The Big Ragu
Damage Control
Carmine and I have had a setback. I have to keep reminding myself that he is only 14 months old, not even two yet! I’ve trusted him more and more out of his crate, and, with the exception of a pillow (intact!) thrown on the floor, he’s been “good” for up to four hours. Ultimately I’d like to leave him free in my apt. during the day and I thought we were getting closer. Oh was I wrong.
I have an old wicker basket — not sure if it held flowers or plants because I got it a long time ago. I currently use it to store magazines on the floor next to the couch. About two weeks ago, Carmine became obsessed with it while I was out. He had destroyed the top half of the basket, but hardly touched the magazines. He did eat the wicker. I found strips of it everywhere as if he had taken his hand-paws and meticulously unraveled the basket. Such a talent. I was concerned about the wicker going through his system, but luckily he passed it and was fine.
I should’ve thrown the remainder out…but I didn’t. Monday night, I left him free for about two hours, and this time he finished what he started two weeks ago. All that was left was the bottom circle of the basket as if it was a heavy placemat. What intrigued me the most was how he got the wicker basket out from under the magazines without toppling them, just like the old magic trick of pulling the tablecloth off the table while leaving the settings in place! I worried again about the wicker going through his system, but thankfully and luckily he passed it and was fine.
Last night I decided to trust him again, and after a long walk and playing in the dog park for an hour, I left him free. He followed me as I prepared to leave. That made me wonder because he usually doesn’t do that. When I got home, I realized he escalated his damage; he chewed the cover of a small plastic wastebasket; found a bag of beaded necklaces and destroyed them (my stupidity for forgetting where they were and leaving them around; thankfully he didn’t eat them!) He also chewed on books including a section of “To Kill a Mockingbird”!! I was angry, but caught myself before I yelled because (I know, I know) it would have been meaningless and confusing since I didn’t catch him in the act. Anyway, he could tell by my body language that I was angry so he hid in his crate.
About an hour later, I watched him stick his nose in one spot on the floor. When I investigated I realized he was showing me the dry urine where he must’ve urinated earlier while I was out!!! He never ever pees indoors!! Boy oh boy trifecta!
I know dogs do damage out of boredom or anxiety, but I also know I did all the right things like exercise and play. I guess the boy is still too young to be trusted.
Make me feel better! Share your stories of destruction.
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5 Comment(s) - Add a comment
Road to Heck
This one takes the cake. After reading a dog book about stuffing a toy like a kong with treats to keep my husky busy while I was at work, I did that. I guess the kong rolled under the bed and Roscoe couldnt get it. I came home and he had crumpled and tore the sheets and made a huge whole in the mattress. I slept on the floor that night and so did he for that matter
Good Girl
The only thing my good girl ever ate was my soon-to-be ex's favorite basketball sneakers. He left them out and she DESTROYED them. I actually saw her doing it and didnt say anything. She has never eaten my shoes or anything before or since. She's my girl!!!!
"separation anxiety"
Maria Dogs chew and become destructive usually out of boredom, excitement, and teething. There is no such thing as "separation anxiety" in the canine species. What it is, is a dog missing a pack member and will do anything to get to that dog to Protect and Provide (the LEADERS) job. Like a mother missing a child! You also talk to him before leaving, "mommy has to go to work, please be a good boy, don't eat anything, I love you. bla bla bla. YOU are getting your dog excited before you leave. what is he supposed to do with the excitement you just created? dig, eat things, rip up the carpet etc. You should have taken him for a walk, got home, let him rest, then feed him. take him out to do his business, then just leave your house WITHOUT TALKING. I know that is hard for you maria, but try it. If you are the leader, the leader can leave anytime he wants and the pack stays back. You can also crate train him. Some people do not like crates, but if you think about it your house is nothing but a crate and you do that everyday. dogs like small confined spaces. (den).If you need help with crate training let me know. it's easy and doesn't harm the dog in any way. YOU just feel sorry for him. Well, that's your issues. You need to make sure you are giving your dog the proper thing to chew on at night, so he can fulfill his need to chew to clean his teeth. in the wild, they chew on bones NOT kong toys filled with peanut butter. If you providing the FOUR ESSENTIALS TO A STABLE DOG, your dog will stop the destructive behaviors. If you only do a few things that are in the book THERE'S HOPE!, then nothing is going to work. I am here anytime you need me. call me personally at 928-899-6515. There's Hope! Tell your friends.
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There's no such thing as separation anxiety, and also the earth is flat, the moon is made of green cheese, and there are little people doing the talking inside your radio. No, I'm sorry, but America's Dog Whisperer needs to read a couple of veterinary behavior texts. It is true that *often* dogs who are destructive or noisy when alone are bored and insufficiently exercised, but there are well-established criteria for distinguishing that situation from genuine separation/isolation disorders.
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Actually I DON'T talk to him at all before I leave; I know about all that. In fact I NEVER do so please don't make that assumption. As well as NOT talking to him when I return home. And I did walk him, feed him, rest him, etc etc. And he does have chew toys besides stuffed kongs. Yes, he does love his crate but I was hoping to allow him freedom as he matures. He was probably bored that night.