Totally OT: My very naughty puppy

[ponydreamer]

Okay...I know that many of you have dogs, and I really need some HELP!!!!! I'm going absolutely CRAZY!!!

We have a four month old mini rat terrier. He weighs 7 lbs, and is the sweetest, cutest little [img]graemlins/devil.gif[/img] alive.

However...he is so naughty! He has been chewing everything in sight. I have gotten him a zillion chew toys, and he still chews, chews, chews!!! He chewed my DLS cord in half today, in three seconds flat! And this is the second time! I am constantly chasing him around the house, taking the strangest things away from him. He chewed the cord to my ANTIQUE haning lamp in two. He gnawed on one of my dinning room chairs...he's so bad!

He got a pen today, ( just as an example), and I tried to get it away from him, but he just ran all over the house. He'll start chewing on something, and I'll tell him no. He'll keep chewing, and just look at me. When I walk towards him, he drops whatever he has, and runs like heck.

I have a little carrier that he sleeps in at night, and that he travels in. I have resorted to putting him in there when I can't handle him anymore. He is too young, yet, to neuter.

Does anyone have any ideas? I love him, but I really want him to be good. His name is Bruiser and he looks a like the little dog in Legally Blonde.

I should also say that I am having problems house training him, too. He will tinkle outside, but for the most part thinks it's horrfying to do anything else outside! I think he's nuts. [img]graemlins/cry_smile.gif[/img]

[vew-tori]

I can't help you but I'm afraid I'm about to feel your pain. We are getting a new dog on Thursday. I'm so afraid he'll chew up the doll stuff. He is almost a year old. We are getting him thru the Bull Mastiff Rescue Club. He has been with his foster home for 6 months and is crate trained but we'll see. I'll keep an eye on the thread for some good advice. Good luck with Bruiser.

[judiaci]

Congratulations on your new puppy! That is so fun!

Here is what I did with my puppy based on books and vet advise:

For house breaking, I had jerky treats in my hand and used them only for potty training. When the puppy did her thing, the treat would be immediately in her mouth before she could even think. Puppies have short memories. She never got this specific and favorite treat for any other reason. It took about 2 weeks and my dog was potty trained.

For inside the house, have the puppy wear her leash at all times. It can be loose and trailing on the floor. When you are at the computer, etc., attach the leash to your chair. If the little one is doing something naughty, you can catch her quickly by stepping on the lease.

For all types of naughtiness including chewing, fill an empty soda can with coins that rattle. Toss the rattling can on the floor near the puppy when she is doing something naughty. Catch her in the act with the can and it will stop her in her tracks. Hopefully, she will begin to associate the chewing with the annoying rattling and stop.

Have fun! Bruiser sounds like he will catch on fast!

[ponydreamer]

Great ideas, Judi...I have heard about the tin can, but forgot about it. I'll do that as soon as possible.

I have tired treats for doing "his thing" outside, but for the most part, he's afraid to do his thing outside! I mean...I think he's petrified. He's a silly boy, for sure.

[jrtmom3274]

Jenny, congrats on your new baby!

Judi has given you some great ideas. Leashing him to you will help a bunch, both with your ability to keep an eye on him (because he can't sneak off) and in his housebreaking. The can thing can be affective, but I've found with many terriers it either scares the tar out of them and they start submissive urinating, or they just plan don't care (mostly this). Earthworking dogs are bred to tolerate noises, so noise sensativity isn't in the majority of terriers repitoire.

Don't be afraid to use the crate. Here is a great article written by Robin's breeders. http://fallingbranch.com/library/indexlib.shtml

It says "Jack Russell" but really it's applicable to all dogs. My terriers still use crates; they will be 9 & 10 years old next month. If I can't find Robin, I know she is curled up in her crate for a nap. It can be an awesome training tool, as well as a great little haven for your dog.

As for the housebreaking, stick with the treats and PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE (whoop, holler-- if the neighbors think you've lost your mind, you're doing it right). Feed him measured meals on a schedule; if you know when it went in, you'll be better able to predict when it will come out! At this age, he should go out every hour or so, immediately after meals, after playing and after a nap (IF he naps!). The A-#1 rule is to stay out until he goes-- even if that means you're in the rain for 30 minutes. Don't give him a chance to fail. Take him out on a leash, even if you're in a fenced area. It will help him focus. Keep reminding him to "go potty," "hurry up," or whatever phrase you choose. He will learn he can't get off the leash and play or have any fun until he goes. Remember to stay realistic about his housebreaking; at this age, he does not have full control. He won't until he's 7-8 months old, maybe later. Take any progress and cling to it, and don't fret to much about small regressions (especially right after he is neutered). If all else fails, use a rolled up newspaper. If he goes in the house, take the paper and hit yourself (or the person who was supposed to be in charge) over the head. Repeat this phrase, "I (you) did not watch the puppy! I (you) did not watch the puppy!"

On a related note, he is not too young to be neutered. Four months is actually a good time, as long as both testicles are descended. Many old-school vets will tell you that you must wait until he's 6 months (or not spay until 6 mos or after a first heat), but more modern research shows extremely rare ill-effects of early neuter and plenty of benefits. If he is neutered before he learns what those things are, he will be less likely to have an indoor marking problem. I have four males. Two were neutered at 4 months, one at 6 months and one at 6.5 years (when I got him). My two 4-monthers (Pit mix & Border Collie) are the most well-house-broken dogs on the planet. Luke (BC) would sooner die than go indoors. The one who was neutered as an adult doesn't go indoors, usually, but he is a really, really good dog (Lab mix). My male terrier, the one neutered at 6 months, marks at least twice a week in the house. He's almost 10.

Please feel free to PM if you want to talk more! Hug the little man for me!
Heather

[ponydreamer]

Oh thanks, Heather! I do have a fair amount of experience with these little rats, but I swear...this one takes the cake. I know he's really young to be done house training...it usually does take them until they are 8-mos., but I have never had one that was AFRAID to go potty outside.

I'm going to pm you this evening or tomorrow, if that's okay. I really could use some positive reinforcement. heheheheeeeee

[dornroeschen]

Congratulations on your new puppy! I'm sure he'll be well behaved soon with all this great advice.

[marymax]

good luck with your puppy, sounds like you have your hands full with him....hope he doesnt take a liking to your AG's

[MaryCarly]

Congratulations on your new puppy! I don't have any helpful advice for training him, but I strongly suggest that you keep all of your dolls on a nice high shelf. [img]wink.gif[/img]

[FelinaDoon]

sounds like you have a lot of good advice - Also do you have a lot of chew toys for him that he CAN chew on - Praise like crazy when he uses those. I would also sprinkle some Cheyenne pepper on things you don't want chewed.

Time and Patience Time and Patience. Crate of Confine him when you are out and plenty of play time when you are home