he is eating my house

[johna]

I have an 8 month old Dobie (male)-- He is a menace!! He chews and chews ON EVERYTHING!!!, he is now eating the walls, I swear he is actually eating the house.. We have tried everything short of a trainer, (which will be next)we have the shock collar ( i think he laughs at us when he gets shocked) , chew toys, Peanut butter Kong toys...we even "muzzled" him, But... Yep, he ate his muzzle....I have owned Dobies before, and I have never had this problem, I have never heard of a dog eating walls, do you
think he is lacking something in his diet?

[DiggityDogs]

Is this dog crate trained? Is he eating things in front of you or when he's alone? What type of food is he on, how much exercise is he getting, and what type? How long have you had him, and do you have any other dogs?

[johna]

I don't know what crate training is, He will eat things in front of me,( he really goes at it when we are gone) when he gets punished, a few hours later he will be right back at it.
I don't know what he eats ( my husband buys the food) I think it is Diamond something, yes we do have another dog, an 8 y/o german shepard. We have had him since he was 8 weeks old, I feel that he gets excerise, he is in the yard a lot, I do take him to the school and let him run, it does not make a difference in his behavior.

[DiggityDogs]

Ok, 1st, you MUST get a crate and crate train him. He should not be left alone unattended since he is so destructive becuase aside from causing all that damage he could hurt himself. A crate is like a pet porter, the plastic or wire box that you house or ship a dog in. You can find them on Ebay or at any pet store, and they may go by many different brand names, but if you ask for a crate, kennel, pet porter, etc., someone will be able to help you find one. It should be big enough for him to lay down, stand comfortably, and turn around in, but no bigger. (Most crates have a list on the side of the box that tell you what size dog the crate is appropriate for) You should start slow by introducing him to it like its a game. I allow my dogs to go in and out on their own at first, and later, I throw a toy or treat that they really like in the crate and restrain them for a second so they really want that treat. Then, I turn them loose and let 'em run in on their own time, no forcing, and get thier reward. Do not close the door at first and don't rush it. Don't close the door until the dog is comfortable going in and out of the crate on his own. This could take you anywhere from 15 minutes to a few days, depending on the dog and his confidence level, and how you approach the training. The bottom line is that your dog has learned that chewing is OK, and you're going to have to start from scratch and train him as though he was a tiny pup. He MUST NOT have freedom alone until you know you can trust him, which could take you up to a year, so don't get impatient. You also should never 'punish' him (if what I think you mean by punishment is you come home and find he's destroyed something and 'punish' him for it) I also think that since he is displaying these behaviors in front of you, and you have been unsuccessful in several different methods to curb this behavior, on top of the crate training you should definately look for a trainer. Find one that has experience dealing with behavior problems, not just an 'obedience instructor.' Good luck!

[DiggityDogs]

Also, is he neutered, and how long has he been doing this? What sex is the GSD, and is it spayed or neutered?

[Dogwise]

I don't know what crate training is.

LOL WHAT!? Who on this planet that owns a dog, doesn't know what a crate is??? You need to pick up some dog books and educate yourself on dogs and what it takes to train and raise them. And yes! hire a trainer.

He will eat things in front of me,( he really goes at it when we are gone) when he gets punished, a few hours later he will be right back at it.

How is he being "punished"? And please tell me your not "punishing" him after the fact.

I don't know what he eats ( my husband buys the food) I think it is Diamond something

You don't know what he's being fed!? You've got to be joking, how can you be so uninvolved with the raising of your dog???

We have had him since he was 8 weeks old, I feel that he gets excerise, he is in the yard a lot

Being in the "yard" allot IS NOT EXERCISE. it's most likely part of the problem.

I do take him to the school and let him run, it does not make a difference in his behavior.

Of course it doesn't, your using organized chaos as exercise. He needs long structured walks lasting at least an hour.

Obedience training will help some, but if you don't start walking him (positioned at your side) your going to have even more problems. Dogs are like children who never grow up, in the since that they need leadership 24/7 7 days a week.

[StarWhisper]

What's the problem with your dog? He is bored. Very bored and he is entertaining himself in the only ways he knows how.

I am willing to bet your dog is very intelligent...hence his destructive behavior. He needs an outlet for his energy both physical and mental.

As a pet owner you need some work yourself. It is not acceptable to send your dog in the yard or allow it the occassional romp and to consider that well exercised.

You also need to learn how to set boundries for your pets. Destructive chewing is not an acceptable behavior and it is your fault it is happening.

You need to spend more time in the care and well being of your dog...BOTH of them.

You made a commitment to be responsible for these dogs for the rest of their lives...they are not pretty lawn ornaments so don't just toss them in the yard as if that is all they are.

It is not acceptable.

Be an active and involved owner like they deserve. Learn about crate training and start doing it, find out what your pets diet consist of and then take the time to see if that is really the healthiest choice. Look for obedience classes and get your dogs involved and that's just too start...

You have chosen to share your life with two wonderful breeds, be worthy of them.

[RobDar]

Hey Dogwise...
tone down your replies a bit. Just because everyone does not know as much as you is not reason for your rather abusive tone. Just because epople may not agree with you or do not know all you know does not make them wrong.
You will find people far more receptive if you treat them with respect and try to educate them, rather than insult them. This forum is intended to be a help site...not a way for you to bolster your fragile ego by insulting the general public.

by the way...I have had to explain crate training to literally HUNDREDS of people. There are just as many who DO NOT KNOW about it as there are those who do!

[LoveNewfies]

Hey Dogwise...
tone down your replies a bit. Just because everyone does not know as much as you is not reason for your rather abusive tone. Just because epople may not agree with you or do not know all you know does not make them wrong.
You will find people far more receptive if you treat them with respect and try to educate them, rather than insult them. This forum is intended to be a help site...not a way for you to bolster your fragile ego by insulting the general public.
by the way...I have had to explain crate training to literally HUNDREDS of people. There are just as many who DO NOT KNOW about it as there are those who do!


I have to agree with this - I have read a few posts from Dogwise that are a bit harsh - people come to these forums to learn and they aren't going to learn by being belittled - no offense meant, however, this is a new forum - it surely won't grow too fast if people are immediately reading harsh, condescending responses.

That being said - Crate training will be essential for this dog. He could be chewing due to boredom, he could be chewing due to seperation anxiety - we don't know. Not allowing him the freedom while you're not home is essential. Until this behaviour is under control, this dog should never be left unsupervised unless in a crate.

The only time he should be corrected, not punished, is if he is caught in the act - if you try to "punish" him after the fact, he simply will not understand why he is being punished and definitely not learn that his destructive behaviour is not acceptable. He needs to be corrected each and every time while he is displaying destructive behaviour, never after the fact.

Until his behaviour is under control, never, never, never leave him out of his crate when you cannot be there to supervise.

You can buy books on crate training - is is very important that the dog looks at his crate as a good place to be - not punishment - so you will have to be careful to indroduce the crate to him properly and in a fun way - treats, kongs, toys, etc. Most dogs grow to like their crate - it is a safe, enjoyable place for them to snooze their day away.

[Dogwise]

Hey Dogwise...
tone down your replies a bit. Just because everyone does not know as much as you is not reason for your rather abusive tone. Just because epople may not agree with you or do not know all you know does not make them wrong.
You will find people far more receptive if you treat them with respect and try to educate them, rather than insult them. This forum is intended to be a help site...not a way for you to bolster your fragile ego by insulting the general public.

by the way...I have had to explain crate training to literally HUNDREDS of people. There are just as many who DO NOT KNOW about it as there are those who do!

Um WHO ARE YOU? Funny you don't look like my mother. Other than saying I can't believe anyone wouldn't know what kenneling training is, WHERE DID I INSULT HER?

And you sir should try practicing what you preach. This is a insult just incase you can't figure it out, "not a way for you to bolster your fragile ego."

Here's an idea, how about you not feeling free to tell me how to speak to people. And the next time you insult me, be prepared for the backlash.

Now we'll see who has the fragile ego. my guess is, it's you.

[Dogwise]

I have to agree with this - I have read a few posts from Dogwise that are a bit harsh - people come to these forums to learn.

Where in the rules does it say my answers can't be "a bit harsh"?

I think the only person who I've actually been harsh to is the one that stated her boyfriend hit's and yell's at their dog.

But I'll ask again. Where in the rules does it say my answers can't be "a bit harsh"?

[LoveNewfies]

It's not a matter of "rules" about being harsh - a condescending attitude is not going to help anyone that is trying to learn - it will scare them off.

Do unto others as you'd have done to you. When you are trying to learn something new, I'm sure you appreciate your teacher demonstrating patience, understanding, and perhaps taking a different approach if you don't quite get what it is they are trying to teach you, or why - perhaps because what they are trying to teach you goes against what you've always been taught, therefore, always believed in.

Heated debates happen, as do disussions that we have strong opinions about - instead of being harsh, I think it would be far more beneficial to everyone on the board to present your beliefs and ideas - and debate them with those that have differing beliefs and ideas, or just offer advice - without being rude.

[Dogwise]

It's not a matter of "rules" about being harsh - a condescending attitude is not going to help anyone that is trying to learn - it will scare them off.

Do unto others as you'd have done to you. When you are trying to learn something new, I'm sure you appreciate your teacher demonstrating patience, understanding, and perhaps taking a different approach if you don't quite get what it is they are trying to teach you, or why - perhaps because what they are trying to teach you goes against what you've always been taught, therefore, always believed in.

Heated debates happen, as do disussions that we have strong opinions about - instead of being harsh, I think it would be far more beneficial to everyone on the board to present your beliefs and ideas - and debate them with those that have differing beliefs and ideas, or just offer advice - without being rude.

Well then allow me to retort. I will answer the way I see fit, just as you will answer the way you see fit. Some of my best teachers themselves were harsh, fair, but harsh. And I'm not a whiner, and don't expect everyone to consider my *feelings* when ever they're teaching me. So...you and Robdar can do things your way, and I'll do things my way. Period.

[LoveNewfies]

My last post as I thought I was joining a forum with mature members that were open to learning and sharing in a positive manner.

Dogwise, being kind in response is not just about someones feelings - it's about being human in general and understanding that not everyone has the same experience level or knowledge that you may have. Sugar coating isn't necessary, nor is blatant rudeness. Many who come to these forums to learn are new dog owners - therefore, don't have the the experience - nor do they need to be talked to as though they are idiots.

You have just proven yourself that you are not able or willing to learn ouside of your specturm. Continue to do things "your way" as it is obviously THE way.

Take care all.

[Dogwise]

It is always amusing to me when someone desides other's should be as they are. It's not about "my way". I am who I am just as you are who you are, only iIm not trying to tell you how you should be and then say things like, I thought I was joining a forum with mature members that were open to learning and sharing in a positive manner. insinuating that people who don't think like you are immature.

Dogwise, being kind in response is not just about someones feelings - it's about being human in general and understanding that not everyone has the same experience level or knowledge that you may have. Sugar coating isn't necessary, nor is blatant rudeness. Many who come to these forums to learn are new dog owners - therefore, don't have the the experience - nor do they need to be talked to as though they are idiots.

I called no one an idiot and again, I'm simply expressing my opinions the same as others did.

You have just proven yourself that you are not able or willing to learn ouside of your specturm. Continue to do things "your way" as it is obviously THE way.

Again...it's not about "my way" and just what is it I should be learning? how to be as others tell me to be? That some people aren't happy unless people behave only the way they think people should behave.

Those of us that answered those post gave great advise as to how to correct the problem. But we also showed (and with every right) that we we're not happy that someone is abusing a dog in their home. That may be ok with you, it's not with me. And anyone that just "acts" nice about someone doing that is...sugar coating things.

Bottom line. You be you and I'll be me. Most adults are ok with that.

[johna]

Ok, let back up for a minute...
I thought I was posting a question to a group of people who could give me some suggestions instead of laughing at me because I did not know what "crate Training" was.. I DO KNOW what "KENNEL" training is, I never heard it called "Crate" training!! Also do not assume I am not involved with my dog because I don't know what kind of food he eats!! There are just somethings that my husband does ( LIKE BUY THE DOG FOOD) and how the heck do you figure me letting him run at the school is "MY organized chaos " You don't even know ME.
TO EVERYONE ELSE....Thank-you for actually giving me some advice to work with, I really appreciate it

[Dogwise]

Kennel, crate, petporter they all the same thing. I laughed because I find it amusing when people decide to get a dog without deciding to educate themselves (even if it's just a little basic knowledge) as to how to raise one.. It's one of the reasons that dog pounds, shelters, and rescue groups are over whelmed with dogs. It's takes reading one maybe two books to know what a crate, kennel, and a pet porter are. also if you know what kennel training is, how is it possible that your dog is eating your house? Are you not kennel training, even though you know what it is? And regardless of who *buys* the food,all adults in the house should at least know what it is their dog is eating. It's not only handy to know so one can pick some up in case the you run out and the person that *buys* it gone, and can't be reached, it even shows one actually cares about ones dog. Where did I say it was "your organized chaos"? I said...a dog just running around is not constructive exercise, it's organized chaos. Constructive exercize for a dog is things like, long calm walks. I realize just standing there while dog is running around is great for the human who want's to just stand there, it's just shouldn't be a dogs main source of exercise. Why do you think he's eating your house? He needs kennel training and constructive exercise. but you go right ahead and ignore me and just think i'm being mean. We'll see where you are with this dog in another year.

Have a nice day:D

[johna]

I used kennel training when I house broke him, I had never heard of using it for any other reason.
You jump to an awful lot of conclusions, why do you assume that because my husband buys the dog food I don't care about the dog?
I don't know who you are and I really don't give a crap..BUT I can see why you know ( or you think you know) so much about dogs, Probably cause humans can't stand to be around you..
I am now going to find a discussion forum ( i will not be visiting this site again)where people actually give advise without being so freaking rude and think they are " holier than thou"

[RobDar]

Jonha...
When done correctly, crate and/or kennel training can be very helpful. It is no different than using the crate for house breaking, when you are not there to supervise the dog...protect your house and your dog by crating him. There are plus and minus's to crate training. When done properly the dog enjoys their crate and kind of views it as its own little house within a house...like its bedroom. but you likely know that already since you trained for housebreaking....

Does he act a fool when you are around?

Do you think maybe he could be experiencing some stress when you leave?

Do you have a dog park near you? The dog park has some advantages over running about in a school yard...some social advantages. The social interaction helps build confidence. ( and is usually more tiring for the dogs than just running about alone...there is nothing better than a bad dog sleeping LOL!)

Has the dog been to obedience class?
I hear people say all the time..."I trained him at home"...or "I know how to train a dog, I do not need obedience"...
My personal opinion is that there are advantages to formal obedience that you cannot get training a dog at home. Like the difference between a dog park and the school yard....obedience is a social situation. I feel the training has more "impact" in the social environment of an obedience class than it does training him alone at home. The unsure environment of obedience classes, being in a group of strangers with other strange dogs...and you being there and taking charge of your dog...show the dog that not only can he trust you to take care of him in social situations ( as the Alpha dog of a pack would) but it also helps your dog bond to you...to look to you for guidance and assurance in strange situations. This bonding experience is, in my opinion, the most important part of obedience classes. It is more important than learning to sit and to stay. The bonding is the foundation for any future training and teaches the dog to respect you.
My view point may be a bit skeewed because we rescue Beagle and Coonhounds...two very pack driven breeds and two very social breeds, not so anxious to please as other breeds. We find this social approach to training works best with the Beagles and Coonhounds.