For those of you who didn't see my post on the 'Slow' thread.....
WHAT in tarnation can I do to help this dog stop chewing?? He tears up EVERYTHING. I know he's a pup and I expected this....but what really bothers me is because he has began getting into our trash. He has food available at all times so I know he isn't doing it because he's hungry. I think he just likes to see the yard messed up...lol It's driving me crazy. Is there a way to break him from the trash thing?
I did read what you posted in "Slow" as well. As far as balls are concerned, Farley is almost 6 yo & he still thinks that one of his main jobs in life is to destroy any ball he can sink his teeth into. He's been working on a basketball for quite some time now & luckily hasn't been successful in popping it yet. My grandsons have learned that if it is a ball they value to make sure it's not left where he can get it.
The outside garbage he can't get into but I am sure if he could he would. There are sprays they sell which supposedly will deter them from getting into things. It might be worth a shot to try it on the outside trash. The kitchen trash is another story. I've lost track of how much money I have spent over the years in new types of cans for the kitchen that he can't get into. The last one I bought actually did the best - it took him about 6 months before he finally figured it out that if he steps on the lever by the floor, voila the top opens up! (and I'm the one who wanted a smart poodle) So now I've turned it around so the lever is against the wall (not too convenient for us humans) and so far in the last 3 wks he hasn't figured out how to turn it back around.
Luckily these are the only really aggravating things I contend with as far as he's concerned. I think the main key is trying to keep things he shouldn't have out of his reach and the most important thing is patience and a good sense of humor. Just look at it as his way of helping you to stay active & exercising when you bend down & up, down & up picking it all up as he strews it all around!
I have learned over the years with inside trash just to put it under the counter. Now with some of my dogs this did not work sooooooo. I went and got a lock! Outside trash made a lil fence with a gate. Mine was not for the dogs but more for the armadillos and racoons.
Chewing! Bitter Apple. When it comes to balls. Wal-Mart sells this HUGE balls that look like tennis balls, and they are hard like tennis balls. Worked for about 3 months here then came home to lil pieces all over the house. Storm is the worst when it comes to destroing toys. She will have a tennis ball in pieces in less than 2 mins. They also have a chew toy that is consiced "unchewable" for small breeds or breeds that do not have a strong jaw this would be great. For an American Bulldog or any bully breed don't waste your money!
I like your outlook on things Denise. I must admit, I have laughed at him many times because he thinks he is 'so bad' when he's chewing the heck out of something...lol
I have another question.....
The other night he was sleeping in the recliner.....I was on the couch with the cats. Just out of no where he howls this horrific howl.....like a wolf. I swear it lasted 30 seconds at least. It scared the crap out of me and the cats totally spazzed. It was SO loud. After he stopped he was asleep again......its like he never woke up. Thats the first time thats happened.
I've heard dogs howl when others are howling.......but Ivan was in total silence except for the TV and there was a video game on it. It was just so freaky to have that loud, high pitched howl come out of no where like that. Was he dreaming maybe?
Metal trash cans with tight-fitting lids usually do the trick. They're available in smaller sizes for inside the house. I know someone with a pointer mix who has to use the outdoor-type cans inside to keep the dog out of the trash.
Ivan may have been dreaming when he howled. My dogs bark in their sleep. It's so cute. It's also possible that Ivan heard howling that you couldn't hear. A dog's hearing is more sensitive than a human's, so dogs hear stuff that we don't.
-- Edited by protodog at 21:18, 2005-03-04
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"Thought is an invisible and subtle power that mocks all the efforts of tyranny." Alexis de Tocqueville
(and I'm the one who wanted a smart poodle
) So now I've turned it around so the lever is against the wall (not too convenient for us humans
) and so far in the last 3 wks he hasn't figured out how to turn it back around.
"Thought is an invisible and subtle power that mocks all the efforts of tyranny." Alexis de Tocqueville
