Pet repellent?? - problems with scratching

**JenBKR** · 07-25-2005, 10:32 AM

Roscoe just began doing this: I have come home from work a few times now to find that he has been scratching at the door, taken off a good bit of paint and a few actual pieces of the door, and also ripped up a little of the carpet right at the door. I assume he is upset that we are not home and/or trying to get out? Anyway, I saw some kind of pet repellent spray and was wondering if any of you have ever tried it before. Does it work? Is it harmful? Thanks!

**lv4dogs** · 07-25-2005, 12:07 PM

It sounds as if he has separation anxiety. I'm not sure how well those products work, especially for a dog with SA. He would probably end up chewing/scratching at another area (another door or window etc...).
Your best bet would be to crate train him. Speak to a reputable trainer about SA. They can provide with a lot of info that should help you out greatly.

Also NILIS (nothing in life is free) should help boost his confidence, helping him overcome his SA. You make him obey a command for EVERYTHING. ex. If he needs to go outside to potty you make him sit, when you serve him dinner make him lay down, when you pet him make him shake, etc... Don't use the same command everytime either, ex. one time when you pet him tell him to sit the next time make him lay down, etc...

Has he always done this? Has anything changed in his routine or your house? How old is he?

Slowly increase the amount of time you are away from him.

Tell him the same exact thing each time you leave, but do not make a big deal out of it, just a simple, calm "I'll be back" or whatever you use.

Leave him a special toy (filled kongs are great for everything especially SA) and only give him that toy when you leave. This gives him something special & geat to look forward to when you are gone.

**wolfsoul** · 07-25-2005, 12:08 PM

I've used this stuff for my cats and rats. It worked a little bit for one of my cats, to keep him off the bed, but you had to spray it on the bed like right before he went on it. As soon as a couple minutes pass, it's effect wore off and the cat would jump on the bed. I don't find the stuff to be very effective. It didn't work for any of my rats.

Maybe keep one of those mats in front of your door, with the little spikes on the bottom. Turn it upsidedown and he won't want to touch it. Or maybe keep him in a crate during the day.

Good luck.

**JenBKR** · 07-25-2005, 12:15 PM

I was afraid it was some kind of seperation anxiety. We've only had him almost 2 months, but this only started 2-3 weeks ago. He seems like a really happy dog when we are home, but I know he hates when we leave. I just left to run to the store yesterday, was gone maybe 15 minutes, and he was at the door a little more. He is 3 1/2, and seems pretty well trained. I've thought about getting him some advanced training, maybe that will help. I could try the crate, the only problem may be that he HATES any kind of cages and cries near them (he was from a shelter, maybe just remembering the time he was in a cage there). Thanks for the ideas!

**JenBKR** · 07-25-2005, 12:17 PM

Originally posted by wolfsoul
I've used this stuff for my cats and rats. It worked a little bit for one of my cats, to keep him off the bed, but you had to spray it on the bed like right before he went on it. As soon as a couple minutes pass, it's effect wore off and the cat would jump on the bed. I don't find the stuff to be very effective. It didn't work for any of my rats.

Maybe keep one of those mats in front of your door, with the little spikes on the bottom. Turn it upsidedown and he won't want to touch it. Or maybe keep him in a crate during the day. Good luck.

Oh well, I had a feeling it might not work. Thanks!