How do I put an end to destructive behavior in my dog?

Question

She is 6 months old...and totally deaf. When she gets angry at my discipline she acts out and tears things up.

Answer 1

There are two major causes of destructive behaviour: boredom and separation anxiety. Separation anxiety
is a term used to describe the insecure behaviour of a dog who is too dependent on his owner and thus becomes destructive in his owner's absence.
Separation anxiety is also common in dogs who have been abandoned or mistreated
Too many dogs are given up for adoption because of destructive behaviour, usually without any effort by their owners to change or improve their pet's behaviour. Accepting the responsibility of owning a dog means being prepared to deal with such situations.
The suggestions listed below will help you and your dog get right back on the good behaviour "track":

Have your dog spayed or neutered.

Give your dog rigorous, tiring exercise before you leave your home. This will require more time and effort on your part, but it is necessary to help your dog.

Make all home departures and arrivals uneventful. Avoid exciting your dog at these times.
Most destructive behaviour occurs within the first and last half hours a dog is alone. This is due usually to anxiety brought on by the excitement that often surrounds this time.
Plan a play session for your dog half an hour after you arrive home.

Never reprimand unless you have caught your dog in the act of being destructive.
Punishing your dog on your return for something done in your absence will serve only to increase its anxiety and confusion, and will hinder any progress you have already made.

Purchase a crate for your dog to stay in while you are away from home or are unable to keep an eye on your dog (this is comparable to placing a toddler in a playpen). Line the crate with a blanket and provide a variety of safe and suitable chew toys for your dog.
Never use the crate as a form of reprimand. Make the act of entering the crate enjoyable.
This method is commonly referred to as "cage" or "crate training", and emulates a natural habit of dogs, which is to go into a den for a safe and secure place to rest. Once you feel your dog can be left on his own, you can practice leaving him alone for short periods of time.
Allow your dog access only to certain areas of the house and, as with children, make sure breakables and dangerous items are well out of reach (also keep in mind that your dog may just prefer to stay in its "den"). You may wish to read The Toronto Humane Society Fact Sheet "Crate Training" for more information.
Before leaving, switch on a radio tuned to a soft music/talk station. The sound of soft human voices and music has a calming effect on dogs.

Consult a veterinarian about your dog's diet. Foods that are too high in protein and/or lack other necessary nutrients may have an effect on your dog's behaviour.

Make use of the experience of others. Many excellent books are available.

Most behavioural problems can be solved with the right amount of love, time and patience. Don't give up! The love and devotion your dog has for you will make it all worthwhile.

Answer 2

Be consistent with your approach. If she chews on stuff, get some "bitter apple"... when you catch her chewing on things, spray a little in the mouth, then on the object as she watches you.

You dog also needs plenty of things to chew on, that are acceptable. Rotate the toys if you have to, in order to keep her interested. Take her for a walk to wear her out and make sure to give her the attention she needs. It must be frustrating not to be able to hear what's going on around her.

I use a soda can with pennies to discipline my dogs (very effective, stops them in their tracks) but their are not deaf. This is wonderful, as I do not like to beat my dogs, and this is VERY effective. And I don't see how beating on a 100lbs dog will work on the log run (my latest puppy will be huge)

When you catch the dog in a bad behavior, don't beat her: she will only be afraid of you. Show her a very angry face and take privileges away, such as walking freely around the house. This will help if you are consistent.

here is a website that might help you, lots of info on training dogs. Hopefully, you will find a dog trainer with ideas for your puppy:
http://www.clickersolutions.com/articles/index.htm#puppy

This is is NOT only about clickers. It's mostly about dog behavior.
Good luck!

Answer 3

Discipline starts with positive reinforcement. If you have not taken the time to reward the dog for doing the things you want her to do, then you are wasting your time punishing her for doing things you don't want her to do. This is twice as true for a dog that can't hear. Raising a well-behaved dog requires a lot of effort.

Answer 4

Make sure you are stimulating your dog with plenty of exercises and toys. Make sure when you discipline you had plenty of praise being deaf use food or toys. If you always discipline but never reward you can shut her down. She is young and at a great age to attend obedience classes.

Answer 5

Take her to dog training classes, if she is deaf she will have a harder time understand what you want plus she does most likely not understand your hand signals.Plus she is not acting out(that is a human term) she is behaving like a puppy.You need to be trained in order to train and understand your dog. I have known people who have deaf or partially blind dogs and with a lot of effort their pets are very well mannered and behaved

Answer 6

Contact the Dog Whisperer.

Answer 7

Most dogs are destructive because they have loads of energy. People refuse to exercise them for some reason. Walk him a mile a day.

Answer 8

she will only act out immediatly after you discipline, if it happens more than 5 minutes later its not acting out.

you need to get her some toys, then let her know whats yours and then let her know whats hers

dont let her on the couch, your bed, or on top of anything you dont want her to tear up, as soon as she gets curious about something(like your shoes) get inbetween the two and stare her down to let her know she cant play with it

Answer 9

Read the book "Cesar's Way" by Cesar Millan or "The Dog who Loved Too Much" by Nicholas Dodman. They will both give you excellent ideas on where to start with your puppy and what to fix about yourself.

Answer 10

Do not do what jad said give the dog a rejeted stuffed animal or a bone or put her outside and let her run it out