Exhibiting Different Behavior

[Harrellpn]

My son recently was in an accident and Sassy could not jump on him or be around him due to the possible infection, he had open abrasions all over (he was in a motorcycle accident), so I had to put her outside while my son was awake and trying to move around. she was able to come back inside when he was in his room asleep.

She is 7 months old, and very strong, Sassy has been outside in the past and we have had no problems, well she must have went nuts not being able to be around my son, she started tearing furniture cushions, eating the garden hose, pulling up plants ect..now he is recovering and is able to send time with her, but she is still tearing furniture cushions, eating the garden hose, pulling up plants ect.

I have been very patient with her but the destruction is becoming asn everyday occurance. I have been extremly firm when telling her "NO". Does anyone have any suggestions.

[Nishasmom]

Yes, crate train her. There are MULTIPLE posts that will help you through the process. Glad your son made it out of his accident okay !...Get well soon

http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/beh...good-idea.html

http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/pup...hat-crate.html

[harleychik66]

It also sounds as if Sassy is not getting enough exercise and is bored. I'm assuming that your son has been the one to exercise her and work with her on obedience before the accident. I realize that you have alot on your plate right now, but is there any way you can work in some daily walks, interactive playtime in the back yard and some mental stimulation? This would help Sassy work off some of her extra energy so she will be less likely to be destuctive.

I also agree with nishasmom, start crating her.

Good luck, and i'm glad to hear your son is doing well.

[Harrellpn]

Thank you for the replies, she is crate trained, like I said she is strong, today she did well, as my son was up an about more than he has been. I agree maybe she is bored, and yes, he has been the one to work with her, now I am finishing up puppy training and she looks at me like he used to when he was a toddler :) I also am the one who feeds her, I prepare her food, microwave it when it is cold add extra vegtables and meat ect.

What else can I do to combat her being bored, I home office so she is also round me during the day

[harleychik66]

A quick game of tug or fetch in the back yard every hour or two would help. Even a walk around the block. You could hide a few treats in your office area that she has to find. It doesn't have to be hours of time, 10 minutes here and five
minutes there will help break of the monotony of her day.
Also try
putting some peanut butter in her kong. She'll have to work for awhile to get it out. You can also put baby food mixed with some treats in her kong, freeze it and she will spend hours working to get it out.

[Harrellpn]

Thjanks, That did help, but I am not sure what a kong i is, bear with me I am new Mom

[Nishasmom]

Originally Posted by Harrellpn

Thank you for the replies, she is crate trained, like I said she is strong, today she did well, as my son was up an about more than he has been. I agree maybe she is bored, and yes, he has been the one to work with her, now I am finishing up puppy training and she looks at me like he used to when he was a toddler :) I also am the one who feeds her, I prepare her food, microwave it when it is cold add extra vegtables and meat ect.

What else can I do to combat her being bored, I home office so she is also round me during the day

Okay, I'm confused...how is she chewing everything up if she is crate trained??? Are you sitting in the room watching her be bad? If she is not able to be supervised 100%, she needs to be crated (when you shower, when you are cooking, ect.). If she is in her crate, she can do no wrong.

Here is a link to the KONG; it is a great "toy", you will love it! . (order online...it is WAY cheaper than Petsmart)

PetEdge: Kong Hard Rubber Dental Toys

To combat boredom, make sure she gets plenty of exercise. At least 2 hours a day...1 in the morning, and 1 in the evening. If you are unable to provide the exercise your dog needs, there will be no hope for him to behave well. Take him for walks, allow him to run (off leash), play catch or frisbee, take him swimming. It is vital for these dogs to get adequate exercise, they are a working breed and must be "worked".

Training will also combat boredom. Work on both obedience and stupid fun stuff. We teach Nisha all sorts of stupid tricks, she loves learning! It could be as simple as "out of the kitchen", or "wait inside" (while the front door is open).

Here is a link to some "puzzle" balls...Nisha eats at least 10 meals a week out of them. It uses their brains, and...its fun !

Tricky Treats Ball Dog Toy by Omega Paw - Toys - PetSmart
BusterCube Treat Dispensing Dog Toy - Toys - PetSmart

I just found this website; their stuff looks really cool. I know Nisha could do it, see how your dog does with the balls before you try this stuff (its harder).
Puzzle Toys & Boredom Busters

[Harrellpn]

Thank you Nishasmom, Those sites helped, but no, I am not just sitting around watching her be "bad" she was outside in the back yard. Thanks for all of the help everyone, I will try these ideasa.

[AngelBunny]

Best wishes for your son's speedy recovery.

I realize there's a lot on your plate now. There are only so many hours in the day. I understand this.

However, understand Sassy's behavior is due to the fact she's young, healthy, and energetic, and her energy isn't being burned off by you through a daily routine of mental and physical exercise. She's bursting at the seams with energy so she's giving herself something to do that burns off that energy.

It would help to continue taking her to class; practice daily what you learn in class for several brief, fun practice sessions at home; and for Sassy to get regular physical exercise every day.

A dog who's tired from mental and physical exercise is interested in snoozing and napping and has little interest in engaging in pesty, annoying behavior.