ok, i have had my dog for 4 years now and he has been great. he is a 5 1/2 yr old golden retriever and he has just started a few new habits and we absolutely cannot get him to stop!! ok, first of all, he's eating just about everything in sight--incuding a whole loaf of bread, $140, my daughters math homework (3 pgs), a whole paperback book....shredded. im getting worried that he is sick but i dont know why he has just started this habit. the other one: he doesnt get on the furniture any more, i dont kno why. he has been welcome to do this and always has, but now hes almost scared of it, and weve had the same couch since we got him. we havent made any big changes in life where he would be stressed about anything, but we did move about 3 months ago. he was find, and now were completely moved in now and he just started this. PLEASE ANSWER I REALLY NEED HELP!!!!!!!
2007-01-28 10:41:00 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
PS: he ate all of the listed things above (bread, money, etc) in 10 hours. today, he ate my brand new, $600 winter coat. he didnt really eat it, more like rip it to pieces.
2007-01-28 10:42:46 · update #1
You may want to buy him rawhide toys. This wil lgive him something to chew that he is ALOWED to chew. Perhaps he is having issues with his teeth, he may have a sore tooth or something is moving around and its bugging him. You may want to get that checked by a vet.
In terms of the furniture, maybe he is having hip issues, he may not be able to jump up onto it?
I think he is just adjusting to his new home and maybe is also board. Try taking him on walks or something to get him something to think about.
Good Luck
2007-01-28 10:52:05 · answer #1 · answered by countryjumper64 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You might want to consult an animal behaviorist to find out why your dog is suddenly acting differently.
You also might want to get your dog evaluated at the vet's for any physical issues. Golden Retrivers are prone to hip dysplasia and it might be painful for him to jump up onto the couch. Since he associates the furniture with pain, he is afraid of it. Just an idea...
Moving can be very stressful for a dog. Dogs are creatures of routine and he might just feel out of place. Anything new can also can cause a dog to act out; new roommate, new pet, new schedule? Does he still get the same amount of attention as he did before?
You might try crate training him, so he can be safely confined when not being supervised. There are fantastic books on how to crate train an older dog, basically, if you do it slowly and with lots of positive reinforcement, he will view the crate as his little home. That way, he doesn't get into trouble when he's alone, you are happier with your dog, and he's happier because he can sense that he's not in trouble anymore. My Corgi can be happy in his crate for hours, just as long as he has his chew toy.
That brings me to another question; do you have a lot of tasty chew toys for your dog? Make sure to leave them lying around, and when you catch him in the act of chewing something inappropriate, say "no" in a stern voice, and give him an appropriate chew toy.
Another possible solution: I guess it's possible that he might not be getting enough nutrients in his current diet, and that's why he feels the need to chew on everything. You might try switching his food to a holistic, premium kibble, like Wellness, Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul, Solid Gold, or California Natural.
Hope this helps...and good luck!
2007-01-28 10:56:20 · answer #2 · answered by rita_alabama 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like the move freaked him out. He's not settling in well. Try a really strict routine on when he's fed, let out, played with, etc. The routine may help him feel more secure. Also, see if you can find an animal behaviorist. If not, go to the Internet and find rescue groups for golden retrievers. They deal with different behavioral problems with the breed and have some great advice.
2007-01-28 10:51:55 · answer #3 · answered by Scoots 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds pretty serious. It sounds like there is something wrong with his tummy. He could have intestinal parasites that are robbing him of valuable nutrients-that is why he is eating foreign objects. And since he is refusing to jump up on the furniture is indicating that he is having some pain or discomfort in his tummy, so now he does not even bother.
Do not let this go without at least having him checked out.
2007-01-28 10:57:22 · answer #4 · answered by Marjory Stewart Baxter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The behavior you describe does seem related to stress. It might be related to moving or it might be related to some other event you aren't aware of. If there is ohter turmoil or stress in your household, that could be contributing to his anxiety. Take him to a vet. There may be a health issue or he may need an anti-anxiety medication to get him past this period of stress. Crate training may be good idea - creating a safe haven or den may reduce his stress and prevent him from destroying things when you can't watch him. There are several wesbites that can tell you how to do this.
2007-01-28 10:56:38 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have your own answer you moved!! this is stress and he feels uncomfortable here and misses the other home You have to help him understand that this is home now pay some attrition to him and get him into the same routine he had at the other place
2007-01-28 10:56:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
is there a new dog in the house, new baby?
The move could very well have made him this way, but I cant see him still doing this 3 months later.
2007-01-28 11:03:34 · answer #7 · answered by Kimberlynne 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The dog is frustrated, bored, unfamiliar surroundings? Crate him while you are gone and exercise him everyday before he ends up in the pound. 10 hours alone loose in the house is your fault.
2007-01-28 10:48:50 · answer #8 · answered by woooh! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's bored out of his mind!
Take him for a walk. Exercise him a bit. Play with him. Teach him to do something.
A tired dog is a good dog.
2007-01-28 11:21:44 · answer #9 · answered by Ginbail © 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds to me as though your dog has not adjusted to his new home. More importantly, I would question the amount of time that you/family are spending with the dog. Your dog is a highly energetic and intelligent animal. I think that he is just looking for attention because his world has changed.
2007-01-28 10:48:55 · answer #10 · answered by Doug 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋