Dog Help Please!?

Question

I have 3 basset hounds and 1 german shepered and i cannot get the shepered and one of the hounds to quit chewing and digging PLEASE give me som advice as ways to break them of this habit!

Answer 1

My sister-in-law suggested filling in holes (or areas where they dig a lot) with the dogs "excrements". I thought it was gross, but I was desperate, so I pulled out the shovel and got to work.

And you know what? It worked for me!

(Most) Dogs don't like to touch their own excrement, so if they smell it under the dirt, they'll avoid the area. It's worth a shot and it's a free solution!

Answer 2

Digging and chewing are symptoms of boredom and/or not enough mental or physical challenge.

Give them at least a forty five minute walk each day. This means having the dog on a heel and focused on you. Letting him do what he wants does not mentally challenge him. A dog drains energy in both ways when he is focused.

Fill in the holes with some water ballons in the middle. Use cheap ones so they will burst when the dog stracues them. He will not know what hit him and he will learn to stop.

ALWAYS claim the area when you see him do this. Stand up straight like you are in the milatary.keep eye contact on him the whole time. Place yourself between the dog and the area feet spread halfway between atease and atinhut! Hold your ground until the dog lies down and turns away or he moves away. It means he has surrendered the space.

Now for the chewing. Give a firm (NOT loud) "Hey!" as a correction and claim the object back.

This is how dogs claim among each other

Answer 3

First, try getting them something they can chew on such as rawhides or nylabones and encourage them to chew on those. Then when you see them chewing or digging scold them in a loud firm voice or if you can correct them with a choke chain and leash by yanking in a swift motion upward and away from the chewing or digging. Naturally the mother dog would bite the pups and pull them from anything she didn't want them to do. The correction is simply mimicing the mothers actions. Also, try playing more with the dogs. Digging is a sign of boredom and dogs will continue distructive behavior until they are entertained. Throw toys, run with them, take them swimming, or play tug-o-war to keep them busy at least three times a day for about 10 minutes each.

Answer 4

some breeds just love to dig/chew etc. Sometimes it can be due to boredom, so check they're getting adequate exercise (I don't have a lot of experience with bassets, but the GS will need above average amounts!)

Also, toys, preferably indestructible (Kongs are good for this, as you can put dog biscuits, peanut butter, pate etc (not chocolate) inside them, and the dog spends ages trying to get the good stuff out! Also toys for them to play with, although if any of them have possessive/agressive tendencies, only under supervision.

Supervision is important (where are you whilst all this digging is going on?!) , and training - no smacking, but reward good behaviour with treats and bad behaviour with a firm "NO" (tone of voice is important, not volume)
With some dogs, ignoring is also effective.

Good luck!

Answer 5

My dog had the same problem. There is this thing called Bitter Apple that really works. Put it on whatever your dog is biting. It tastes foul and works wonderfully. I don't know what to do with the digging because my dogs never dug. I guess whenever you catch your dogs digging say no and take them away and put them in a crate if they have one or into a room. Good luck!!!=)

Answer 6

Depends on the age of the dog Are they Puppies if so let them chew on Ice cubes can be teething, As far as digging there are different sprays you can buy at your local pet store

Answer 7

You could try cayenne pepper...sprinkle some where they chew and dig...There is also a spray that you can use. I guess it is some sort of repellent. Maybe if you can move them away from the spots, they will at least slow down a bit!

Answer 8

This is really just the specified way of asking the same question as I posed 2 days ago:
"How do I stop a dog from being a DOG??"

You probably want to read some of the answers!

Answer 9

I have a german shepherd... they're a hard headed breed. Try rewarding them for good behavior, and if they start acting up, scold them and offer them something else to chew or dig at.... if all else fails get a super soaker and spray them lol

Answer 10

I would also recommend a Kong... You can find them at your local petstore. Also you can research them on www.kongcompany.com Sometimes the chewing and digging is because of boredom.. Since we can't supervise them at all times this is a health positive activity for them.