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shabosbaby

Boxer Puppy getting into the Garbage

19 years ago

Hi guys, I have another issue that I'm hoping somebody can help me with...Deuce will not stopping getting into the garbage and bathroom garbage or just anything that is on our coffee table. He really doesn't care whether we are there or not, he knows its bad, he knows not to do it, but its just like he can't help himself, if he sees something he has to get it on the ground and spread it out everywhere. At first with our garbage we thought he was getting into it because we had actually taken the bag out of the garbage and left the bag on our kitchen floor. So after that we always took the bad right outside. (we are not pigs, our garbage can is small and the bags we have are bigger so we would take the bag out of the garbage can until it was full then bring it outside) I have no idea what his obsesion is with the stuff on my coffee table.

Any time there is ANYTHING on my coffee table Deuce gets it down and tears it apart. Most of the time, when I know I am going somewhere that I'm going to be gone for a while I will make arrangements for him but once in a while, I have to run out real quick and I just leave him out with StarLite of course (which she wouldn't touch anything like that even if I made her) (but don't get me wrong, when she was a pup she did) almost everytime I come home he has either got the garbage out and drug all over or the stuff off my coffee table or something. I want to train him without the kennel now because he is getting a little bit older and I know Star did this same stuff but this was about the time I stopped the kennel stuff too. Ohhh I guess I have to tell you my garbage can has a lid on it. When I say he is getting into the garbage he is actually pulling it over ripping the bag out so the whole bag comes out of the can. This hasn't got to me very much but today I had my sewing kit out on my coffee table because I was sewing my pants and I had to run over to my moms real quick (Which is only 4 doors down) when I came home about 5 minutes later Deuce had my sewing kit out, broken open, needles everywhere, thread all over, I was so scared to death. I looked everywhere on him first then I checked Star then cleaned it all up but I need some ideas to help me train him not to get on my coffee table and in the garbage. I know that alot of you won't agree with me not putting him in the kennel when I leave but I'm really trying to teach him to do good without it. Everything else is great with him!! Potty training, playing, barking, everything else is great with him out of his kennel but these things. If anybody has any ideas for me to try please let me know.

Thanks, Elycia

Here is a picture of my little devil, Deuce...This is him sitting on Mommys desk at work just relaxing!!

Comments (36)

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Put the garbage can under the sink. He's a dog with a zillion scent receptors. Finding smelly things is what dogs do. In time he'll learn not to mouth things on the coffee table. Teach him 'exchange' and 'leave it'. But until he understands the difference between toys and things that he shouldn't play with, it's your responsibility to keep him safe and make him successful by putting away the things you don't want him to get into. I hope he didn't swallow a needle. Also consider not allowing him on your desk or other furniture. That can lead to behavior problems down the road.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Coda, my beagle, does the coffee table thing when left alone.

    She has chewed open a bottle of dristan, tried to chew open a bottle of pamprin, chewed open a case of sewing needles, as well. Thankfully none were swallowed. She gets destructive when she's left alone. It must be anxiety, mixed with boredome..because she'll have a billion and one of her own things to chew and play with and she chooses to chew things she KNOWS she shouldn't have.

    She doesn't even put her paws, or her nose anywhere close to on the coffee table when we're around. But as soon as she's been alone for any amount of time (20 mins or longer) she WILL get into something.

    When she was a pup, she was like duece. Didn't care if we were around or not, she'd find something to get into. I have a nice hole chewed out of my carpet on my stairs. Part of my coffee table was chewed. She gnawed my deck up, in the back. As much as you don't like it, until he stops this behavior you MAY have to crate him. That's the only thing that worked with Coda in the end. I hope you don't have to, since it's not what you want to do. But if you put everything up, and he still finds something to chew (table, carpet, electrical cords (!)) you might have to crate him.

    Also, our now 11 year old boxer gets into the garbage. It's really the only bad thing he does, aside from sneaking his way onto the couch every now and then when he hasn't been invited up. We have to put the garbage out of sight when we leave, or he'll completely destroy it. Some dogs never out grow certain habits they have, or things they do when they're alone or not well supervised at the time.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I agree. You are effectively setting Deuce up for failure every time you leave your garbage can where he can get to it or leave anything unattended on top of your coffee table. It's up to you to provide an environment in which he can live safely and successfully without temptation to learn bad behaviors. He's still a baby, and the fact that you want him to grow up NOW isn't going to make it true.

    Deuce is not Star, and it's unrealistic to impose Star's training schedule on him. If he's not yet mature enough to leave things alone when he's unattended out of the crate, then he shouldn't be left unattended out of the crate yet.

    If he didn't swallow any of those needles, you are indeed fortunate. I'd sure be keeping a very close eye on him for signs of physical distress for the next week, though.

    Laurie

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I think you're expecting way too much from a very young puppy. He should be what, about 13-14 weeks old now? He belongs in a crate. You're lucky he didn't eat any needles, but he could have just as easily chewed on electric cords. Believe me, I'm the first person to try to get my dog out of the crate (so I wouldn't feel guilty for leaving for extended times), but they were all around 2 years old before I felt confident. I also started very slowly - leaving for 5 minutes to mail a letter, 10 minutes to pick up milk, or 20 minutes to drop the kids off at school. For his own safey, he needs to be confined. My pup is 10 months now and I have never left him alone unsupervised. He also looks for trouble. I would feel horrible if something happened to him.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    My youngest dog is about 9 months old now and guaranteed he will chew on anything and everything when no one is home. He goes in the crate any time no humans are home. We have 4 other dogs who are all left out because they are old enough not to chew everything up.

    We had to actually screw a hook in the wall upside down to latch onto our kitchen trash can. Our 2 year old poodle is famous for getting into the trash and sharing the wealth with the rest of the gang.

    I've been searching for a better trash can with a lid that will actually stay in place. I think it's going to cost me some big bucks.

    Sher

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Elycia,

    IMHO, while you are away, Deuce should be crated for his own safety. If he did swallow a needle, you may not know it right away. Like others said, keep a very close eye on him. I saw a show on TV where a dog swallowed a needle and it went through his stomach and punctured one of his other organs.

    I had to keep my kitchen trash in a closet and my bathroom trash under the sink for several years because my kitty liked to tear into the trash scatter it all over my apartment. I also had to put baby locks on the cabinets so she couldn't open them.

    Also, I just got two new ottomans with tassles on them for my living room. I didn't have them two days and noticed that one of my cats (now 10 and 6 years old) had chewed off one of the tassles and tore it to bits. So I had to cut every single one of the tassles off because they are a hazard to health of my cats. My point is that sometimes you have to adjust yourself for the safety of your pets, especially when they are babies, or mischevious adults...lol.

    Good luck. You have a very cute baby.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Your puppy knows it is right, not wrong, to get into the trash. Puppys are designed to be inquisitive and search out food sources. He is doing a GREAT job of being a puppy! Good dog!

    Puppy people have to puppy proof their homes just as they would child proof a home. Lock away the trash, medicines, and cleaners. Keep no-nos off the counter, like food and important papers. You would not want your toddler crayoning a cotract, so you would keep it away from them!

    The best gift you can give your puppy is an obedience class. Pet store chains and private people have many classes everywhere. It is one of the best investments you will ever make for you and your dog friend!

    What a cute boxer pup.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Elycia, Deuce is SO CUTE!!!!
    In addition to what previous posters said, I'd like to share what worked for me when my Maggie was a puppy. She discovered the toilet tissue roll and loved to take the tissue in her mouth and drag toilet tissue all over the house!
    I took an empty soda can, put several coins inside (nickles, quarters, pennies) and taped it shut. Then I set the can on the toilet tissue. The first time she went to pull toilet tissue, the can fell to the floor making a very loud startling noise. She has never touched the tissue again. If Deuce were mine I'd:
    1) Keep the coffee table clear (for the time being)
    2) Do the soda can thing with the garbage (it might take more than one experience
    3) Puppy proof a safe place to keep Deuce when you cant be there to watch him.
    As he gets older, you can choose your battles (today the garbage, tomorrow the coffee table) and gradually teach him acceptable house manners.
    Maggie is six now, and I can leave her alone in the house for hours. She does not get on the furniture, chew anything other than her bones, or make a mess (other than dragging her bones and toys out of their basket). Now, if I could only teach her to put her toys back, LOL
    Good luck!

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I agree that you are the one misbehaving, not Deuce! You need to puppy-proof your home, and that means putting everything up out of reach. If he can reach it, he will explore it (with paws, teeth nose...). You cannot trust a pup this small with anything.

    I now have three dogs. Toby is 7, Casey will soon be 6, and Sabrina is 4 or 5, but has been with us only a week. Casey learned when young to pull open the garbage pull-out in our newly-remodeled kitchen. I had to get a shock mat to put in front of that cupboard so that he could not pull open the garbage. A year ago we moved. I bought a $100 stainless steel butterfly-lid garbage can and he dented it all up knocking it down and pulling out the garbage. He was five then. Was it his fault? No, it was mine for not Casey-proofing the garbage can! Now the garbage sits in a plain plastic container on top of one of the counters. If I put it in the pantry, he'd try to open it. I don't like it under the sink, and I'd have to put a shock mat down to keep him from scratching at the cupboard. Since I am sometimes barefoot, having a shock mat in front of the sink is a bit of an inconvenience. So it sits on the counter.

    I am just hoping that as Sabrina learns to be a dog, she does not go through the getting-into-everything stage! She spent her whole life in a kennel, so is just learning the ropes.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    "He knows he's not supposed to..."

    Yeah let me guess, he's doing it just to p. you off. Crate dog, keep dog occupied with more rewarding and tiring activities. Get a book on raising puppies. Sign up for puppy class to learn bite inhib and socialize. Leaving a pup unattended is asking for troub and expensive vet bills or can kill.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Your dog is adorable. I had the same problem with all of my dogs when they were pups. Old gal was put back into her crate when she was about 2, she chewed the skirt off of a sofa while I was out one day.

    The two boys have had their fun when I've been at work. One day I came home to a box of Cosequin for cats totally demolished (every pill eaten), a torn up phone book and a can of protein powder open and eaten all over the rug. That day, youngest boy (who had all his house manners, I thought at a year and half) went back into the crate when I was out of the house.

    Everyone's behavior is good at this point, but I still cordon everyone off in my office when I leave the house. I am not taking chances. Labs are perpetual puppies and I am not giving them anything to be tempted by.

    Use your crate when you have to go out. Don't feel badly about crating one dog and not the other. The crate is your best friend at this point.

    As for the trash cans. I got so sick of picking up trash at one point, I invested in Simple Human trash cans. They are a bit industrial looking, but I have not had one trash incident since.

    Good luck!

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    So, in a few days, you put your pup into not one, but two dangerous potentially deadly situations. You really need a trainer, for youself so that you can properly train your pup including - leave it, drop it etc. Crate the dog or slip it's leash on & take him with you when you go to your moms.
    I'd never, ever allow a dog on a desk as not only are you encouraging bad behavior, but you will never be the alpha leader the pup needs unless you follow some of the advice you've been given in other posts.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    The dented can that Casey kept pulling over was Simple Human!

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Mistakes happen. However; as the guardian of your pets, it is your responsibility to safeguard your home. A pup is a pup & needs guidance, patience & consistency.
    For your sake, but mostly Deuces', I certainly hope you've closed up the dog door. You didn't know your cat could climb a fence & since you leave your pup uncrated, you should be aware that a pup can get out by digging or thru a lose board. Escaping would not be too difficult for a dog smart enough to roll down a window, I would think.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I find myself shaking my head over your post and agreeing with many of these answers. You need to train yourself about how to raise a puppy and not set him up for a life time of bad behavior. I'm sure you wanted an easy answer, or just sympathy, from you post but you really need to listen to the experts and do what is right for the dog. Take the advice given. I am sorry for all your pet issues lately, especially the loss of your cat, but I can't help but think they are all related to however you are caring for your animals.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    This is all about association and boredom. Please make certain your pup has had a good couple of walks each day. Dogs left in their yard and in their homes suffer from the fishbowl effect, and having time with other dogs, or even just out and about on a leash in the neighborhood will help out with tiring out your dog and help a bit with establishing who is boss.
    Next go get an empty soda can, fill it at least a third full of lentils or dried beans. Seal up the end with the hole in it with some duct tape so non of the beans come out. Take about 15 minutes to do training with your dog each day. It should not take too long. Put something tasty on the coffee table. Put your dog in a sit stay position. Tell your dog straight off to leave it. This is only fair. Your dog does not speak your language, and so we need to give him the opportunity to be good. The second your dog goes for the treat, shake the can near him and in a firm voice say LEAVE IT. Take your dog by the collar away from the table. Watch to seeif the can shaking has made your dog pull back his ears and try and get away from the can. If so, Bingo, do it again, until your dog leaves the tasty treat on the table. You can do the same thing with the garbage. Make certain you react right away. This is important with dogs, since the live in the moment. I hope you post again and let us know how things go. Good Luck

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    OMG! This is so upsetting. I'm a nurse & too often I see children brought in due to parents' ignorance. Pets, to me, like children, depend on an adult to do what is best. I may sound bitter, I know, but there is no sympathy here from me. I think some people should not have children or PETS that rely on them. Period! End of story.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    zone_8grandma and mazer, I think you both hit the nail on the head. I know he doesn't like loud noises so I'm for sure going to try the soda can thing. I have already baby-proofed my house including nothing on the coffee table. Trust me, I don't want him hurt or anything else to happen. Deuce seems to catch on pretty fast to things so I'm hoping me working with him, nonstop will help.

    Yes, I agree, I made a mistake leaving my sewing kit on the table, NO, he had never done that before so I didn't know anything else. The garbage, like I said, at first we had an open garbage bag and thought that if we left it with the top on it that we would be okay. Well we were wrong so that's why I came on here to see if anybody could give me some advice with an idea. All but two of you I thank you for your advice and criticism. When it makes sense to me, I learn from my mistakes, change and move on. But I do have to say a couple of you are way out of line. marita40, "the way I care for my animals"?? You have no idea how I care for my animals. I don't understand why there always has to be a couple of you that just know it all and have to be mean. My animals are VERY well treated and I know that and so does God, so that's okay if you think differently. kelly_wells, "two dangerous potentially deadly situations" are you kidding me?? My baby going on my desk to take a cute picture is a deadly situation?? You are CRAZY lady!! Deuce knows that we are the boss. He knows that very well. On walks, and everything else in life, he knows. Honestly, every puppy is different! I have heard alot of you say that so yes I do take advice from other posts but then I make it work for us, in our situation.
    quirkyquercus, no I don't think he is doing it just to p me off. If I thought that I wouldn't be asking for help to get him to stop because in that case, nothing would help! geese, some of you must think I am think horrible person or something to talk to me in the way that you do. Well, I'm not!! I love my animals so very much!
    jeanonly_one, lol Yes, I have made the doggy door so nobody can go out of it, but if Sassy were to come home, she can come inside through it.
    See, you guys only hear the bad stuff. I don't come on here and ask your opinion if everything is going okay. I'm not a bad mommy to all my babies but of course I like others opinions with stuff. Out of 10 opinions I might get 3-7 that I will use and that is worth it to me.

    munkos... You are such a sweet person. The way that you gave me advice, but cared about me not wanting to put him in a crate, means alot to me! I take it that everything is okay with your babies even though they ate the meds and stuff. Thank goodness!! I guess that is something you have to deal with, (about your boxer getting into the garbage still) if you want to be his mommy. You are doing it and making your life easier knowing about it. Thats what I will do. If this is a problem that keeps going, even after I train him and he gets older, I will do the same as you. I will pick stuff up, I will lock it away, I will do whatever I have to. Thank you again!!

    Again, thank you for everybodys advice. I have learned about a couple things that I never thought about before and I will FORSURE use!!

    Thanks, Elycia

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Crazy Lady Here!!! The potentially deadly situation was the escaping from car - could have been fatally hit by car or disappeared & your words - "Deuce will not stopping getting into the garbage and bathroom garbage or just anything that is on our coffee table. He really doesn't care whether we are there or not, he knows its bad, he knows not to do it, but its just like he can't help himself, but today I had my sewing kit out on my coffee table because I was sewing my pants and I had to run over to my moms real quick (Which is only 4 doors down)" Well is it 4 doors or 2 blocks, or maybe 4 doors is 2 blocks????? I think you're a drama queen & being called crazy is a compliment coming from you. BTW - My parents are "older" too, in their fifties, LOL. Bet we're near the same age, though our situations are different.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Elycia,

    I hope you will use the information posted that you find helpful. I have to say that I would never post a question here because as you have now learned, this is a tough group. I do participate, but would never ask a question that would bring out the teeth in those who think they are expert at petcare. All of the posters with the exception of one I can think of are amateurs, sure they work at shelters and host rescue dogs. It doesn't make them experts in my book. It may be helpful to consult a trainer, and I mean someone who is certified to do it.

    I wish you the best with your situation. I am sorry you were so jumped on by everyone, although I am not surprised at all.

    Best of luck.

    p.s. Use the crate:0)

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    HEY shady,,, WHAT IS SO UPSETTING????? That's good that you don't have any sympathy because I didn't want any. All I asked for was some tips on helping Deuce to stay out of stuff. THAT'S ALL!!! What in the heck did you imply that I was ignorant about?? I really think that you should not speak unless you know the whole story first. Keep your "End of Stories" and your "Periods" to yourself, nobody wants to hear them!!

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    thank you so much labmamma!!!!!!! You are totally right!!! I'm just going to ignore the mean posts and the one's that think they know it all and only take what will help me from others. You are absulutly RIGHT!! :-) You know what, from what you have told me, I will still use the crate when I need to. I just called my local petsmart and I'm going to get Deuce and Daisee (my moms dog) into puppy classes. Thank you for everything and do you mind if I ask your advice in the future if I need anything??

    Thank you again for everything!

    Elycia

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Sorry all the free advice was not to your satisfaction.

    I was in a hurry and/or having a bad day and/or on the phone while writing the reply. Suffice it to say it is not widely accepted that dogs are spiteful. What is widely accepted is that puppies are not adaptable to unsupervised free range within the human household. Using confinement and training tools such as crates (aka cages) have only become popular in the last 15-20 years. Puppy raising books written within the last 10 years emphasize the need for confinement during times that 100% supervision is not possible to prevent bad habits from starting up such as playing in the trash. It only takes a matter of seconds to swallow a sock or a lethal amount of some poison or cigarettes, unbeknownst to the owner. Socks can be lethal, causing blockage if not digested and passed and I use that as an example because I watched my puppy devour a sock before my very eyes during thanksgiving holiday requiring an expensive trip to the only emergency vet in town. My father who was in town is an old school southern dog person told me not to waste my time and money and didn't see how the sock could be a problem. He suggested I keep my dogs in a doghouse in the backyard so this problem doesn't happen again. You see things have changed since he last cared for a dog 45 years ago.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Oh yes I totally agree with you quirky. Things have changed very much in the last 45 years.

    It's not that the post wasn't up to my satisfaction, I just asked for your advice and everybody jumped on me!! I didn't see why or how that was necessary. That's all! I'm a person who has soooo much love for animals and to be told all this negitive stuff about me, it hurts. That's why I said, I don't mind at all contructive criticism but don't say I'm not fit to have kids or animals, or that its all me, and etc! Come on, help me, give me advice, tell me what you did with your animals, that's what I'm looking for. Then I can look at all the posts and see if ANY of them fit into my life. And you mention that its "Free" advice, well nobody is professional around here so what, did you want payment for you words?? I don't understand that statement at all. Please, tell me what you did with your situation.

    Thank you, Elycia

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Quirky,
    I was about to reply, but you've said it so well. I can't count the times I've been totally devastated by a child's death or permanent damage caused by legal/illegal drugs &/or electical outlets, bookcases & on & on. Same applies to pets, IMO that don't know better. People (adults) have to be responsible. Crate your pets, please, as a safety measure when needed. I'm so tired, I hope I make sense. Need too take a nap before daughters get home.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    You're more than welcome for the advice.

    I just thought I'd add too, that all of the things Coda has gotten into, have been when I've still been in the house. I know better than to let her have free roam of the house, because I KNOW she will find something to get into. So I baby gated the entrance to the living room (The only room where one baby gate will suffice..everywhere else would need 3 or 4) and would leave her to go shower.

    I picked up everything I imagined she would get into, but obviously wasn't thinking about it good enough. She hadn't attempted to take anything off the coffee table in months, so I figured she had learned. I put everything in the middle of the coffee table though, just incase. And put anything else up that she could get at.

    Well the middle of the coffee table wasn't good enough. Neither was putting things up on a shelf, or higher table. She got into the sewing needles because they were on the table. The pamprin and Dristan she got into because the cats knocked them down. I put them up on the top of the speakers in the living room, and Im guessing since nothing is usually on the speakers, the cats didn't realise it, until they'd already jumped up and knocked them down.

    Coda was okay, though. I counted all the needles when I found them (nearly in tears, too. I was worried and mad at myself!) and they were all there. The dristan she poked a hole in, but Im sure the bitterness detered her, because the hole was tiny and she'd left it on the floor. When she destroys something, she doesn't leave it until its completely destroyed. And she didn't manage to get in the pamprin, she just gnawed the cap, but didn't get through it.

    I've been weary of leaving her out for any amount of time because of it now, but we've been doing it slowly. And we've been leaving things to tempt her on the table, and watching her when she can't see us, so we can correct the behaviour. It's difficult to train her to leave things on the table when we're not there, because she doesn't do it when we're in the room. She knows better when we're there, and it's hard to discipline if we aren't there.

    So we're hoping she'll at the very least learn that just because we aren't in the room, doesn't mean we won't still catch her.

    I think for now, the best advice would be to crate him when you aren't home. Or puppy proof a room. Though you'd be surprised at the things they find to chew (your floor, door frame etc) even when there isn't anything to chew.

    You can't discipline a dog for something he did an hour ago when you weren't there. When you are home, do the soda can technique, as has been suggested. Leave the room, do whatever..but check in frequently, so you can catch him in the act.

    A learning process for the both of us! Don't get frustrated if it takes a while, it might take a lot longer than it did with Star. Maybe Duece will be like coda. Just snap out of it seemingly over night and go from looking and acting like an aloof puppy, to looking and acting like a well trained companion. Obviously coda still needs a little work, but I've been completely amazed with the progress she's made in the last few months, all on her own. She's gone from listening only half of the time, to sometimes doing things before I even have to tell her.

    Sorry this is so long, I think I've been bit by the chatterbug this morning!

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I was just watching the show on AP, "E-vets swallowed stuff". Okay, that's not really the name of the show, but it was recap of pets, mostly DOGS, swallowing stuff they shouldn't eat, like rocks and fishing hooks. The Vet made a very good point. People will go to great lengths to baby proof a house for a new infant, why don't they do the same for dogs?

    Anyway, puppies will get into things, that's just what they do. My 14 month old puppy still counter surfs, even though I've told her about 700 times to get down. I just don't put anything up there for her to steal anymore.

    --- Remembering the day she was so proud of herself for stealing a whole stick of margerine. She thought she won the lottery! ----

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    shabosbaby, I hope you don't think I was jumping on you. I pretty much just make statements that sound pretty dry. But some people can really go overboard with their responses.

    "He really doesn't care whether we are there or not, he knows its bad, he knows not to do it, but its just like he can't help himself, if he sees something he has to get it on the ground and spread it out everywhere."

    Like I said, it's typical puppy stuff. You need to be patient and calm about it. He'll get better. Boxers are great dogs, but they need guidance just like any other dog. I make sure my puppy has something to play with. She has her own play towel, and when she gets bored and starts exploring, I get the towel out and we play tug for a while.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Thank you for everything and do you mind if I ask your advice in the future if I need anything??

    Sorry, if you ask for advice on a forum then us amateurs jump in too. :)

    Classes will be fun. Your and your pup will have a blast.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    measure_twice - I don't think it is a matter of being amateurs as much as such judgmental, negative and holier than thou responses. Who wants to ask a question and be attacked? Don't you think that OP feels badly enough?

    I originally thought that the pet forum would be a good place for questions and SUPPORT. I quickly realized differently. Judgment is not helpful and quickly puts people off. I post when I feel I can be helpful, I don't think it is my place to scold someone who is asking for help.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Shabo - You can very much love your animals and care for them and they can be very well treated, but that amounts to squat when you continually fail to think out a situation or acknowledge a danger despite the evidence and put your animals safety at risk.

    You posted your car windows canÂt be controlled for roll down when the ignition is off, but leave the dogs in the car anyways. You install an egress for dogs and fail to think it out that it is also an egress for the cat in the house. You original post "I have no idea what his obsession is with the stuff on my coffee table. Any time there is ANYTHING on my coffee table Deuce gets it down and tears it apart". But, despite knowing the dog gets anything off the coffee table and this isnÂt the first incidence of such, you leave the house with a sewing kit full of needles on the table and then respond "NO, he had never done that before so I didn't know anything else".

    You can "care" all you want and you can ask for advise for behavior all you want but if you donÂt address your inadequacy to even think out an obvious situationÂÂ.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Hi, again.

    Look, I have to agree with others -- you need an education on how to care for animals.

    From the second I read the post about Deuce (adorable beyond words!) getting out of your car right after you lost Sassy, I knew that you really don't know much about animals or their behavior.

    All these things are not coincidence or bad luck. They're negligence on your part.

    I'm not trying to beat you up. But, these animals deserve a safe and nurturing (not just a lot of love) environment.

    I had wanted to say this awhile ago, but, I didn't because of your distress over Sassy. It's time, though, to think of the welfare of your animals at the expense of your feelings.

    Please listen to what the helpful people on this forum are saying and educate yourself.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Shabosbaby...

    We jump on people in this forum because we are passionate and on the same token we could all benefit from obedience training so we learn not to jump :-)

    Free advice, you know it's take it or leave it. Some of it you'll like, some of it you won't. In forums, you can't complain about the advice because you didn't pay for it but When I started asking pet questions on the net as a newbie I got jumped on and the comments not only stuck with me because they were memorably obnoxious, but I wound up learning a whole lot from the passionate loudmouths. If you feel like dirt by some of the replies here then just picture all the loudmouths throwing tomatoes at you next time you almost not crate the dog when you can't watch him. As mentioned it won't be long until you can gradually test the waters and give the puppy more freedom and it will be such a relief on those times when you come home and everything is just the way you left it. They grow up so fast. Instead of trash, crate the dog with safe chew toys like kongs and eventually when you ahve to leave and the dog starts looking for something to do, they go right for the chewtoy out of habit, not the trash or exploring for cushions to rip apart. (called chewtoy training)

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Shabosbaby,
    Even though you think I'm crazy, I want you to know I really do care about you & your babies. Haven't heard from you in days. Hope all is well!

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I don't think any one here intentionally attacked, jumped on, or talked down to you, Elycia. You asked for help, and perhaps you didn't get the answers you expected, but please consider that these people were trying. Have you heard "you can't see the forest for the trees?" Sure hope you'll continue to ask questions or post pictures or whatever. Best wishes to you, your dh, & babies.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Thank you everybody for your posts. Deuce has been doing very well lately!! He and I have learned to change things that we do and its working out great! No word on Sassy yet, but I'm still keeping hope in my heart!

    Thanks again munkos!! You have helped me out tons!!

    I will post if I need anything in the future. I think that quite a few of you know what your talking about even more then a vet would!! :-) I always think personal experiences is better then what I could read in a book anyday!! There is always room to learn in Everybodys life!! So thanks everybody!!

    Thanks, Elycia

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