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Pupforum presents your training questions answered by professional dog trainers.
Ev lives the Lower Mainland of Beautiful British Columbia, Canada where she has been training dogs since 1969. She is experienced in many methods including clicker and motivational training. Ev is an original Superdog Performance Team member and her own dogs have travelled and performed with the Canadian SuperDogs since 1984. She has also served as an A.A.C. judge ans is an original Member/Trainer with the Dogwood Pacesetters Agility Club.
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12/3/2006
I have a wonderful Goldendoodle Mojo. He is a wonderful dog, except that when we leave the house, he goes crazy. Our doorframe is clawed, he knows how to open the front door, he has even jumped out of a second story window, twice! We left him in the car about a week ago, and in 5 min, he chewed off of a seat belt, tore the interior off, and scratched everything while we were paying for gas. When he was a puppy, we had him crate trained with another dog in the crate, that dog is now out of state, and is unable to be his companion. Now, when we put him in the crate, he has bent the metal bars so he can squeeze out of them. If this continues, I fear that I will no longer be able to keep my beloved dog because of the other members in my household are sick and tired of the destruction! Please help me with my Mojo! (ilovemojo, Ohio )
Shooting straight from the hip here, I think we have a bored dog with possible 'separation anxiety' side effects mixed with a soft owner.
You didn't state how old the dog was which may make a difference on how best to handle your situation but I would start first with 're-introducing' the 'Crate'. Crates are worth their weight in gold and can eliminate most of the problems you have mentioned having, even in vehicles.
Freedom is 'earned' and not just given. Even children must do chores and obey rules before they are allowed to go out or watch t.v. and dogs must be taught the same type of rules. Be good and quiet and you can come play in the living room. Crates do not have to be JUST for when a dog is bad or when you don't have time for them - it can be a favorite place to have that special treat, a place that is familiar and safe when on vacation, a spot to 'think' when they have gotten into trouble, a warm place to sleep at night or when you are away for short periods of time.
Eventually the door of a crate can be left open in a confined area where the dog can choose between laying down in his crate and chewing on that special toy or getting out for a drink of water or maybe to have that emergency piddle on the paper in the corner. Again Freedom is earned and unless manners and obe
dience are adhered to, the choice to run the house whenever and wherever he wants - is out of the question.
Secondly, I would seriously consider going through the process of 'conditioning' for the Seperation Anxiety. I have an Articles on my site that will help you get started. It is a slow and long process and takes time and patience. You'll need to purchase a Squirt Bottle (plant sprayer) and read that Article as well to learn the proper way to use it. An Obedience class for YOU would also not hurt. You need to learn how to 'time' your commands, praise and 'time-out's with the dog and from there you will learn when the Squirt Bottle will be best used and when it will not. When the Crate is the route to go or if more socializing and conditioning is needed.
I would also consider getting your dog out and getting involved with some Dog Activities, such as Agility, Frisbee, Flyball or some other sport that your dog can look forward to once a week. Mental stimulation is as exhausting as physical exercise and will eventually develop a more 'stable' pet in the home.
"... except that when we leave the house, he goes crazy. our door frame is clawed..."
Do Not leave him loose in the house when you go out.
"...we left him in the car about a week ago, and in 5 min, he chewed off of a seat belt, tore the interior off, and scratched everything while we were paying for gas..."
Do Not leave him loose in the vehicle for ANY length of time
"... now when we put him in the crate, he has bent the metal bars so he can squeeze out of them.."
This is where the Squirt Bottle, some patience and time will be needed.
He's just turned into a bratty child and the parents have lost control - time to get it back and get him back on track and following the rules. This is also something that may need a 'hands-on' approach rather than getting advice via email or internet. Get out the phone book or even browse the internet for a Trainer/Behaviourist in your area. Good Luck and remember "A Dog is Only as Good as It's Owner."
Canine Caretaker Training/Consulting
http://www.k9care.ca
"United We Stand."
http://www.standunited.ca
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