cushner@ttidcb.UUCP (Jeffrey Cushner) (02/19/85)
Both of the following problems could be solved by the judicious use of a crate. A crate is a cage, usually opaque heavy duty plastic, with some "windows" to alow air to circulate and a hinged door on the front. They come in many standard sizes. If your dog is fully grown buy one that gives him enough room to lay down comfortably (a pet store can usually show you the proper size). If you own a puppy, then get one a bit oversized, since he will grow out of it *soon*. Anxiety causes many problems that dog owners face. This is usually caused by being left alone during the day. Dogs, as I've mentioned before, can not hold in their feelings like humans can and, therefore, must release their anxiety in some way. This results in most of the problems that dog owners have. Chewing, barking, housebreaking problems(other than by a puppy) are usually rooted in anxiety. For the dog that is left alone in the bathroom, chewing at the toilet paper is one way that he can ease this feeling. Without knowing more about the situation (or the dog), I would recommend a crate. Dogs feel secure in tight surroundings since, in nature, they are used to sleeping in small dens. A crate will protect your furnishings and give them security, so, rather than chewing on things, they will learn to just relax while you're not home. A word of warning: Use of a crate in a situation like this is only to be used as a temporary stopgap measure. Dogs will tend not to urinate and defecate while in the crate but it is cruel to leave them all day in there trying to hold it in. When they can't hold it in any longer they will not be pleased at all sitting in it. If you can return during the day, perhaps during lunch to let your dog out, relieve himself, and play a bit, you'd have a better time of it. If you intend to keep the dog as an indoor dog, start getting him used to being by himself in an area of the house by himself for a few minutes at first and then for longer before you come back and praise him in a low keyed way when you return. > But, I have a problem with my puppy (a Westie) that I need some help with: ... > He almost daily tears toilet paper off of the roll and rips it > to shreads. I could just not put the paper on the roll, but I > want to raise a civilized dog and I think that not tearing up > things is a part of being civilized. Of course, he never does > this when we are at home. > > Stan Switzer ============================================================================= The next problem involves housebreaking an older dog, I suppose. The crate comes in real handy for this also. The idea is to keep him in the crate for a few hours so he won't have any accidents. After this period of time, let him come out and take him directly to his designated area and give him a command to "go" (What command? You decide!) Since he has been holding it in, he'll be pleased to oblige and then give him "lavish" praise! You want to make him feel that it's the best thing he's ever done in his life! (and it probably will be when he's housebroken!) When my dog's were puppies, I taught them to use the crate to take naps in or to escape to a "safe" spot if something scared them. What I did was to toss some tidbits (only at first) or their toys in the crate. As they went in, I praised them. (Dogs LOVE praise!) Soon they would go in when they were tired, scared etc. I start puppies sleeping in the crate in the bedroom at night and (after the first night) usually NEVER have the problem of crying at night! Tips if your dog has an accident: When you notice the dog "relieving" himself in the wrong place, or just after the fact, take the dog over to the "mess" with paper towels, vineger and some louisiana "hot sauce" or tabasco. If liquid, wipe up the mess and hold it to the dog's nose and say "NO!". This lets the dog use his smell to notice that it was his. Next, pour some vineger over the spot, wipe it up with another towel and hold that to his nose. Repeat the "NO!". This does two things: it neutralizes the odor, which if not corrected, he would probably urinate in that spot again and it establishes your dominance by effectively urinating over his spot (since vineger is acid, like uric acid is). Next comes the punishment, rub a drop of hot sauce on his gum. After that, wait about 5 minutes, take him to his spot, and give "his" command. If he doesn't do anything just bring him in after a while. If he does, give lots of praise. >Now, Does anyone out there have any tips on how to housebreak a beagle that >has no fear of punishment. At 7 weeks of age she went into the hospital for >*3* weeks, 2 of which were spent on I.V. close to death with parvo, pneumonia, >and a few other maladies and ever since her attitude has been 'ha. I've been >through worse than a two minute yelling/spanking/whatever...'. >What's an owner to do??? > > > Andrew R. Scholnick > Information Design and Management Inc., Alexandria, Va. > ...seismo!rlgvax!idmi-cc!andrew > One more thing: With a new puppy, take him to his spot: When he wakes up Before he goes to sleep Before he eats After he eats Before play After play When he walks around in circles If you breaks away in the middle of play and starts sniffing. AND every two hours between these (of course exept at night) I hope this helps you all. Jeff Cushner @ Citicorp-TTI {vortex,philabs}!ttidca!ttidcb!cushner