| Author | Message | ||
     Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 2429 Registered: 7-2003 |
For the past two weeks Parker has gone from insane puppy, to a certifiably insane young dog. Destroying Furniture: When he was young he would chew on just about everything, but we always stopped him, replaced it with a toy and after a few months there wasn’t any issues. For the past two weeks I can actually feel the couch moving because he is pulling it so hard. Destroying Wall: Again in the past to weeks, he learned that he can fit behind the couches and I can’t easily reach him. So he’ll go back there and loose his little mind on the wall. Biting: The little bastard nipped me while I was brushing him and got in two fights at the dog park. Barking: Last night he tried to protect me from the following. A screen door, wallet, coffee table, balloon, a piece of salmon, my alarm clock, a pair of socks, oxygen. He is also shedding; hair is flying out of his body as if it has a mind of its own. As far as I can tell he’s getting the same (if not more) exercise, eating and drinking fine. I’m showing him plenty of attention, he’s not home alone to long. What is wrong with him? | ||
| kmk Supporter Username: Kmk Post Number: 1272 Registered: 5-2001  |
Doggy adolesence (sp?). When our nutzo poodle hit 2 years it was like someone gave her a tranquilizer...what a relief. | ||
| Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 2430 Registered: 7-2003 |
Well the issue is that up until 2 weeks ago, he was calming down, and paying attention. Generally “Growing up.” Now he’s in a downward slid. I know he’s still young (11 months) but I don’t want him to start developing bad habits. | ||
| Oldstone Citizen Username: Rogers4317 Post Number: 747 Registered: 6-2004  |
my experience is to be VERY stern, let him know you are UPSET. and keep him outside in the backyard A LOT (provided it's fenced in, of course)...which works out great for you, timing-wise, with nice weather ahead of you for 6 months. | ||
| algebra2 Supporter Username: Algebra2 Post Number: 4103 Registered: 5-2001  |
I started taking my young dog to St. Hubert's -- maybe look into that. Also, is he getting enough excercise and play time with other dogs? www.sthuberts.org | ||
| Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 2431 Registered: 7-2003 |
I’m pretty sure he’s getting plenty of exercise. He falls apart at the end of the day, and just passes out somewhere in the house. We go to the Dog Park Tues and Thur. Wed he has a play date with Shania (1 year old English terrier) . On the weekend he gets a 2 hour hike and usually some other activity (walks in town, take him to the farm, flea markets). With the weather getting nicer he has been getting more then before. | ||
| kmk Supporter Username: Kmk Post Number: 1274 Registered: 5-2001 |
We did St. Hubert's too... They trained me to be a better disciplinarian. Now the dog does exactly what I tell her. She is not quite as respectful of my kids' commands however. It is also springtime and I think even little doggies have wild-a** hormones that cause temporary insanity! | ||
| silver Citizen Username: Silver Post Number: 8 Registered: 5-2002 |
Brett- run, do not walk to St. Hubert's. They have a wonderful training program- it will really make the difference. What is the breed of your dog? You may not realize it, but many breeds need intensive exercise to releive energy. We have a Flat-Coated Retriever- like the other retrievers she needs 45 minutes to an hour of running or other agressive exercise per day. A walk at regular speed, even for two hours, is not enough. Use extreme caution going to the dog park- many dogs there are not socialized properly and can cause your dog to become agressive too. A couple of other things to try- be sure your dog has a good tough bone to chew on. It sound like your pup is an agressive chewer, so get a hard nylon bone like a Nylabone to work over. Get Bitter Apple spray (available at pet stores) and spray down your furniture and anything else the pup may chew. The taste is terrible so the dog will avoid it. Good Luck! | ||
| Calliope Citizen Username: Calliope Post Number: 347 Registered: 3-2006  |
Brett, Is he neutered? It sounds like a combination of hormones and separation anxiety to me. Even if he is not alone for long periods of time, if he has high attention needs, maybe they are not being met. At 11 months he needs LOTS of walks and playtime---he simply has too much energy he doesn't know what to do with. If he is a large breed, he may be bored---you need to give him a job to do. Look into agility training to burn off the excess energy. If you are not already doing so---get him in a program to get him properly socialized if you want him to be welcome at a dog park. St Hubert's used to have a program called "Feisty Fidos" that sounds like it would be just right for your guy. And, if all that fails , there are trainers who will come to your home, assess the situation and tailor make some suggestions to help you all cope. Calli | ||
| Oldstone Citizen Username: Rogers4317 Post Number: 748 Registered: 6-2004 |
imo, trainers are for dog owners that have trouble letting their dog know who the boss is. | ||
| Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 2432 Registered: 7-2003 |
He is a Shiba Inu. And from the information that I have gotten from Trainers and the Breeder, he is getting plenty of exercise. And as for the dog park, he has been going from the time he was 4 months old, he’s always been fine there. Just the last two times he’s gotten a wild hair up his •••. Same with chewing, he was fine until 2 weeks ago. No way this can be separation anxiety. He spends about 2 hours alone during the day. If we’re not home he’s with me in the office. I’m just trying to figure out if there is something I’m missing, like shedding causes anxiety, or hot weather makes him crazy. | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater  Post Number: 2207 Registered: 10-2004 |
You need to assert your dominance over your dog so he knows you mean business and when you tell him to stop he should. Best way to gain control over your dog is by walking them on a leash. But it is important that when you walk your dog that you realize that you are training him. You are giving the yourself and your dog exercise and correcting him when he wants to stop and dawdle. You are the leader he is the follower. Only stop when YOU want to stop. He should never be in front of you (along side is fine, provided he isn't pulling the leash). That's it. This is the silver bullet. If your dog knows he is the follower in your house (TO EVERYONE IN YOUR HOUSE) than you should be able to correct ANY bad behavior. When you get home from your walks the dog will be surprisingly tired and thirsty. The longer the walks the better. I promise you that a tired dog will not get into NEARLY as much trouble as a dog with too much pent up energy. So figure out a game that tires out Buster. I would also suggest that you get on top of your dog's dominance (using the walk method I just described) before taking him back to the dog park. If your dog misbehaves at the dog park, you need to assert yourself immediately. Reprimand the dog, put him in a sit/lay down command and put him over on his back. And if he won't do it, physically place him how you want him to be. Good luck. | ||
| Calliope Citizen Username: Calliope Post Number: 348 Registered: 3-2006 |
Brett, I will ask again---is he neutered? I don't want to get into a debate. I promise I am only trying to find out if it is hormonal, because that means there are other methods to try-starting first with a thorough vet examination--and if he is becoming sexually mature (although smaller dogs usually mature at 6-9 months)he is having the same psychological reaction as a human teen-ager--he is testing boundaries. Alleygater offers some good advice. To take it one step further, Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer has his first season of National Geographic shows on DVD (it is something like $80 bucks , so you might want to try the library first). It is a very good resource---and Oldstone, Cesar says he trains people, not dogs. Any way, there is no reason to live with a defiant , destructive dog. With love, time and patience, he will be everything you want him to be. That is because YOU are his whole world. Calli | ||
| Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 2433 Registered: 7-2003 |
oh yes he is neutered. | ||
| Calliope Citizen Username: Calliope Post Number: 349 Registered: 3-2006 |
Well, ok, good, that rules out a lot of things. Shibas are notoriously headstrong, but something must have triggered the personality change, so I would have him checked out medically anyway. Any change in routine? Diet? New dogs in the neighborhood? Shedding shouldn't cause that kind of reaction, and although he is a northern breed,like his bigger cousins the Spitz, I assume he is in the house most of the day and all of the night,so the weather shouldn't have that much of an impact on his behavior. He may very well just be a rammy guy,who is challenging your authority because he is growing up. Check out St. Hubert's,not so much for obedience but for behavior problems. They do good work. Let us know how he does. Calli | ||
| Eats Shoots & Leaves Citizen Username: Mfpark Post Number: 3414 Registered: 9-2001  |
Yes, get to St. Huberts ASAP. They have wonderful training courses for humans who also have dogs. Try this at home: Buddy-leash him as you walk around the house, do errands, etc. Loop a leash through your belt, so that he has some room but not a lot, and then he has to follow you wherever you go. This develops a sense of you being the alpha and him being your assistant. It also helps to give him something to do to help out--carry a bone, carry a toy, sit on command. Makes him feel like he is a vital part of what you are doing, and keeps his mind active. Also, is there something going on that might frustrate him during the day? My dog destroyed three pillows a few months back--very unusual for him--and I was plenty mad until I realized that my landlords had roofers setting up on the roof outside my window during the day (they were gone by the time I got home). He went nuts, and took it out on the pillows. Another time we had a squirrel in the walls, and it drove him to near insanity. | ||
| Crazy_quilter Citizen Username: Crazy_quilter Post Number: 311 Registered: 2-2005 |
i also recommend st. hubert's! | ||
| Rick B Citizen Username: Ruck1977 Post Number: 1116 Registered: 8-2003  |
You seem to be doing the right thinga Brett. Anything happening in your home or neighborhood that could be stressing your guy out? Try to sniff out the nervous energy before it turns detrimental, and take him out and throw the ball for a few minutes. I agree with asserting your dominance, but I don't know how much that is going to help you during the situation. Sounds like your guy took an energy pill and needs to burn it off. | ||
| Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 2434 Registered: 7-2003 |
That’s precisely it. It’s like his Grandma is slipping him candy when I’m not looking. All of his training is going along fine, he still follows commands and he will stop chewing the couch if I tell him to. But he shouldn’t even start, he knows better. | ||
| MeAndTheBoys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 3934 Registered: 12-2004  |
Obedience training at St. Hubert's is absolutely the way to go. The people there have years of experience with all kinds of dogs and all kinds of behavior issues. And it will help you better understand your dog and your dog better understand what you want. The socialization with other dogs will be a big plus too. And if he behaves inappropriately with any of the other dogs, there will be a professional there to help you deal with it appropriately and immediately. We took our dog there for three levels of obedience training and it was the best thing we did. Now he is truly a "canine good citizen" and has the certificate to prove it. As far is your dog's current behavior is concerned, I suppose it could be any number of things. Doggie adolesence (as someone else suggested), testing boundries to see what he can get away with and to make a play for alpha dog status, dominance behaviors. FWIW, I don't think shedding causes behavior changes, and it's definately shedding time of year. Are you crate training? Perhaps he just needs more "down time" in his "den" where he feels safe, secure and relaxed? Could be all those "temptations" around the house are just more than he can bear and it's making him anxious? There really does need to be a balance between exercise and stimulation, and down-time for regrouping. | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 2212 Registered: 10-2004 |
Watch the Dog Whisperer, you will find out that your dog is fine, it's you that needs to change. I guarantee that this is a case where your dog thinks he is the Alpha. Tire him out physically, assert your dominance, all of the unwanted problems will go away. I have no problem with training your dog at a class but your dog will learn VERY DIFFERENT things there. Like how to listen to commands. It's training and commands. For some dogs this is actually enough for them to become the dog you want them to be. But some dogs are already pretty submissive to begin with. This whole dog walking thing I explained earlier (and ESL's tie him to you technique) is not about verbal commands. It's about your dog knowing who is boss on a non-verbal (primal, animalistic) level. I took my dog to dog training classes myself. He learned how to sit, stay, lay down and stuff like that. All great. Didn't help my dog's negative aspects though (like his aggression to strangers and over-protective nature) one bit. | ||
| MeAndTheBoys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 3936 Registered: 12-2004 |
When my dog (who is a pit) was two-months old he guarded his food and would growl and show his teeth. Very frightening at first. Then we were taught how to deal with him and "train" him to understand the food was from us, we decided when he got to eat, and we were allowed to help ourselves to his bowl at any time. Had we not "trained" him in this regard, and he had continued to "get away with it," his dominance behavior (which is what guarding the food is all about) would have escalated from there and we would have had more problematic behaviors to deal with, and we could have a potentially very bad outcome. Obedience training is more than just learning to sit, stay and lay down. It's about learning who's boss, and correcting problem behaviors, like getting in to fights with other dogs. | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 2214 Registered: 10-2004 |
Sounds to me like your training was quite good Meand. | ||
| ffof Citizen Username: Ffof Post Number: 4747 Registered: 5-2001  |
It's possible that he is getting too many carbs from his dog food. You could try a BARF diet. I've seen some real crazy dogs change behavior within days once they switched over. Also, say so long to gooey soft-ice cream-swirl poop, and hello to small, hard poop that disintegrates with in days. No nasty smell either. Keep an open mind and check out some sites... http://www.auntjeni.com/barf.htm http://www.barfworld.com/html/learn_more/what_is_barf.shtml There are lots of BARF sites, just google BARF. | ||
| Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 2435 Registered: 7-2003 |
He eats what we eat minus the spices and oils and sauces. And then there is dry food out for him all day, And that’s the way he’s always eaten, I wouldn’t discount diet, but I’m not convinced. It’s also not his training. As I said his training is going great, and he’s a well mannered dog, he just went nuts the last two weeks. | ||
| MeAndTheBoys Citizen Username: Meandtheboys Post Number: 3937 Registered: 12-2004 |
Alley, I grew up with untrained dogs and they were a PIA. I swore when I got my own it would be different. And St. Hubert's is the best. One of the things they teach is to not jump up (I'm not a huge fan of dogs that jump up, especially big ones). It's funny to watch Buster because this lesson is so strongly ingrained in him that, not only does he NEVER jump up (even when my husband tries to get him to), but you will see him plant his ••• firmly on the floor right next to a person who's attention he wants. If they don't say hello to him, he keeps scooching forward, ••• firmly planted, until they notice and say hello. And you can tell it's taking all his energy to contain himself! I can just hear him: "Look at me, I'm right here, I'm sitting like a good boy, LOOK AT ME, HELLO, PLEASE SAY HELLO, I'M BEING A REALLY GOOD BOY!" | ||
| ffof Citizen Username: Ffof Post Number: 4748 Registered: 5-2001 |
Give him a good brushing. Maybe the shedding is driving him nuts. Plus, reading about BARF is worthwhile, imo. | ||
| Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 2437 Registered: 7-2003 |
I love my dog. I do the best I can for him. I can barly feed myself, he is not getting his own grocery trip. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11756 Registered: 5-2001 |
Is it possible that he is still teething or, since you feed him human food, he has a bad tooth? | ||
| ffof Citizen Username: Ffof Post Number: 4749 Registered: 5-2001 |
You are thinking that it is harder than it is. You buy the bag of dogfood, no? The vegies I use are all the old stuff that we are not going to eat cause its a little brown -like lettuce, zuchini, peppers, brown bananas, bruised apples etc. I grind it all up in a cuisinart and dole out in portions in ziplock bags and freeze. I pull out one each day and mix with flax seed oil, plain yogurt, liquid vit E, and maybe an egg or a chicken liver (also frozen individually so I can grab one once a week). THe other part of the meal is chicken necks or backs. I already stop at the poultry sectionof the store, so it's really not making a seperate trip. I keep it frozen and defrost as needed. I'm not saying you're not doing the best for him, it's just something to consider. I think it's a great diet. My dog is allergic to grains (he scratches like crazy), as are many dogs, so this is perfect for him. | ||
| greenetree Supporter Username: Greenetree Post Number: 7970 Registered: 5-2001  |
Whether it's the diet or not, you don't have to make your own dog food. Innova makes a carb-free kibble. My cat with IBD eats the feline and he likes it. It's more expensive than if I had Dungeness Crab for dinner every night, but it controls his tummy. So, if you want to try that route, you need not cook. I don't do anything for my cats that I don't do for myself. When I was dealing with The Maniac (my mother's dog) I kept him leashed in the house when he started acting berzerk. | ||
| Jersey girl Citizen Username: Critterlover Post Number: 48 Registered: 2-2004 |
I would firstly consider his age, Brett. You say he is 11 months? That means he is into doggy adolescence! Think: 15-18 year old young lad, hellbent on doing his own thing, meanwhile inadvertantly driving the family crazy, LOL! No bashing remarks now,please; I love teenagers! Human ones, that is. Dog-teens are another story. They are tough on everyone. I also agree, St Hubert's is wonderful for teaching owners how to train their dogs. I agree with keeping him leashed to you or to the table leg, radiator near you, something close by and solid so he cannot topple it if/when he yanks on the leash. This was an extremely helpful thing to do with my own dogs. One of mine chewed my shoes as I was wearing them! Same one chewed wallpaper off the wall , while he was quietly lying beneath my computer table. I was typing away, never knew it until the deed was done. I thought because he was with me we were safe... wrong! Even when he is tethered to you, try to become aware of his actions at all times. Stop him in the act! That will train him faster than anything else, to actually catch him in the very act of doing what he should not. Then, catch him as he begins to do it. Then finetune even more, and watch for signs he is about to start in with bad behavior. reprimand him at that very second, and you are well on your way to success and to enjoying your beautifully mannered dog. FWIW, you are on the right track in being concerned now. Stop it, nip it in the bud, and your troubles will diminish rapidly. Ignore the nipping, chewing, barking at your peril, as these bad habits will solidify in his mind as ''ok'' and become the every day fare. You won't like that! Try to be aware of (the possibility that you are) rewarding him for bad/unwanted behavior. If you put him outside and he barks, Do you call out to him, or bring him inside immediately? If so, you are reinforcing the unwanted barking. Dog thinks: Hmmm. Attention for barking? ok. Let me bark some more! That is just an example of how we humans frequently reward the very behavior we want to extinguish in our dogs. Look for areas you may be doing this, and see if correcting or re-adjusting your own response to him helps him redirect his behavior. I am a pet-dog trainer, and I have seen this very behavior many times. The key is to be on him like white on rice, as soon as he starts in with the chewing,the sofa,shredding and destroying things, whatever. go back to ''what worked'' and do a refresher course for the both of you. He does have high energy needs right now, but if you run him with his dog-pals everyday, and if he gets plenty of attention and accompanies you all about, he is getting sufficient exercise, imho. If he isn't tired off and on during the daytime, give him an extra ball throwing session or whatever you can fit into your day. One of my mottos: ''a tired dog is a good dog'', hahaha! I would check to see if something is happening that he can detect which you cannot or have not noticed. I would check his health with the vet. rule out any physical problems. but I wouldn't worry overmuch; it truly sounds like a case of doggy teenager to me. for dogpark growls and bullying, I would keep a long line on him and reel him in if he is truly a bully.Give him a 2 minute time out. then you release him to go back and play again, this time play nicely, please Rover! You can also let the dogs work it out amongst themselves. they are hard-wired to make a group of friends, not to fight. Most breeds , this applies to. Pack mentality. find the leader and let him lead. alot of growls and rough-sounding stuff if often posturing. not true fighting . No blood drwan, no eyes ripped out. no, we don't want that! But many times, allowing the dogs to settle it between themselves is the better solution. Many good suggestions were given in the replies. If I were i your position, I would try them out, see if you hit upon a sour note, and then you can work to redirect your pup. IOW, diagnosis comes first, followed by the solution to the problem. (makes sense, right?) And here I am, adding my .02! It sounds as if you are doing all the right things,Brett; maybe you want to brush up on those basics and get the ball rolling again in terms you of being his leader rather than the reverse. Our best intentions erode slowly at times, until we become aware ourselves. Then perhaps we feel we are ''suddenly'' into some new behavior with our dogs. LOL! Happens all the time! Wishing you the best with your pup!I have a feeling you will be thru this and onto the next phase of your dog-human friendship very soon! Jersey girl | ||
| Monster© Supporter Username: Monster Post Number: 3517 Registered: 7-2002  |
what alley and JG said, I have found in the past that by being the alpha dog it puts me in charge, I found success in looking at the way the alpha dog exerts its influence and doing the same, to some extent. A little nip on the ear (never enough to hurt, just an attention getter, but must be an actual nip with the teeth), a stern voice, and physical control is the key, along with a just reward at times. I've walked into a house and have been the alpha dog just by my demeanor - voice, stance, gait, movement, confidence, etc., but nothing gets the point across like being friendly but at the same time putting the dog down and not letting it up while you speak to it in a manner as if you are it's boss, but not mean, just strong and in charge. I've had a lot of people tell me I'm nuts, but it works, and have always held a good relationship with the dogs, it works on other animals too, it's the way nature programs us, it works on humans too. | ||
| Brett Citizen Username: Bmalibashksa Post Number: 2443 Registered: 7-2003 |
Well I’ve tested him a little in the past few days. I think that he’s not resting enough. He is getting over tired from too much exercise. I forced him to take a few naps and he went from this….  to this  | ||
| Monster© Supporter Username: Monster Post Number: 3525 Registered: 7-2002 |
I don;t say this often, but ahhh cute.... | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 2224 Registered: 10-2004 |
I told you if you tire out your dog he will be MUCH more passive and will relax much more -- and then be easier to control and dominate. Unfortunately it's hard to tire him out all the time. But if you find a game that he likes (that's easy for you) it would really help out. I throw the ball a bunch of times or play chase me with my dog and it tires him out right good and quick. I know it's working because he will stop playing and run in for water, then I know I got him, and I'm almost done tiring him out. | ||
| Alleygater Citizen Username: Alleygater Post Number: 2225 Registered: 10-2004 |
OK I get it Monster. Now can you get off me already. Ouch!!! | ||
| Monster© Supporter Username: Monster Post Number: 3536 Registered: 7-2002 |
alley,   | ||
| Joan Supporter Username: Joancrystal Post Number: 7582 Registered: 5-2001 |
Brett: You said earlier that you feed your dog whatever the rest of the family is eating. The symptoms you describe sound a lot like a young human who is wired from drinking too much jolt. Try reducing the amount of sugar you give him and see what happens. An overdose of sugar can cause hyperactivity in humans and likely in young dogs as well. | ||
| ffof Citizen Username: Ffof Post Number: 4761 Registered: 5-2001 |
likewise the carbs in grain dog food (get converted to sugar). My dog's BARF diet is all "hunter/gatherer" which means bones (raw of course), and vegies (ground up and raw). His coat is silky, poops are small and not gooey with dog food waste, he's calm, he does not have typical bad doggie breath, his teeth are clean. I started this diet because my dog as a puppy was scratching like crazy - he was allergic to the grains in dog food. I have seen dogs with bad flaky coats and the owners say, "oh I've tried all kinds of doggie shampoos, and he still scratches etcetc". Well, the dog is allergic to the grains. My friend had a very exhuberant dog - chewing everything and barking at everything. She switched to BARF and her dog was transformed! The change was definitely attributed to the absence of carbs. |
