The Shredder!

**freckledimple** · 02-10-2007, 10:52 AM

I have a 5 month old mixed breed pup. He was a dump baby

He's mostly an outdoor doggy, but on cold nights we bring him in and put him in the bathroom. We give him food, water, blanket, piddle pads, and a couple chew toys. The problem is with the piddle pads. Instead of peeing on them, he shreds them to teen-tiny pieces; and then pees in the corner. What can we do to prevent the pad shredding? Please help. Thank you.

**Canis-Lupess** · 02-10-2007, 05:11 PM

Provide him with some newspaper in the corner where he pees and also provide a piddle pad for him to shred, lol, so he isn't as likely to shred the newspaper.

Another thing would be to try putting something not so nice tasting on the piddle pad like bitter apple and use a trigger scent like some very diluted cheap perfume that he learns to associate with the nasty taste of bitter apple.
That way, once he's learnt that the smell of the perfume is a prelude to the nasty taste, he'll not want to touch whatever he can smell it on and you can just use the perfume alone and not even have to put the bitter apple on it.

**catnapper** · 02-10-2007, 10:02 PM

They sell frames to put around the pee pad so pups can't chew it.

I'd personally skip the piddle pad and crate him in the appropriate size crate.

**freckledimple** · 02-10-2007, 11:17 PM

We have one of those collapsable crates made w/canvas and screen; but he tore it. There is a good reason he's an outdoor doggy

He's very smart and sweet, just destructive indoors; pure mutt puppy.

**catnapper** · 02-11-2007, 08:03 AM

Most puppies will tear through collapsable crates. Most puppies are destruction machines. Its up to us to teach him the rules of politeness and proper behavior. Don't rely on simply tossing your puppy outside because he's destructive. (you toss him outside because he's destructive indoors then you are surprised he turns around and shreds a plastic pads?) Sorry if I sound sarcastic, but do you know how many people I talk to on a daily basis who ask for advice then turn around and ignore it because they aren't prepared to actually follow through? They want an answer but don't want to take the time and energy to make the solution work. I just got the feeling from you that you wanted an answer to shredding pads but don't want to do more work than dealing with the potty pad issue.... but the potty pad is a symptom of the whole puppy.

**critter crazy** · 02-11-2007, 08:06 AM

You keep the puppy outside the majority of the time, and then wonder why he chews things, and pees in the house. This dog is 5 months old, should be indoors, and be potty trained by now. He was dumped, as you said, but as far as I can tell is still being dumped, by being outside all the time. JMO!

**freckledimple** · 02-11-2007, 12:05 PM

I live with and take care of my grandparents(88 & 89), and they will not allow a big dog puppy indoors all the time. They only allow small animals indoors. The only reason they will allow him in during cold nights is because he is a puppy. If this were my home he would be an indoor/outdoor dog, but I have to respect their wishes. I go outside and play with him and give him attention several times a day. He also has a nice big yard to run in and a very nice dog house, and plenty of toys. I cannot go back to my own home until I am finished here. I don't punish him for his behavior, I am only looking for a solution. I came here seeking advice, not criticism; and I would appreciate judgement being withheld if the whole situation is not known.