HUMANE forms of canine discipline?

Question

i have a 1 yr old boxer. i understand he's still a puppy, but nothing i do to discipline him works. he barks incessantly, puts anything and everything in his mouth, destroys his toys within minutes, jumps on people (i can't even let little kids pet him because he'll take them out), you name a bad habit, he has it (i kid you not, he even bites his nails). i've taken him to training classes, i've tried "time outs", i've used bitter sprays, i have a choke collar, i've spanked him, i've done the firm "NO" thing... i've done all i can think of within the realm of "humane", but nothing works. he's a tough dog, so spanks don't phase him, he actually LIKES the bitter spray... any advice as to how to get him to get away from his bad habits?

Answer 1

I suggest you start treating him as though you are another dog and the leader dog at that.. I know it sounds silly but really it works, right now your attitude is most likely that of a frustrated human about to give up and tired of struggling! You need to start practicing an air of calm aloof commanding presence... you ever see how an older more mature dog reacts to the kind of puppy antics you are describing in your dog?? they dont take that crap, they teach by example. I suggest you start excercising your dog.. no affection before hand. take him out for a really long tiring walks and the whole time you need to be cold as ice... dont even dignify his behaviour with a response, you need to cultivate the attitude of a leader. Dont give him attention until you want to, dont give in to him in any way you need to be firm and commanding dont ASK him to do something TELL him and then MAKE him do it. If he is barking command him to BE QUIET and then if he doesnt comply hold his mouth shut until he does. If he is destroting his toy tell him, dont eat it or ill take it away, then when he continues eating it take it away. Buy him indestructible toys like Kongs and Nylabones. When a kid comes up MAKE him lay down and then if you have to HOLD him down until he learns to stay down while kids pet him... dont take no for an answer what you say goes and if he doesnt listen you make him do as hes told. You gotta be hard as rock, cold as ice and as commanding as a thundercloud. Honestly it works but its all up to you... you have to be calm in everything though,, never lose your cool or get frustrated just be the boss always.. imagine what kind of person commands the respect and obedience of his followers one that is firm and fair, aloof but appeasing, calm but resolute. I also suggest you check out these training articles they may help you establish your authority over your dog... because it isnt about the form of punishment its about the attitude behind the discipline.
This article has training tips for some of the problem behaviour you mentioned.. http://www.pets.ca/articles/article-dog-behavior-problems.htm
http://www.pets.ca/articles/article-dog_nilf.htm
I know your dog is not aggressive but this article will help you learn how to be the Alpha to your dog and cultivate that commanding attitude of a leader.
http://www.pets.ca/articles/article-alphadog.htm

Answer 2

As far as him Jumping up on people, the next time he does that take your knee and firmly push him away. It might take a time or two but it usually works. AS far as the other problems the best remedy I have found is to put some coins in a coke can. Cover the top with a napkin, paper towel or what ever keeps the coins from coming out. When your dog displays these other bad behaviors shake the can at him. This has worked on my 2 labs and one Basset.

Answer 3

Please listen carefully. All the problems you describe can be solved relatively fast with an electric collar. I know, people will jump and scream and talk, but, that is NOT what I am talking about. I have worked and trained several malinois over the years, including my current dog, who will make your boxer look like a sleeping saint. A low level stimulation on an E collar WILL teach the dog attention and also how to stop any bad behaviors he may have. Obviously this cannot all be explained here, but, look up info on what I just discussed here and help your dog he happy. As far as the level of stimulation needed with 90% of dogs goes, it is no more then a flea bite. I have put it on myself and I insist that people who use them on their dogs try on themselves first. I was told by EVERYONE who tried it that all they felt was an annoying tickle. It works like nothing you have ever used before and most importantly, it will not damage your relationship with your dog. Give it a try and good luck.

Answer 4

As another poster said, you need to focus on teaching the dog what to do, not what not to do. Telling him to stop a behavior means nothing - he'll just choose another inappropriate behavior. So, for jumping, tell him to sit. If he doesn't sit, he doesn't get attention. Put everything away that you can that he might want to chew on but shouldn't (remote controls, shoes, etc.) when they are not in use. If he chews on one of these things, tell him to drop it then give him one of his toys. Praise him when he chews on it.

It sounds like he probably needs more structure and more mental exercise, too. Give him a black Kong toy, Buster Cube, or Busy Buddy filled with treats. These will be nearly impossible for him to destroy and should keep him occupied for awhile.

I would also suggest doing a "nothing in life is free" program with him for a few weeks. He gets nothing that he wants (food, treats, walks, attention, play) without earning it first. For instance, ask him to sit before he gets dinner. Don't keep asking him to sit, either. He gets two chances at most. If he doesn't sit, he doesn't get fed. You can try again in 15 minutes, but if he still won't sit, he gets nothing until his next meal. He might miss a meal or two (he won't let himself starve) but he will soon realize that he needs to do what you ask.

Instead of the Monks' book (which does still use some outdated methods), read Trish King's book - I believe it is Parenting Your Dog. Or Pat Miller's The Power of Positive Training. You will get much further using positive reinforcement than punishment.

Answer 5

I wonder if he is getting enough exercise. You know the old saying - a tired dog is a good dog.

Have you tried a spray bottle? Give him a firm NO and spray him in the face at the same time.

I think a visit to an animal behaviourist would be a good idea. Not a trainer - a behaviourist.

Answer 6

Puppies, like young children, have tons of energy and curiosity so it's up to you to guide him toward constructive rather than destructive behaviors. You want to provide as much routine and consistency as possible so make sure feeding times are at the same time (2-3 meals for puppies). Provide lots of toys of different shapes and textures to pique your puppy's interest as well as help to alleviate teething and boredom. We've had success with positive reinforcement. Rather than tell puppy what NOT to do, you show puppy what to do and reward him with lots of attention and love. Schedule a brief (10-15 minutes at this stage) training period at the same time each day. Regardless of how well it goes, end on a positive note instead of being frustrated. Puppy is more likely to participate and recall training that is FUN. Patience is going to be key here, but will pay off down the line with regard to having a well-behaved, well-adjusted loving dog. Finally, when puppy does something inappropriate, just give him a short stern NO and, if possible, show him what is OK (i.e. chewing on your hand, give him a toy to chew on) and ignore him if the behavior persists. Last, but not least, puppy needs lots of exercise and time to play. Good luck.

Answer 7

Consistency, consistency, consistency. That's what most dog owners forget from their obedience classes. I agree that crating is a good way to teach your dog that his behavior is unacceptable. Take him away from what he wants ... attention. Put him in the crate and ignore him. Don't make eye contact. Don't let the kids give him any attention whatsoever, negative or positive. After 10 minutes, let him out, but put him back immediately if he misbehaves. If he's good for the next ten minutes, praise him and give him a cookie.

Answer 8

don't give up....Hang in there...try to be more firm! And apply more bitter stuff......and don't spank him with your hand if it doesn't work use a long skinny stick and sting him on the butt once every time he does something wrong...and carry it around with you and when you speak to him when you swat him call it a "stick" after a while of doing that you will not need it just when you suspect he about to do something wrong say "stick" and he'll know i better not do that or i'll get stung on the butt......It worked for Jacob my Bulldog

Answer 9

Your dog is not mental... I would bet a large amount of money on this one...
HE IS FROM WORKING LINES - perhaps schutzhund lines.
Therefore, he has an abudance of energy that is not being used up.
Obedience school is NOT going to work with this type of dog.
Contact these people and they can direct you in the right direction for your dog.

http://www.awdf.net
http://members.aol.com/Usabox/

For the short term of things go out and have a couple of balls with you and throw them for him.. He needs to use up his energy and you need to help him.

He is not a bad dog... just a misunderstood dog... a diamond in the rough.. from what you have described he is a jewel...

You don't *spank* a schutzhund dog... lol...
Call those contacts and I hope you end up having a champion dog on your hands...

GOOD LUCK
Handler/Trainer

Answer 10

I agree with Maggiecp get the training book How to be Your Dog's Best Friend. That book worked wonders for my out of control 8 month old puppy. You can order it at amazon.com or at Barnes and Noble that is where I got my copy.