my dog ate my couch?

Question

I have 2 dogs and want to know if it's OK to crate one dog but not the other? I'm assuming not but thought I would ask. I have a nightmare puggle and need help! We adopted her from a family that we know didn't abuse her. She was 6 months old at the time- now about 14 months. She is scared of everyone, but getting better SLOWLY. She ruined our couch a few months ago when we were at work. After a ton of bitter apple she stopped for a couple weeks. We were then gifted a cheap leather couch for a replacement, which she promptly destroyed. My solution was to put a kennel right in front of the dog door so when they enter the house they enter directly into a kennel. We're in AZ so it's too hot to leave them outside all day. Now she is doing her best to destroy my back yard. We have tried petsmart training, toys, etc. The only option left I can see is a crate, but I don't want to have to start crating my 4yr old springer now. Shouldn't these puppy problems end soon? Any suggestions?

Answer 1

You can crate one dog without crating the other. I do, and they get along fine. I also have an adult dog and a puppy. The adult dog was crated when he was a puppy, but now he is only crated when we travel. The puppy still chews, digs, and a plethora of other atrocities (including the great tulip massacre of 07) so I feel your pain. He is great when he is supervised, and he is wonderful in his crate. He actually hangs out in his crate even when he doesn't have to. It will take your puppy a couple weeks to get used to it, but I think crate training is a wonderful idea.

Answer 2

First of all, do not punish your dogs. Train it or buy a dog gate and put your dogs in a room were it cannot destroy any furniture. Also buy some toys for it to keep them interested and occupied. Praise the dogs extensively when they pick up and begin to chew their toy. This will help to teach the dogs that they get rewarded when they chews certain items, but not when they chews other items. Most dogs learn what to chew and what not to chew fairly quickly, but others are obviously going to be faster learners than others. Some dogs chew because they are bored, so providing the dog with lots of toys and solo activities is very important. It is also a good idea to schedule several play times every day, with one taking place right before you leave every day. If the dog is thoroughly tired after his or her play session, chances are he or she will sleep the day away. Other dogs chew to exhibit separation anxiety. Many dogs become very nervous when their owners leave, and some dogs become concerned each time that the owner may never come back. This stress can cause the dog to exhibit all manners of destructive behavior, including chewing soiling the house. If separation anxiety is the root of the problem, the reasons for it must be addressed, and the dog assured that you will return. If that doesn't work take your dogs to an obedience school, i'm sure it will though. Best of luck! =)

Answer 3

Its never to late to crate train your dog.. I actually have 2 dogs and we had to keep our puppy in the crate every time we left because he would do so much damage to the house it wasnt funny. About a half a year went by and he grew out of that. Now our other dog has become very aggressive and we actually have to crate her, when ever anyone comes over, when we leave.

Answer 4

I think it might be too late to start crate training your dog. It works much better if you start when they are VERY young. You will make her utterly miserable if you put her in a crate now...

Dogs chew until they are 18-24 months old. They NEED to chew, it is a natural behavior. You can try giving her other things to chew, such as toys and carrots, sometimes that works.

I think you need the help of a professional trainer. You might be able to keep both dogs confined in the kitchen, perhaps. Be creative! PLEASE don't ever, ever stick your dogs out in the yard 24/7. Dogs belong INSIDE with their families.

Thank you for rescuing this needy girl. I'm sure in time you will learn just what a gem she is... Hang in there!

Answer 5

Of course it is ok to crate a dog.

Answer 6

i don't think it is ever to late to crate train, i started crate training my sibe husky at 5 months as he kept chewing my sons cups or messing at night even though in the day he was fine,and i stopped when he was about a year, he loved his crate ,and when i got my springer she started chewing everything so i got her a crate, and my husky decedied he'd like it too and took every chance to sneek in it,although the have their own room we used to put her in a crate ,and him to roam free (ONLY WHEN WE WERE OUT) but now she is a year she roams free too,and now she only chews my garden .GOOD LUCK