Help, Dogs Chewing!!!

[mruffruff]

Maybe a little help from your mate would give you more time with the dogs. Or you may need to lower your cleaning standards some until you can train the dogs better. Eventually you could go back to your usually standards.

I am a cleaning nut. (My daughter thinks I'm crazy). But some days I just overlook the dust and clutter and give the animals what they need.


(I live alone, have 3 dogs and 12 cats)

[beyond_me]

Husbands clean??? He helps sum but makes fun of me so not so much. I wish he would help with the animals a little more but right now he's not so happy with them. He wasn't sure her wanted any animals, so he is a little over whelmed and with Spaz being sick her vet bills are kinda high, so he's not to happy. He's trying to understand the bills and everything getting chewed up but it's hard. Right now I have to give Spaz a bath every 2-3days because of demodex and then I just spray down my other dogs, so that helps with dirt. But I'm learning how to do better with the dogs. I'm the type that always gives treats. My husband makes fun that the dogs are thinken "I pee on the floor get put outside, come back in and get a treat." That's not what I do, but close. So I'm working on how I need to do things. I just got a little to ahead of myself with my animals, but I'll make it work!!!

[Dixieland Dancer]

I am hoping this doesn't sound too harsh but I really think you are over committed and have too many dogs for your circumstances. First, you already realize you are not "top dog" in your pack. Second, you have a husband who doesn't help with the dogs and third, you have too many dogs for the long hours of work you put in. If you can't spend the time with them that they require, then perhaps they need to be rehomed into an environment that has the time to devote to their needs.

Your dog(s) being destructive is a sign that they are not being exercised and trained properly and unless you can devote more time to exercise and training, your problem will not go away and it could become a stumbling block in your marriage. From my own experience of training dogs there are certain dogs that are more high maintenance than others and it sounds like you have at least one. I own two and know that with everything else going on in my life, it would not be fair to bring another one into our house even though I would love to. I say that knowing that I am top dog in my house and that I do know how to train dogs. I can imagine someone who is just learning and has three, at least one who is very high maintenance.

Please know that I am not saying this to be critical. I am just stating the obvious and thinking of not only the dogs well being but also yours. It is very hard to worry about what you are going to find when you come home when there is a destructive dog in the house. It would be different if your husband was more active with the dogs and could help out but I also come from that environment and know that it probably won't change.

[mruffruff]

Maybe you could point out to your husband that there would be less chewing, etc. if he could spend time with the dogs. Besides, the dogs need to know that he's alpha to them, just as you are.

In the meantime, and under your breath, keep saying "and this too shall pass!" over and over and over.........

[beyond_me]

You are right. I know I prob bit off more than I could chew, that is why I am asking for idea's on what to do. My husband does help, he's just not as as much of a push over as me, but he does love them. The dogs do know that he is alpha. They listen to him and do really good with him. I'm the one that deals with them the most though so I need to start being alpha. It has caused some problems with our relationship, but we are working though it and doing a lot better!!! I didn't want 3 dogs. I was happy with two and working with Cali. Then I saw a stray that was a sweet heart and had to stop. I have seen to many dead dogs on the road that I couldn't drive by. She didn't have a micro-chip and I never saw any signs for anyone looking for her so I tried to get her a home but the girl who took her was wanting to breed her (which I am against because there are already to many dogs that don't have homes) and she didn't have money to pay her apartment bill for having an animal but could get her a $25 collar that said (b*tch). I know that I'm not the best home,but I love them, and where I live it is hard to find a loving home with her breed!!! Everyone breeds them, fights them, or just leaves them in the back yard in 120 degree weather!!! I don't think so. And every one that I know that are good to there dogs already have 3-5 dogs. I love all my dogs and I'm going to make it work. I am working with them and learning what works best for teaching them. I was just looking for idea's from people that have gone through it. No body wants a dog with tick fever and mange, but I do because I love her, and I don't want to worry about her being taken care of. With me I know that she is getting her medication, vitamins and baths. She's learning, and so am I!!!
oh "and this too shall pass" is my fav saying!!!

[jojo]

Remember firmness is they key in disciplining your dogs. Use a Low "BAH" (keep your tone low) when you catch them in the act doing something you don't like, and use a high pitch praise when they respond to your commands and appropriate behaviour.

For jumpers it can be of benefit to ignore that behaviour and wait for the animal to become more settled before you give them special attention, especially if it is in greeting (visitors, or you've come home from work etc), ask your guests to abide by this as well. Give them the appropriate commands. Teach your animal by rewarding the best behaviour, with treats and praise, and though you may think you are not the top dog, if you are persistant, you will realise that it is so much easier than you originally thought. . Remember they're still young and full of energy!

I personally had to raise a staffordshire bull terrior with a heart defect, as well as my weimeraner, so I understand the time and attention this requires, as well as the cost. But you have made the committment to these animals, so my belief is to follow through. I know you will try your hardest, but you need to be realistic as well, don't compromise your family and your animals sanity if you really cannot cope well enough. Do try and get assistance, but know your limits.

Good luck.

[beyond_me]

Thank you jojo!!!

[renfest]

I hasve a very active 7 month old Shep/Chow and even the walks are not enough I take about an hour severasl times a day and have time w/him working from home makes it that way at times it is not easy. When we started that he was chewing all the time I got some hooves and he loves them to the poing he knows when it's our time and he will bring it to me where ever I am, correct and direct is the way to go .. if he has toys use them as well

rennie