What am I gonna do with my dog???

Question

I know what's gonna be the answer from most of you, but I'm asking just to make sure. Okay I just got home and my dog just RIPPED UP MY COUCH!!! Like she friggin digged into the couch and there was stuffing everywhere!!! I'm still so pissed off that I'm shaking. That's it!! I wanna give her away because I'm tired of her ripping up and chewing up all my stuff!! I don't have money to be replacing and buying new sofas in less than a year!! My boyfriend said to wait and think about covering it with a blanket or something, but I'm so mad because I can't ever keep anything nice because of her. I love her to death....she's the sweetest dog ever, but I feel like I can't keep her anymore. I don't think any training in the world is gonna stop her from acting up while we are away. We can't keep her in a cage because we have no room, and plus she's gonna make a huge nasty mess in it. I can't keep her outside because she's an escape artist, and that Husky mix is just gonna run away.

I never put any worry into her ripping up my couch because she didn't really do anything to it before, and this just happened out of nowhere. She has rawhide bones for when she's away she can keep busy, but I feel like this is the last straw. Is there any way from saving her, or I'm just left with giving her away?

What upsets me is that right when I came home and looked at the couch, she usually comes up and jumps on me and go crazy...not this time. I didn't even give her a second for me to react, and right when I got into the livingroom, she curled up, ears back, tail in between the legs, and went to her "grounded" corner. That's where she's at now. I feel really really really bad because she is so SWEET, never ever ever growled or snapped or bit anyone ever...which is why it's breaking my heart to give her away. I really don't, but I need to do something with her. She has the Husky part where she's gonna be destructive when she's away, I know this. She gets bored when no ones around, and I can't leave her out while I'm at work, even on a leash because I KNOW she will escape and God forbid I come home to a tragedy. I know I gotta get her trained somehow. My last resort is to take her to Petco for some training. If it doesn't work, unfortunately I gotta let her go. What makes me mad...

....is that she KNOWS she did something wrong by the way she reacted when I got home. She needs someone to be with her, but I can't do it especially since I'm usually away for at least 11 hours when I'm at work.

Answer 1

I think that you should consider crate training her. That way, when you are not home, she can not chew up things that are not in her crate. If you use a wire crate, you can fold it down when it isn't in use and save space, since you say you don't have much.

When a dog chews up things, it is just a sign that they are bored. Keep her away from things that she can destroy, then you should be fine!

Answer 2

I know this sounds like a product endorsement, but, BUY A KONG. And crate train her. Find a small corner and it will be the best thing you've ever done.

First, the kong. You can take it and stuff it with anythign from bananas to peanut butter to really anything safe for dogs (no chocolate!) and wrap it in a plastic baggie and stick it in the freezer for a few hours. Your pup will have to work hard to get the yummies out, which will keep her busy for a while.

Next, the crate. Buy a crate that's bottom is just big enough for your pup to lie down. You'll be tempted to buy a big one, but this is a mistake, because if she has room, she can do her business in the back, then sleep in the front, which is a huge mess for you to come home to, but she won't willingly mess up a small crate because she'll then have to lie in it. Next, get her used to the crate by putting her in it using the command of your choice. (I use "Kennel up") Start with short amounts of time then make them longer and finally do it whenever you leave the house. You can even give her stuffed kongs in the crate so she can't think about being lonely.

One least thing: NEVER use the crate as a punishment. If you do, she will think of the crate as a bad thing rather than the haven she should think of it as, and wind up being scared of you and it. Put plenty of fluffy blankets and toys in there, adn make it comfy.

I know that was a quick synopsis, so if you want to know more or clarify, feel free to email me.

Answer 3

She doesn't "know" that she's done something wrong. Dogs don't have a moral sense that way - we humans may project that onto them, but that's incorrect. What your dog does know is : "Couch stuffing on floor, ripped up cushions, PLUS Mom in the room = I'm in trouble. Better placate her." Note, please, that there is no sense of having "done something wrong" at all. She simply associates a mess in the room with being punished.
Why didn't you crate train this dog? That would have saved a lot of heartache. Yes, you didn't get a dog to keep her in a "cage". I get that. But what would have been more fair to the dog? Crate training, done appropriately, saves your belongings from being ruined, and helps you to establish a positive relationship with your dog on so many levels. Hope you will read up on it and give your dog another chance.

Answer 4

Your dog has separation anxiety. My dog Molly had the same problem. One of the things that start onset of the anxiety is the break up of routines such as moving to a new household. Their is too effective ways to deal with this. 1st is to see your vet and get a proscription of Prozac. Its sounds silly but it works. Unfortunately it can be expensive. I went the cheaper route, I bought a cat. She calmed down almost immediately. Molly is a Black lab and German Shepard mix so has a more mild state for cats. I don't know about Huskies. Its another question for the Vet. Creating a regular routine with walks and play will also relieve some of her worries.

Answer 5

whoa. well, all im gonna say is if u love your dog u will forgive her.she probably didn't know she was doing anything wrong. Dogs are actually smart animals jsut sometimes they can be actually quite stupid. when u are away let e friend come over and stay or let your dog go over to their place and chill for while jsut don't leave her alone. she might have ripped up your couch because she feels that you are ignoring her or not giving her the attention she thinks she deserves. just think before u give her away.

GoOd LuCk w/ your decision

Answer 6

You never know some training might help. My dog did that too the first time i left her home she tore up my bed ripped my sheets and pillows except one she used my favorit one to potty on! She doesnt do that any more but shes also 3 yrs old.If you honestly belive that traing wont help then call a rescue group or shelter just make sure its a no-kill shelter.Sometimes they grow out of it so make sure you make the RIGHT decision before you jump into something.Best of luck to you.

Answer 7

Ok maybe this will help. My friends staff. bull terrior was chewing them out of house and home! I mean everything. THey used this stuff called b itter apple and sprayed it on what ever he was chewing. I am prety sure that it is all natural maybe if you did cover the couch with a sheet and then sprayed that with the bitter aplple (so it is not right on the cough) Just an idea. They say dogs do it out of spite. The best thing would be to crate train the dog. I don't trust my pup and its what i do.
http://www.24hourpet.com/housetraining-bitter-apple-c-177_242.html

Answer 8

I do not believe whatever goes to make you give up crying but. My concept is to spend as a lot time with him as you'll be able to. Take him to his favourite park or strolling path and virtually ruin him rotten until Monday. I needed to have my Black Lab placed to sleep (he used to be 14 and had melanoma) and for his final week I fed him bacon and eggs for breakfast, and steak for dinner, and took him all the way down to the river to play within the water. I nonetheless appear round for him and virtually name his identify while I come dwelling. You will omit him for an extended very long time. If in any respect viable, get a dog as quickly as you'll be able to. Of direction it may not be the equal, however wasting a satisfactory pal and accomplice is incredibly tricky emotionally. You might not be acquainted with the 'grieving method' but it surely probably a well proposal to speak to anybody approximately the variety of feelings you're going to move via and to understand that it's flawlessly traditional. Sorry approximately your puppy.

Answer 9

Cage the dog. If it is a puppy it also help with house breaking. If you are not there with the dog, put it in the cage. if you leave the room to go to another room, cage it.... it will learn in no time at all. do a search on cage training, IT WORKS GREAT! but you must stick to it. there are other things that go along with it, like as soon as you let it out (and everytime) it goes outside to potty. Good Luck, dont give up, things get better.

Answer 10

I read a book called Cesar's way and it helped me with my crazy dog. It may help to give you dog a walk of 30 minutes a day. I know its hard but it will help your dog get out all her pent up energy. Or maybe someone can walk your pet for you if you are short on time. Eleven hours is a long time to be cooped up in the house! Good luck!