How do you discipline an older dog? He's destructive.?

Question

My dog eats everything: garbage, toilet paper, razors, food...you name it. He's horrible any more. I give him bones and he totally leaves them alone. HELP

Answer 1

When was his last vet check? Were his teeth examined at the time? The answer to these two questions may point you in a helpful direction. Eating non food items (pica) can indicate nutritional problems or dental problems. You don't say how old, or when this behavior began. Any radical change needs to be investigated, starting with a check up, then analyze changes in household routine. New pets, job schedules, baby, etc.

Answer 2

I would recommend crate training. It can be extremely difficult with an older dog, so I would also recommend consulting with a professional about it. Some of the things you mentioned could seriously hurt him, as I am sure you know, so you should get some sort of training program going right away. The professional may recommend another course of action, but most love crate training. My dog is crate trained and she will still eat the odd piece of garbage here or there if she can find it, but she knows she's not allowed and puts on her guilty act and runs right to her crate either as soon as she has the garbage, or as soon as she sees me lol. She is only a year old though. Good Luck

Answer 3

I think you should try to understand why he is doing this. I believe he is destructive because he wants more stimulation from you. I would suggest that you take the dog out for walks - one hour in morning and one hour at night. This reduces the desire for dogs to be destructive. I then suggest you get toys for your dog that hold treats such as cheese but take a while for the dog to get out. This will give the dog a challenge. I think you should stop the dog from going into the kitchen all together by closing the door (locking if have too).
I would also say that your dog thinks he is the dominat alpha in your relationship and you need to address this. I would suggest you purchase from amazon the dog whisperer book on helping to address these issues.
All the best, Witters.

Answer 4

Bones are the worst thing for a dog's digestive system, although dogs have eaten bones for centuries. What has happened in your or his life that has derailed him? Are you giving him the usual medicines and shots? Has a newcomer, person or animal, come around? Are you appreciating him as much as you used to when he was younger?

Answer 5

"Discipline" Doesn't work what you need to do RETRAIN your animal. There are thousands of web-sites to help with this.