Dog's bad behavior?

Question

I have several problems with my min-pin. We have had here since she was 10 weeks old. She is 1 and 1/2 now and chews everything up. If we leave anything on the coffe table and leave the room (pens, lighters, bills) she chews no shreds it to pieces. She is taking my 4 year olds toys and doing the same. We have tried everything and nothing works. We have a baby on the way and I am terrified she will take the baby's pasifers or bottles if we leave the room. Something else is she bites my son and rips his clothing. She has bad huge holes in almost all of his clothes. It never seems to be for any reason. She also jumps on people and refuses to listen to leave them alone when people come over. She is just a pest and drives our company crazy. Another problem is she digs all over my yard. She digs at the fence to the sreet and the neighbors houses She digs inthe middle of the yard. She digs and then walks away. I need some help. I am at my wits end and my husband wants to get rid of her.

The dog is in a crate when we are not home. It when you get up to go to the bathroom or get a drink that she gets things off the tables or out of my sons room. She is snicky. She knows not to do it but waits for that slipt second when our eyes are on something other than her. And thats all it takes is a split second. She is outside for a good thirthy minutes after we get home and on and off until bedtime. She runs in and out the doggy door for hours when she hears even a leaf blow. The dog runs everywhere all the time except when she stops to dig. Excersise is not her problem. We got her from a save a pup agency and thought she would out grow some of her bad behaviors with guidence and training and that is not working.

Answer 1

http://stopdogchewing.com/

That may be a big help for you, but i don't think that your puppy is still chewing (teething). I think that he/she may need to be sent away, but if your ready to try something, take a look at this ad.

or at least i think it is an ad.

but it should help!!!!
:-D

Answer 2

First, buy a crate. When you can't watch her, she should be crated so that she can't hurt the children or ruin your things. Here are some solutions to her other problems:

Chewing: Offer her acceptable chew toys (such as nylabones) and praise her for using them. If appropriate (not the baby's pacifiers), spray inappropriate items with bitter apple spray, available in pet stores. She'll hate the taste and not want to chew those items. When she can't be watched, crate her.

Biting: Do not allow her to bite anyone in play. She may not understand the difference between play biting adults and play biting young children and babies. If her teeth ever touch anyone's skin, the game is over, she must be told "NO!" and separated for a short time from the family. Don't use the crate as punishment. Put her in another room or the backyard for a minute or two. Dogs don't like to be separated from their familiy. The same rules should also be applied to clothing. If she ever grabs anyone's clothing, the game is over and she must be punished by separating her for a minute.

Jumping: Never ever (and also tell your son not to) pet her or praise her when she's jumping on people. Teach your dog to sit. If she sits, then she can be petted, get treats, or go for a walk.

Jumping on Company: Crate her when company is over.

Digging: Crate her, if possible. Put rocks in the dirt by the fence and/or put chicken wire into the dirt under the fence so she won't be able to dig. Try a safe dog repellent, such as "Repell" to keep her from digging the middle of the yard.

Take her to an obedience class before the new baby comes. See if you can get a family member to keep the dog for a few weeks during the transition with the new baby. If you must give her up, find a no-kill rescue to take her in.

Answer 3

Agree with those who have said:

Serious obedience training
NEVER leave the dog unsupervised, not even for a moment, not inside the house, not out
Crate-train for when the dog must be left alone

You've created a monster here by not training this dog. Dogs are not born knowing how to live under human rules and standards. It takes big-time work to get them to understand what you expect of them. The best way at first to get a dog to understand what you expect is to NOT let it get into situations where it will do something bad. If you know your dog chews stuff, why would you let your dog just run around chewing stuff? Crate it when it can't be supervised, and when you are home, get a leash and tether the dog to you. That way you can catch any unwanted chewing the instant it happens and then replace the inappropriate object with an appropriate chew toy.

Just because a dog is small doesn't mean it's not a dog.

Answer 4

She needs a good dog trainer asap. Dog training is several options. You can go to classes with her where they will show you how to train her.

Being pregnant and having a toddler. No time for this option.

There are also dog trainers you can drop off and pick them up in 14 to 20 days and they do all the training for you. Before you pick up the dog they will show you everything they have taught the dog and it is up to you to keep up on the training. It's just much easier because they know what to do, your just ensuring they do it.

My first dog I had trained this way after she leaped across my glass coffee table (St Bernard) chasing a cat. The results were aw some. They did a great job. However the second dog I had trained (different company) I was not as pleased with the results. I thought they could have done a better job. This option is pricey but well worth it with a good trainer.

If these options don't work for you. Take your husbands advise and get rid of the dog. But do be honest with the new owner. There are some people that will take her and her bad behaviors. It's just best to know what your getting instead of it being a surprise.

Answer 5

Sounds like you DIDN'T try everything - like daily basic obedience training since she was a pup! If you are not willing to put in a lot of time and energy, do the dog a favor and get her a good home without children!

Ripping your child's clothing and harassing your guests is absolutely unacceptable. You have to set strict rules and make the dog stick to them. First, get her butt off the bed and off the couch - she's not your equal, she's your dog. Do fifteen minutes of obedience training everyday. Teach her to sit and stay INSTEAD of jumping on people to get attention.

Stealing items and chewing them up tells me that the dog is bored and not getting enough exercise. She needs a thirty minute run twice a day. That alone will cut down on a lot of that bad behavior.

Dogs need to chew, but they're not born knowing what not to touch. First, keep her in a dog crate anytime you can't supervise her - not because she's bad, but the same way you'd use a playpen with a baby. Keep her on a leash at all times and tie the end to your belt so you can supervise and train her. Keep only two dog toys out at any one time. If a dog has too many toys, she will think that everything loose in the house belongs to her. You need to teach her that everything loose in the house belongs to YOU.

Show her one item that she usually steals or chews up - if she tries to take it, tell him "NO!" and give her a jerk on the leash. Then take her to her to find her dog toy, get her all excited and tell him "GOOD GIRL!" when she takes the toy. Practice this every day with items that she is and isn't supposed to have. When she is perfect, you can drop the leash and let her drag it around - but keep her confined to the room that you are in, so you can keep an eye on her and correct her if she makes a mistake.

These are the books that I recommend to my students; you can get them on Amazon.com
What All Good Dogs Should Know – Volhard http://www.volhard.com/
Good Owners, Great Dogs - Brian Kilcommins
Dog Tricks : Eighty-Eight Challenging Activities for Your Dog from World-Class Trainers by Haggerty and Benjamin
Don't Shoot the Dog - Pryor
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method - Volhard
Dog Problems - Benjamin
Cesar's Way - Cesar Millan
Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I've ever seen on TV.
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/

Answer 6

Provide her with lots of chew toys and chews ((she can eat)). The Kong treat is great because it's a hard plastic that you put a treat or peanut butter into... it takes them hours to get to it, so they stay busy.

The jumping is a bad habit that can be difficult to break after getting away with it so long. You will need to keep her on a leash and yank it lightly whenever she is displaying undesired behavior, like jumping, or taking things off of the table. Simultaneously, tell her "NO~DOWN!" These behaviors are Alpha-Dog types. You need to remind her who is Alpha in your house.

Digging can be a sign of allergies and/or parasites in her paws. It is a way of getting relief. Have her checked before you decide it's a behavior problem. Digging is also an indication that she's bored. Don't leave her out long enough to get into mischief. You can watch her potty and call her back in.... this should help.

It's never too late to teach a dog new tricks. If all else fails, get professional training for her.
Good Luck!

Answer 7

You are describing the exact behavior of my Border Collie for the first year of his life. He drove me nuts. I phoned all the ranches around here to see if they would take him because I was at my wits end too. I still have a problem with the jumping on people, but it's getting better. He's over 2 years old now, and the best dog and companion I've ever had.
First of all, I am hoping that this is just a behavioral problem, as opposed to something else. When did she start this behavior? I was going to put it down to teething and puppyhood, but I see she is past that now.
With some females, they need to have a litter of pups - and this may be her problem unless she has been spayed?
Other than that, you say you have tried 'everything'. Unfortunately, 'everything' is usually done out of desperation, and produces horrendous results, because the dog is confused and doesn't really know what is expected of her.
I suggest that you take a course with her in obedience training. I am a professional trainer, and I have been consistent with my dog from day one. So even though the first year was hell on earth, we got through it. He knew his commands, and obeyed them beautifully, and they are just the basics such as sit, stay, down, stand - no stupid tricks.
When he jumps up on people, the command is NO, not down, because that produces a different effect, and he doesn't understand that.
Also, you have a dog who needs a lot of attention - from you and your husband. Play ball with her. Keep her occupied as much as you possibly can. Even something as simple as that will produce good results. Praise her when she does something you like, and give her a treat. Ignore her when you are displeased with her, even though it can be hard.
As for the digging - she needs something else to take her mind off it, and that means you will have to give her at least one long walk a day. Make the digging unpleasant by putting her poop in the hole and covering it over a couple of inches.
That's the best help I can give you. And you will have to be consistent or you might as well give up. Consider her another child in the sense that she is a rebellious teenager right now, but with your help, she will grow out of it.
Be patient, and for heaven's sake, don't ever hit her or yell at her because it will just make her worse.
Good luck.
I just read another answer about setting up mousetraps - DON'T do it. For one thing it will either make your dog extremely nervous, and then she may turn vicious, and it won't teach her anything except fear. Also, what if your son sticks his hand in one.
And spraying her with a spray bottle is useless. Are you and everyone else going to be walking around with a spray bottle in your hand at all times?

Answer 8

You have multiple problems that need multiple solutions: 1.Get a crate! When you are not home or can't be immediately supervising her, confine her to the crate. It is not inhumane, dogs like to have a den - it is an instinct form their wolf ancestry. It may take her a while to adjust, though, since this will be new to her. Do NOT take her out when she fusses, that will only encourage her to do so more. Instead, say loudly & firmly "NO!" till she stops. 2.When she takes an innapropriate toy (such as your son's) say "NO!" again, take it from her & immediately give her one of her own toys, then PRAISE her profusely "Oh, what a GOOD dog!". (Praise should be 3 to 1 over reprimands - you want her to get lots of positive feedback so she enjoys pleasing you) 3.This may be considered extreme, but buy her a comfortable muzzle when to wear when she is with your son. If she can not grab his clothes, she will soon get tired of trying. When she has stopped trying for a few days, remove it. This may relapse, so be prepared to have to repeat this a few times. 4. The digging sounds like typical Miniature Pinscher behavior when bored & unsupervised. Keep her in the house (in the crate if unsupervised), only taking her outside when you are with her. If she starts to dig, yell "NO!" again. Discharge her high energy by playing with her - fetch, or get her a big, strong ball she can push around but not bite. Take her on walks, hooking her leash up to the stroller if necessary, with your son along on his trike. Mostly, she sounds like she is not getting enough exercise. These are high-energy dogs that need a outlet, or they can became destructive & develop behavior problems - obviously! The above are only stop-gap measures you can apply for now. You really should consult your vet for a good trainer reccomendation. I can understand (you obviously have a full plate!) if you don't have time. You may want to contact a breed rescue to re-home her - go to www.akc.org, click on 'breeds' & there will be a place to click on 'breed rescue' that will come up. PLEASE, before you consider getting another dog: research the breeds you are considering thouroughly (personality & energy level), deal with a reputable breeder (also can find at www.akc.org) and make sure you pick a breed that will fit better into your & your family's lifestyle. It may be better for you to wait a few years, also, till you have more time to devote to a dog.

Answer 9

Any dog can attempt being the Alpha dog, even the smallest, it's obvious that your dog has had run of the house for far too long. It's possible to change this behaviour, but all of your family has to be involved, even your son. I'm adding a link below it's an article about dominant dogs and how to curb the behaviour.

Also, you should defenitely NOT leave your dog alone unsupervised, especially with your kid. When my dog would chew on everything I stopped it by taking her everywhere with me, and I mean everywhere, some people use a leash and tie it around their waist, this might be a good option for you, since you already have your hands full, if your dog can't be supervised, use a crate or a room you feel she and your things will be safe. Crate training takes time, please don't just put your dog into it and expect her to be okay with that, it could lead to more problems. Do some more research online or buy a good book, there are lots about training dominant dogs.

Good luck, I hope that your dog doesn't get given away, just to let you know, I also had a dog who thought she ruled the house, she's better now, you just have to stick with it.

Edited to add: You really need to deal with your terror, this dog needs to be tethered to you at all times, this is the only way that anything is going to get better. At this website you can sign up and get information on their bulletin board, http://www.pets.ca
I really want you to know that you are not the first person to wind up owning a little dictator, a lot of dog owners are on that bulletin board and they have helped me get my dog under control. It takes work, but it's possible.

The digging is something that can be taken care of easily, but you will have to do some digging of your own. dig a bit under the ground near the fence, buy yourself some chicken wire and bury it under the ground, you can do the whole fence if you want, but if you do the real problem areas your dog might just give up on it. Along with this, you might consider getting some dirt and a small sandbox any time you see her digging take her to her sandbox and show her it's okay there. Or else, watch her when she's outside, and anytime you see her digging correct the behaviour with a quick, ____ No. Be firm, if it continues, take her back inside, soon she will learn that digging isn't any fun.

With guests, I always tell my dog, either, No, or go lay down, if she doens't listen, she goes into her crate, at no time would I want my dog to hurt someone or make one of my guests uncomfortable, soon your dog will understand that the behaviour isn't getting her what she wants.

My dog still takes my kids' toys, I have two two yr olds and most of their small stuffies have been sacrificed, easiest way to deal with this is to use baby gates to keep her out of certain areas. Once mine realized she was no longer wanted in the bedrooms, she got a hold on her chewing issues. Of course I made sure she had lots of alternatives, because chewing can be a sign of boredom, I give her lots of bones and cuz toys balls and even stuffies, ones without the eyes or hard plastic noses.

When she bites at your son tell her NO, if she doesn't listen, give her a time-out, just like you would a kid, this lets her know the attention she is getting is bad and that by doing it she loses privledges.

I hate to say that even though your dog is in a crate during the day, it still has been allowed too much freedom, your pooch is used to telling you all what to do and you won't get that back until you take the role of the alpha pack leader.

To give a couple examples of things that you can do to regain control, for example. If your dog is free-fed, meaning she can eat at any time, take away this privledge, only put her food down twince a day, and only give her so much time to eat it, usually about fifteen minutes. Only feed her after YOU and ALL of your family have eaten, not even treats. Even when the appointed time comes for you to feed her, you should prepare her meal on the counter and pretend to eat some of it before you allow her to eat. You might be wondering, why?? very simple, dogs are pack animals and as such they need an alpha male and an alpha female, when they don't feel that they have recieved the proper guidance, they will assume the role. In a dog pack the alpha dog always eats first, and after it is done it is free to steal any scraps and bits from subordanate dogs, BTW this i s also why some dogs eat so fast. There is plenty more information about regaining control of an alpha dog in the article below. Try out the pets.ca, they have great info and there are some members who can tell you stories that will make you feel better about your little one, I'll post one a direct link to one of those threads.

Good luck

Answer 10

OBEDIENCE
The key to success in training your Dog is understanding the psychology of your pet - i.e. how its mind works, and then incorporating that with proven training techniques and a few training aids.
Remember, your Dog is not a human and therefore does not think or react as a human would. Also, your pet does not verbally communicate with humans and you should not think that it does.
It may recognize the word "out" and associate it with going outside, but that is only because it is a common action that occurs consistently before it goes outside.
If you change the verbal word you use to communicate with your Dog along the way, your pet will no longer understand what you want. It is important that whatever word you choose to give a command, you stick with that same word each and every time, without the least alteration.
Also, before you can even begin training your Dog, your must establish that you are the "Master" and your Dog is the "Follower".
Remember, the Dog has an inherent trait that makes it a social animal, needing a dominance subordination hierarchy. You must establish that you are the leader of its pack before you will be successful with any type of training. This is called "social reinforcement".
The following items will help you establish that leadership role in the life of your Dog:
i) Do not compromise with your Dog. For example, if you want it to perform a desired behavior, don't just give up and walk away when it does not perform. Instead, use some type of reinforcement to show it that its behavior was not correct, such as withholding the
treat or toy.
ii) You should always initiate interaction with your Dog and terminate the interaction with your
Dog rather than the other way round.
iii) Avoid tending to your pet's every desire. Rewards should only be given for desired behavior, and should never be given just like that.
iv) When you are spending time with your Dog, pet, talk and touch it often. This will help establish the trust needed to truly set you forth as the leader.
Obedience Training Styles
Just like housebreaking, when you are training your Dog, the key thing is consistency. You need to pick a training style that is suitable for you and your Dog and stick with it.
The two most popular types of obedience training are leash and collar training and reward training.
In the leash and collar type of training, the leash is used in the beginning as the tool to teach the correct behavior, then once the behavior is learned, the leash is only used to correct unwanted behavior.
A mistake often made by the novice owner with this type of training is they forget the leash is used only as a tool.
Often a novice owner will abuse the leash to nag at the Dog.
This defeats the purpose of the leash. The leash must be used only to get the Dog to obey. It is used to establish the leadership role between master and pet, but to be successful in training, the Dog must understand the command with or without the leash and you must be able to utilize any tool at hand to solicit the correct behavior from your pet, not just a leash.
Reward training usually incorporates food rewards or a reward that is associated with getting food. The associated award could be the command "Good". Many owners now use a clicker as an associated reward.
A secret to making the reward trained Dog reliable is working the pet around distractions in its
environment and teaching proper socialization.
If you only train your Dog in the house, it will not be used to extra stimuli. The well trained
Dog, then exposed to unfamiliar people, may not respond as desired. When reward training, it is important you train both inside and outside your home to make sure your Dog is exposed to as much stimuli as possible.
Another important tool in communication between you and your Dog is the tone of your voice when delivering a command.
The command "Good" will have a more positive tone. The excitement in your voice will be picked up by the Dog and it will eventually associate it with the feelings of acceptance for that response to the previous command.
The word "No" will have a more forceful tone, usually associated with a negative response, such as a stern tug on the leash if leash training. The Dog will eventually establish that tone as an indication for an undesired response to your command.
As you move on in your training, the tone will be as important to the Dog as the command itself.
Also frequently overlooked by the novice owner is body language. Once you get to know your pet better, you will understand its meaning behind specific body motions.
An owner who really understands his/her Dog will see even the slightest head movement in certain situations and understand exactly what it means. This enables the owner to give a command prior to a behavior occurring.

Answer 11

To stop her from taking stuff off of the tables, get some mouse traps and set them and let her get snapped once or twice, and she will learn that dogs do not take things off of tables.
I would get a squirt bottle and when you see her doing something that she is not suppose to be doing spray her, and tell her bad, fooy, bad.
She sounds like she is jealous of the kids, and baby.
If you want to keep her put her in some obedience classes. If you teach her the words, off, sit, stay, this should help with her jumping on people.
I would not stop with just one class. You wouldn't pull your child out of school after they finished kindergarten would you?
As for the digging fill the holes with her poo, this will stop her from digging in THAT spot.