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CMoore5

08/24/2008 12:37 AM
Hi My rattie Rocky is 10 months. He is super destructive and practically ruined everything in our house. I try to entertain him but he chews everything up. He constantly chews up items, from the trash cans, my carpet, and room left open. He chewed my husbands $100 glasses (in a matter of minutes) and has pulled entire rose bushes out of hte ground and ate them. I dont have the ability to watch his every move 24/7. He is so smart - sits, etc but is so hard to deal with his destruction. My husband wants me to find him a home. I dont want to - I do care about him as I am a deep dog lover and Im cryingjust thinking about him being sad somewhere else or someone being mean to him because of his problems. But I dont have any money right now to pay a trainer and Im not even sure that will help. I buy him Kong, chew things etc but he plows through them. Any ideas. Im sad and dont know what else to do. His destruction is costing me money that I dont have. Christina

k_dmom33

Terrier Terror

08/24/2008 12:47 AM
Christina, Im not a dog trainer but I do understand your frustration. I had a dog named Lacey and she was a destructive chewer. Would chew anything. Completely destroyed a paperback book I hadnt even read yet in to little tiny pieces. I never understood why she would do this. I kept my eye on her always. Kept her in the same room as me at all times and she finally outgrew it when she was about 1-1/2 years. she chewed thru the wire to our computer speakers...anything of the kids on the floor...you name it. It was frustrating. I got a crate and had to crate her when we were out of the house or the house would be wrecked. She even chewed a hole in the cusion on my couch. Anyway, do you exercise him? Have you tried walking him? I played fetch with Lacey alot to wear her out. Anyway, Nora our training moderator will have excellent advise for you next time she is on and sees this thread. Welcome to the site by the way...your rattie in the avatar is ADORABLE!!!

~~Teresa~~

k_dmom33

Terrier Terror

08/24/2008 12:48 AM
Maybe you could try a squirt bottle when you see him chewing something he isnt supposed to then give him a toy he can chew.

~~Teresa~~

ivy

Rat-A-Tat-Tat

08/24/2008 12:52 AM
I would recommend the crate too. I guess I got lucky and got a destructor of everything proper cause Ivy can destroy her toys and all but has yet to destroy anything else I hope Nora has better advice for you

CMoore5

08/24/2008 1:02 AM
I tried water - he jsut wants to play with the water. I do crate him when Im not home. I tried last week to leave him in my bedroom (picked everything up) - in one hour - he ripped back the carpet about 12 feet (we have to hire someone to fix it) ripped up all the carpet pad into shreds and even tore out the tack strip. No whe wants to re rip up the carpet when he passes by it. I probably dont exercise him enough, one thing I can fix. I recently had to put down my dog and a a few years back was forced to take my beautiful German shepard to the pound. It was horrible but I had no choice - I was living with my inlaws and they told me to take it out that day - I tried everything to find her a home temporarily but I couldnt (I had 3 dogs and found homes for 2) So I went from 3 dogs to no dogs and my parents had my old lab which died a few months ago after being poisoned by either bad dog food or someone threw something over the fence. We suspect his because my moms healthier younger dog died 3 days later. So we bought this dog for our kids after being told they were good with kids. Well he is loyal to me - but has a lot of bad habits - probably because I didnt know what I was getting into - and this breed is not for me. But my heart is with him and despite his irritating habits - I love him. All of your help is appreciated Would Petsmarts class be a waste of time - I think I come up with the $100 - just not private training. Christina

ivy

Rat-A-Tat-Tat

08/24/2008 1:10 AM
I think any training you can get would help.

k_dmom33

Terrier Terror

08/24/2008 1:14 AM
I found this article. I hope it helps. And I would keep him in a crate if you cant be right with him even if you are home. Is he stressed out or bored? Do you work with him teaching him new commands and such? Chewing A puppy's urge to chew usually starts around teething time. Simply put, it feels good to chew. Like many other behaviors, most owners do not mind if their dog chews appropriate chew toys such as bones, rawhide, hard rubber and the like. It is inappropriate chewing the rug, the furniture, your shoes; this is usually not appreciated. Dogs may chew when the are isolated and bored. They may also chew when they are anxious and under stress. If this chewing relieves the boredom or the stress, it will most likely be repeated again and again because it is self-reinforcing. You end up with a bad habit that is sometimes hard to break. The best way to prevent inappropriate chewing is to exercise the dog, supervise him when he is out and about, and confine him to a kennel or crate when you are not watching him. Puppy-proofing your house is also advised. Your dog needs a variety of chew toys. Take half of them out one week and the put other half away. Rotate the group each week. In this way, your dog will not become bored and find new "toys" that may be yours. I provide a toy box for my dogs. They take toys out when they want to chew. I don't expect them to put them back though. If you catch your puppy chewing an inappropriate object say, "No!... Chew Toy." and redirect the dog to an appropriate toy. This "instructive reprimand" will help to shape your puppy's behavior to your liking. Remember, a puppy is a puppy for the first 12 to 18 months of life. When not supervised, puppy should be in the crate with a few toys. In this way, your belongings will stay intact and puppy will not be allowed to develop bad habits. With maturity and proper reinforcement training from you, soon your dog will have freedom around your home if you so desire.

~~Teresa~~

k_dmom33

Terrier Terror

08/24/2008 1:17 AM
And when Lacey was like this I could not leave her alone for a second. By the time she was 2 she could be in the house all day with all of us gone and have free range of the house. It will get better!! I got lucky with Jack (the little guy in my avatar) he never had a chewing problem. I would think petsmart classes def. couldnt hurt!!

~~Teresa~~

treble02

Alpha Feist

08/24/2008 8:28 AM
does he get exersise each day?? that could make a HUGE difference

~ Mary, Trixi and Toa's Mommy, Ratbone Rescues Database Manager and Applications Coordinator

rattytatty

Training Moderator

08/24/2008 9:13 AM
Christina... take a deep breath. Unfortunately, dogs don't come to us with good manners... these manners have to be cultivated by us humans. What your dog is doing is totally natural behavior to him... and what is natural behavior for our fine furry friends is often NOT acceptable behavior for us humans. The good news is that it can be fixed. Start with a crate, as many have already recommended, and get him crate trained. There's an excellent article pinned to the top of the training forum which will help explain how to accomplish this. Because you never mentioned a crate in your post, I'm assuming this is something you have not yet tried. Try it... stick with it despite the cries of Rocky that sound like you might be killing him... that will pass, and I PROMISE YOU the crate will become yours and Rocky's new best friend. Secondly... exercise him... a tired dog is usually a well behaved dog. Let him expend his built-up energy in a positive way rather than in a negative way. If he is bored and has pent up energy... he will be destructive as he's looking for something to do. If you can't walk him... play fetch with him, as this is a wonderful exercise and will also help build a bond between the two of you by playing together. I would recommend no less than 1/2 hour twice a day of some hard exercise. Will do you good too! Thirdly... keep possessions put up (such as your husband's glasses.... how did he get to them?). If shoes, glasses, and other personal items are kept where the dog can't get to them... they can't get to them.. pure and simple. This is your responsibility to make sure items are put up out of the reach of Rocky. Fourth -- Don't let him run free in the house unsupervised. If you can't supervise him... put him in the crate. Better to be safe than sorry. Dogs often do LOTS of destructive things when their humans are out of sight. Once the dog turns approximately 2 years old... his behavior will become more consistent and you can become a bit more lax in supervising him, but for now he's still a pup. There's LOTS you can do yourself without hiring a trainer. Basic commands such as sit, down... stay, etc. can be easily taught by you and will teach your dog discipline which will carry over into other areas of his life.... as he learns to respect you as the leader. I beg you to take 10 minutes a day and work on SOMEthing with Rocky... these dogs are very intelligent and quick to learn, but it's up to us to teach them. They don't become well behaved by themselves usually. Dry your eyes... and step up to the plate. You can do this.... and I suspect you WANT to do this. And I promise you... if you do... you will end up with a very well behaved furry friend who will give you years of enjoyment and companionship. If you need help... come back here and ask for it. There are several of us here who are willing to help you! hugs and good luck!

~Nora~ Mom to Hoss, Lil'Bit, Buster & Bailey, CGC, OA, OAJ

rattytatty

Training Moderator

08/24/2008 9:16 AM
And... if the dog chewed up your carpet... why was he left alone in the bedroom? Again.... if you can't supervise him... put him in the crate.

~Nora~ Mom to Hoss, Lil'Bit, Buster & Bailey, CGC, OA, OAJ

CMoore5

08/24/2008 6:13 PM
Thanks for the advice. I do crate him whenever I am gone. Unfortunately - Im am so soft hearted - I fetl bad that I was going to be gone for about 10 hours - so I "thought" - Why not clear the bedroom of "chewable" and leave him in there where he can have some freedom. I know - dumb and lesson learned. He wanted out of the bedrooom so therefore there wentt he carpet. The carpet was salvageable - until yesterday - when I was changing my clothes - I hear this loud noise. I run around the corner - and he pulled the carpet back again - tihs time further - ruining it. As for the glasses - my husband left them on our patio table inside his hat while swimming in our pool. Rocky climbed up there and pulled off the hat - thus getting the glasses. My comment was - "You sholdnt have left them there." My husband thought leaving them on a table was not a bad idea. I dont exercise him enough - so I am going to start right away. I do teach him commands - he can sit, shake, etc. he just does NOT listen to anyone but me. He also cant be left outside unattended - because he eats up the drip system sprinklers. I am not giving up - I will try whatever. I am in this for the long haul! Thank you so much for your advice!!! I enjoy this site very much! Christina

tink's mom

Ratterific

08/24/2008 7:04 PM
Here's a tip we kinda discoverd by accident - but, boy does it ever wear Tink out, she'll do this forever! Find a cheap lazer pen and run the red light fin front of her - Tink loves to chase it all over the house! My hubby can run her from his chair! (Just be careful not to shine it in the eyes). Just another exercize idea. And, really they are much better when they get enough exercize! Tink gets crazy and someone takes her out on a walk!

Sharon, mom to 5 skin kids and one well loved rattie named Tink! "Getting there isn't half the fun - it's all the fun" Robert Townsend

jojo4383

Rattie

08/24/2008 7:13 PM
As for the PetSmart classes, I highly recommend them. We are now in the intermediate level, having already completed puppy/beginner training. We have learned so much, and more than I thought we would. It's so much more than commands and discipline-- our trainer teaches about animal behaviors and helps each of us on an indivdual level with whatever problems we are having with our dog. I suppose it depends on the trainer you get, but ours is wonderful and it has been such a great experience for Lucie as well as for us as first-time dog parents. Good luck!

Joanna - Lucie's Mom

ivy

Rat-A-Tat-Tat

08/24/2008 7:26 PM
Is he allowed in the swimming pool? That is great exercise as well!!!

k_dmom33

Terrier Terror

08/24/2008 9:24 PM
I LOVE the laser light idea!!! Im going to get me one. Jack will play fetch forever. Way past when I am tired of it, so this will be something else I can do with him to keep him entertained!!

~~Teresa~~

KendraAnn

Ratastic

08/24/2008 11:33 PM
Well.... I used to work at Petsmart. If I had taken the trainer classes, I suppose I would be more help!!! Anyways - I think the advice Nora gave you is great! As far as the issue of him only listening to you... My neighbors had a dog that was terrified of everyone besides his parents and me (he was abused) and therefore he would not follow the commands of anyone else, take a treat from them, etc. I asked the trainer at work about what they should do to get him more socialized. She said - take the dog to a public place, such as Petsmart - and bring along treats that your dog doesn't get on a normal basis... (hot dogs, cheese, etc.) Go up to people and ask them to give your dog a command, followed by a treat. Also do this with family members, etc. Once your dog is used to receiving rewards for listening to others, he should listen to them on a normal basis, and not just you. There is also bitter apple which you can put on stuff to make your dog stop chewing it. Getting your dog toys is something I have learned is not going to make a big difference long-term in their chewing of other things. Also, you could squeeze lemon or lime on something to insure that he won't chew it. (This is cheaper) As far as personal experience, Blue is now 2, but a little over a year ago, he was getting into EVERYTHING! He would dig at the carpet, he chewed up my boyfriend's glasses, and ripped up my social security card. Needless to say, he was crated every time we left after that. Now = We also do the laser with him, probably for about 1/2 an hour each day. We also take him for about a mile long walk 3x per week. I take him out to my parent's house once a week too so he can run around... (we live in an apartment complex). He is MUCH better now. We can leave him free all night, and yes, occassionally he will snatch a water bottle off the table, or rip up some toilet paper, but for the most part he is EXTREMELY well-behaved. Good luck!!!!

-Kendra (Blue's Mom)

CMoore5

08/25/2008 2:42 PM
Thanks to those of you who have added new posts. I appreciate all the advice. I do chickle when I read other stories of destruction. Guess I should have done a little more homeowrk on Rat terriers. But depite Rocky's annoying habits - he loves me! And I kind of love him......lol

rattytatty

Training Moderator

08/25/2008 2:48 PM
Sometimes you just have to be tough when it comes to crate training. Put on your armour and work through it -- I promise the crate will become your new best friend! (not to mention it will eliminate opportunities for things to be destroyed).

~Nora~ Mom to Hoss, Lil'Bit, Buster & Bailey, CGC, OA, OAJ

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