|
Post by AmyJo27 on Mar 23, 2008 19:24:11 GMT -5
My youngest APBT, Boomer has developed some strange habits and I would REALLY like to end them. He will look for foam on any thing! I used to buy him stuffed toys but he would just rip them and eat the foam until he puked. So, I stopped buying him stuffed toys. Now since there is no foam to eat he will sit and pull at the carpet trying to pull out threads to eat!!! If I turn my back for 2 seconds he is eating carpet or any thing cloth! Then later, I clean puke!!! Yes, he is a puppy but is there something I can do to break this habit?!? Also, when I tell him no he just sticks his butt in the air and barks and growls at me!!! It so stressful! Any advice would be GREAT!!!
|
|
|
Post by RealPitBull on Mar 28, 2008 10:15:38 GMT -5
What does he have to chew on that's more exciting than foam and carpet! How old is he again? Part of this might just be annoying puppy stuff he'll grow out of. LOTs of dogs like foamy and stuffty things because they can rip them apart. If you find a toy for him that is just as satisfying, it may take away some of this desire to chew up the carpet. For instance, a Kong toy stuffed with wet dog food, Kong Stuffing, steamed/mashed veggies, etc. is a really good "smart" toy for dogs. As far as the "no" thing, dogs here that word so often that it becomes nothing but background noise. Or, they hear it and it becomes a chance to interact with humans. What happens is the dog learns that doing a certain behavior means an opportunity to play with Mom. So instead of the unwanted behavior decreasing, it actually INcreases because the dog LIKES being told "no" - it indicates interaction will soon happen. This is probably why Boomer sticks his butt in the air when you tell him no - he thinks it's play time, it's a fun opportunity to interact with you. Remember, dogs don't understand English (or any language, for that matter). They learn it just like we do by association. Right now, Boomer doesn't associate the word "no" with anything other than you + interaction - he doesn't understand that "no" means, STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING, THAT'S BAD!!! You must pair the word "no" with some unpleasant consequence for Boomer in order for it to work - for instance, he goes for a time out in his crate, or you ignore him for a few minutes. In the case of puppy chewing, I really don't like to tell a dog "no" - they are just doing what comes naturally. It is much more productive to distract, redirect, and supervise.
|
|
|
Post by AmyJo27 on Apr 2, 2008 19:39:48 GMT -5
Boomer is 8 months old so it could be a puppy thing. He has bones, a Kong toy, ropes, pigs ears, rawhides, and many chew toys! I walk him 45 minutes daily, plus play and just interact with him! So its probably a puppy thing! What could I do to distract him? He usually starts eating the carpet or trying to find foam while Im eating, so I cant really play with him!
|
|
|
Post by RealPitBull on Apr 3, 2008 7:14:03 GMT -5
Boomer is 8 months old so it could be a puppy thing. He has bones, a Kong toy, ropes, pigs ears, rawhides, and many chew toys! I walk him 45 minutes daily, plus play and just interact with him! So its probably a puppy thing! What could I do to distract him? He usually starts eating the carpet or trying to find foam while Im eating, so I cant really play with him! Why not crate him during that period, or thether him to an area near you where he cannot get to the carpet? It's all about management
|
|
|
Post by AmyJo27 on Apr 3, 2008 18:30:36 GMT -5
Ok, I will crate him while I eat! What about when he does this and Im watching T.V. or doing something else, just distract him? How should I distract him?
|
|
|
Post by RealPitBull on Apr 4, 2008 7:22:59 GMT -5
Ok, I will crate him while I eat! What about when he does this and Im watching T.V. or doing something else, just distract him? How should I distract him? The key is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Keep him occupied with a Kong, or close by you so at the first signs of him beginning to show interest in chewing, you can distract him with an 'ah-ah!' Distract him with a toy toss. Try to offer attention and fun BEFORE he even thinks about chewing (remember, you don't want to inadvertantly reward the chewing by giving him that attention he craves AFTER he starts to chew.) Grab a clicker and treats. Click and treat for calm/quiet/non-chewing behavior while you sit and watch TV. Clicker training is the lazy man's way to train (I LOVE IT!!) and ya know what? It WORKS like magic! For more info on clicker training, see www.clickertraining.com Don't be afraid to utilize crates/babygates/etc when you cannot actively watch your dog. This is a troublesome age that requires extra effor on your part. But he WILL grow out of it, so stay strong! Try this stuff and let me know how it works. Obviously this is a behavior that could also be a potential health hazard, so it's important that we nix it
|
|
|
Post by AmyJo27 on Apr 4, 2008 11:06:09 GMT -5
I went to Petco and bought a clicker! I have never used and I dont know how to clicker train so thanks for the link! I have been crating him when ever I am not able to keep close watch on him! I will keep you posted! Thanks!
|
|