Struggling a little :(

Hi everyone, sorry I haven't been on much we've had a lot to deal with lately and having a bit of a tough time with Koda (14 mths) on top of that. His walking on lead is horrendous (pulls so hard sometimes my arm near pops out of it's socket!), and he has been destroying our BBQ which has been a big problem as my husband goes beserk (rightfully so) when he does and it creates tension for us all, then to top it off last weekend Koda decides to take a big chunk out of the base of our bed (literally) which we just paid over AUD$5000 for - for no apparant reason as we were home with him all day (the BBQ destruction I put down to boredom while we're at work). Otherwise he truly has been a gem and gives us SO much pleasure, such a smart boy and loves a good play & cuddle !! So little bump in the road for now, looking forward to Xmas holidays and time at home !!!

Sorry to hear that and I think we have all been there. Have you tried bitter apple or blocking off the areas you don't want him to go?

I have tried the sprays, Vicks, vinegar etc., next on the list is chilli ! Can't block this area off unfortunately. I know in time he'll grow out of it but when you're in the thick of it it's a bit rough sometimes.

We were lucky with Suki as she never really had a long destructive phase. Koda is also the right age for the teenage phase which can be a pain

He sure is ! Must ride the storm out as he's worth every bit (tell the bank that, ha !!)

White Vinegar worked a treat for us, instantly stopped him from being destructive. I'm surprised it's not working for you.

As I explained in one of my previous posts, another technique you should try, which may come across as a bit harsh to some but works a treat is when they're playing up, just run your hands under the tap for a few seconds and splash water in their face by closing your fingers into your hand and then letting go in a sort of star shape (hope that makes sense).

I did that only maybe 5/6 times with Zeus, with actual water, when he was maybe 7/8 months old and now, whenever he's being a pain or showing unwanted behavior, we just make that splashing/star movement with our hands, he thinks water's coming his way and completely stops his behavior and becomes your best friend. It doesn't scare him, it just lets him know that we don't want him to do what he's doing.

Have you tried a slip lead as a figure of 8 for koda I really really reccomend, my uncle is a behaviourist and he would most definitely recommend one too. Will send you a link http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-iv7uanUCZY

Sounds like he is being a bit of a terror!
As for the walking, Bane was being awful whenever I walked him. I found that if I stop and make him walk back to me and wait by my side until I walk forward, he will then walk nicely a little. Then if he does it again do the same thing. It is taking a lot of time but now when I stop, he will automatically come and stand by my side and wait. We have even had a couple of walks where he has been good the whole walk! He doesn't always walk to heel but will walk on a loose lead!

Thank you guys, I have to try something!

Duka pulls hard on the lead,when he,s won and I give up I put the lead under one of his front legs and then to my hand,if he pulls it lifts his leg of the ground,its not perfect but it gives both him and me a brake when things are bad and it works very well

Great, thanks! Got the BBQ repaired and put a big piece of timber in front of it then strapped it on so he can't get to the knobs/wires, and smothered in vinegar/chilli sauce - fingers crossed !!!!

I have a gentle leader which is a figure of 8 one, they really are mavellous Bek. Do get one and try it. I dont know how much exercise he gets, but maybe a contribution to the destuctivness xx

Thx Inez, I will, I'm over the walking battle! If not, you CAN have him !! lol. He's walked 45 mins morn & night and often tired and have to carry him the last block or so lol

Send him to me Bek I know its hard but he should be getting at least 2 hour in total walking plus some off lead play. If you can try and increase exercise I am sure it would help hun xx

Oooh I'll take him Maybe he'll keep Bane on his toes

Ok will give it a go with increased exercise too, just hard as we're having 40c days at the mo and he's struggling to walk far in the heat, have literally had to carry him home last block or two recently. Morning walks are ok but arvo's in the heat are the killer, and still hot when dark. Worth a shot tho ! Thanks Haha Emma you'd have to fight Inez first so how about we all dog-share, 1 week with me, then Inez, then Emma, then ...

If you can't up the walks what about some extra training at home? Just trick training.. Make all of his feeds interactive - kongs etc. in summer I used to get bug to chase the hose pipe around the garden, which cooled her down and tired her out. Swimming would be a good way to exercise him too?

Also, know it's complicated, but as far as I remember he is being left for 8 hours ish every day right? When bug was being left that much she was stir crazy all of the time. Luckily we only have to leave her one/two days a week for 7 hours now and have a dog walker in after 3.5 to tire her out with play/give some fuss and a kong. That's quite a long time to entertain himself, which may be why the BBQ has become his chew toy.

Hi ya bek I'm having the same trouble with beau started to chew everything think it might be the naughty twos setting in fingers crossed not for long gud luck with koda

Oh Beau, you look so innocent! Sorry but thank god, i have been feeling like the worst owner ever! People are so judgemental

AussieStaff wrote:Ok will give it a go with increased exercise too, just hard as we're having 40c days at the mo and he's struggling to walk far in the heat, have literally had to carry him home last block or two recently. Morning walks are ok but arvo's in the heat are the killer, and still hot when dark. Worth a shot tho ! Thanks Haha Emma you'd have to fight Inez first so how about we all dog-share, 1 week with me, then Inez, then Emma, then ...

Fine by me Bek

Hi ya bek how you getting on with koda beaus settling down know ! Seen on sky news it's 45 degrees in some parts of Australia

AussieStaff wrote:Ok will give it a go with increased exercise too, just hard as we're having 40c days at the mo and he's struggling to walk far in the heat, have literally had to carry him home last block or two recently. Morning walks are ok but arvo's in the heat are the killer, and still hot when dark. Worth a shot tho ! Thanks Haha Emma you'd have to fight Inez first so how about we all dog-share, 1 week with me, then Inez, then Emma, then ...

Hi Bek

Yeh its been hot here lately and walks are down to a slow stroll is there a dog beach near you or lake may be worth trying swapping a walk for a swim if this is at all possible even a plastic shell pool may provide fun and exercise to beat the heat.

Cheers

Hi guys just wanted to say thanks heaps for the posts & also the support - pup's sure can be trying! Walking is no different but that's my fault for not changing the method thus far (always on the 'to do' list and always pushed aside as am not patient enough), but been on holidays for 3 weeks and at home and he's been so good, so well behaved ! BBQ hasn't been touched but I have been spraying it with vinegar & hot chilli which has been a great deterrant (sp.?). Back to work next Monday so be interesting to see if the behaviour changes, but for now just enjoying having so many cuddles & fun outtings with my amazeballs gorgeous pup !!! <3 Thanks again.