She's a 3yr old chihuahua/mix named shopie. She is small approx. 8lbs. When i first got her 2 weeks ago she was really quiet and shy.. she would stay in the room and not bark or do anything. No she's transformed!! i left her inside my room because i had to go to school and when i came back she had digged into the carpet under the door! she tore it apart! she ruined all my carpet!!! the next day i left her lose around the house and when i came back she had destroyed the window blinds into million pieces! my mom was furious! the next day i left her in room with her leash and gues what!? she destroyed it!!! i dont know what to do! when i adopted her form the shelter they told me that she had been turned in 3 times already and that she needed a permanent home immediately. I didnt ask much.. :( I dont want to take her back but I cant afford to have my house destroyed! help!!!
2007-12-09 09:07:41 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
One word, CRATE!! Go buy one
2007-12-09 09:11:55 · answer #1 · answered by Boxer Lover 6 · 10⤊ 0⤋
Your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety, especially if she has been abandoned 3 times before you adopted her. I adopted a German Shepherd in October of 2006. He had the same issues and many people told me to return him to the Humane Society. I couldn't do it, he deserved a good, loving home. I worked with him slowly and was patient. He is now able to stay home while I am at work all day with no problems. I can only suggest that you read up on separation anxiety as much as you can and hopefully you will find what works for you and your dog. Sometimes, dog trainers and/or your vet may have suggestions too. I am happy to hear you adopted and are willing to give a deserving dog a good home and I wish you the best of luck!
2007-12-09 18:34:31 · answer #2 · answered by Leigh S. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing I would do is invest in a dog crate. The second thing I would do is sign her up for some obedience classes, a well behaved dog makes a happy dog and a happy owner. The last thing i would do is buy her some puppy proof toys and spend a lot of time with her and make sure she is getting an adequate amount of stimulation and exercise.
2007-12-09 18:24:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As has already been said....a crate can be your (and your dog's) best friend. It can help her keep her happy home. I have two little jrts, and if I didn't crate them, I wouldn't have a house left when I got home. It's kind of a deal of if you're not there to entertain them, they'll entertain themselves. And what's entertaining to them, is not necessarily entertaining to you. It may take her a few days to acclimate to the crate, but they get used to them and do quite well because they feel safe in their own little den. Just give her a few toys to play with, perhaps some sort of chew toy, and she'll be fine. Just be sure that the crate doesn't become prison. When you're home, be sure to let her out and spend time with her.
2007-12-09 17:42:23 · answer #4 · answered by twhrider 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The dog should be crated when left alone. In addition, although the dog is only 8lbs, it needs exercise and would recommend that you walk the dog before leaving and placing it in the crate. Get a good chewy, treat or toy and give it to the dog only when it is in the crate so the crate is a positive versus a negative.
2007-12-09 17:26:59 · answer #5 · answered by yp_td_saint_peters 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Please get a crate for her and acclimate her to it:
http://dogpublic.com/articles/article.aspx?t=puppies&sid=14&pid=97
Every puppy and young dog lives for the chance to run amok just as you describe. No dog cares about how expensive your things are. Take care to acclimate your dog to her crate so that she's comfortable and give her appropriate chewies so that she can stay busy in there until she goes to sleep.
Increasing the amount of activity that your dog has during a typical day is essential. Get outside and get exercise and socialization for your dog; take a class in clicker training so that your dog will be mentally stimulated. I am not sure what you expected when you got this dog, but taking the steps now to manage her will certainly let you enjoy her more.
I know of many 'difficult' dogs who excel at dog sports and who have become great pets. Don't give up! You can do it!
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/spt/
for more help - a moderated training list
2007-12-09 17:36:35 · answer #6 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first behavior was the transformed one. What you are seeing now is the real her.
Ditto the crate. My Chihuahua, Sparky, also has a sixteen-foot-long portable fence attached to his crate. His crate is designed for a 75-pound dog, so he's got lots of room.
Be grateful that the house didn't burn down after the dog chewed live electric wires.
2007-12-09 17:33:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Invest in a crate and obedience classes, it's cheaper than replacing everything that's destroyed in your room. Try taking her for walks and bonding with her, it's probably hard to feel friendly towards your little terminator. If she's been rehomed 3xs she's probably had a really tough time and needs a little t.l.c. Good luck.
2007-12-10 00:50:44 · answer #8 · answered by Little Ollie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might have to crate her while you are gone. That's probably why she was turned in 3 times already, but it's not her fault - she's obviously had no training. Crate her and give her some toys (safe toys). She should not have the run of your room if you are not there. Poor baby deserves a forever home - I hope you will give her a chance.
2007-12-09 17:12:54 · answer #9 · answered by momtoangel 3 · 9⤊ 0⤋
I've had a similar problem. Buy a large crate or cage and put some toys in it, (and make sure it doesn't open easily). Try to get her outside as much as possible, and try to get her trained. Good luck.
2007-12-09 17:41:05 · answer #10 · answered by Opera Ghost 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Crate or kennelor pen so that she can not get out or you wll take her back if your mom has anything to say about it. that is the only way to keep Rambo under control. Make sure she has a little food to adjust, water toys.
But get a crate wallmart has them fairly cheap.
good luck.
2007-12-09 17:17:03 · answer #11 · answered by skydancer_2489 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋