Argggg frustrated with dog!

[lemurchaser]

There are many health issues that can cause increased appetite in old dogs (called polyphagia). Is she drinking a lot of water? I would run this by a vet.

I have a destructive dog, I know how frustrating it can be to find the carnage of what they've done. Urgh, you just want to throw a fit.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

Quote:
I agree in this particular case with an older dog that setting up for this kind of thing might not be the best way to go, IF, she has not done consistent *training* and proper supervision for the dog. I never punish a dog I correct it. Punishment comes with negative emotional connotations and causes fear, a correction (be it physical or otherwise) has no negavite emotions involved and therefore when used properly will not only give good results but will not damage the relationship with your dog.

To point out another thing...ignoring negative and rewarding positive only works for a new behavior. Ignoring an established unwanted behavior does not work, addressing it is the only way to eliminate it.

**Edit cause Im too lazy to spell it right the first time

 

[QuailHollow]

Again; I suggested a newspaper. Not a baseball bat, an iron skillet, and no - not even a golf club. I suggested a newspaper. Just use the sport section if you'd like.. and hit yourself with it. I also never indicated that you had to strike the dog. You could certainly hit the counter with it - the idea was to abrubtly alter the dog's frame of mind.

 

[lemurchaser]

QuailHollowP&P :

Quote:
Positive reinforcement is great when you're trying to make a dog jump through a hoop.


Perhaps I could've suggested a pinch collar on a 30' lead? Or even a soda can full of pennies? Regardless. None of my suggestions would work, because the OP indicated that she does not want to correct the behavior in her old dog.. - She was venting.

Well the soda can of pennies is a much better choice. The dog then thinks the environment corrected them instead of you. Acting suddenly like a big scary monster only teaches the dog not to steal food while you're watching. But if they think that scary things rain from the sky when they are bad, the lesson sticks much better.

Setting them up to fail is a part of learning, once they KNOW the behavior. Teach them what is right, then you can "proof" it. Setting them up to fail as a way to learn is confusing and scary for them.

And proving you're alpha? Um, a little outdated. Behavior studies show that good leaders rarely "prove" they are alpha, its the weak ones that continuously have to prove themselves. And there are MUCH better ways to be a good leader than physical domination.​

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

Quote:
I agree, not only with your point about dominance, but would like to make another point about it. Dogs are rarely actually dominant. 98% of the time when a client calls me with a "dominant" dog I find in the evaluation that the dog is NOT at all dominant. The issue lies with the owner and permissive ownership and ignorance about what needs the dogs has. Its really about understanding *your* dog and meeting its needs as a dog. That is also the reason I don't beleive in cookie-cutter dog training schools.

 

[redhen]

I didnt read any of the posts..so excuse me if this has been said already.
But, i'd kennel/crate her when you cant be with her. just to be safe....you dont want to have hundreds/thousands of dollars in vet bills if she gets blocked up or injured intestines from eating crazy things. good luck!

 

[QuailHollow]

Quote:
Dogs are not fur children or undersized herbivores. Perhaps I should not have used the term alpha (insinuating that you growl at your dog periodically and flip it on it's back), but instead use the term leader.

 

[pbjmaker]

QuailHollowP&P :

Again; I suggested a newspaper. Not a baseball bat, an iron skillet, and no - not even a golf club. I suggested a newspaper. Just use the sport section if you'd like.. and hit yourself with it. I also never indicated that you had to strike the dog. You could certainly hit the counter with it - the idea was to abrubtly alter the dog's frame of mind.

Not anti your method - would be hard to do because she would never steal food if we were awake/ in the house. I actually am using this method right now with the puppy but making a loud noise. Is working great. He drops his favorite chicken poopscicles instantly

It is our belief that this dog has been beaten in the past by a man - cowared when my hubby would raise his hand when he was talking. She has also been traumatized by water. Just try and get her in the bath or pick up the hose near her. Fold a big old dog with bad hips she can get away fast.

She knows her basic commands and is not destructive or naughty in general. With the two younger dogs I am putting in a lot more time training. Once the puppy has all his shots I will be taking him to basic obdience school and hope to work him towards being a therapy dog or agility or something.​