Seems to be something we are having a heck of a time breaking him of - he pulls for me, for hubby, when we got a dog walker when we were on vaca, everyone, that is EXCEPT for my 6 year old. Go figure...Maybe she's the leader of the pack

My dog needs to play a lot. I haven't been able to walk him much lately due to a pinched nerve in my foot, but luckily he's been swimming several times a week.

Keep your pup busy Good Luck!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

We don't walk her enough...actually she's over 45 lbs of sheer power and will injur my kids if they attempt to walk her. When I walk her, my hands are raw because of how hard she pulls. But my husband and I did commit to walking her more because I know she needs to expend her energy.

Here is my cheating tip.....

First you need a leather leash, the 6ft. Never use a flexi or nylon on an untrained dog.

Put the leash on then loop the leash around the front of the dog. The leash will be resting on the front chest. This gives you more control over the dog and will force the dog to walk in a heel.

A 1yo dog needs alot of training and exercise daily to cut down on the destruction.