I really like our border collie. He's G-R-E-A-T with the kids, and has never shown even a hint of aggression. The only problem is that he loves me too much. Any time I leave (a lot of the times anyway) he tears shit up. Whether he's inside or outside, in the garage, whatever. Something pays the price for me leaving him. Separation anxiety? At it's worst.
Aside from that, Brian often sleeps during the day. If the dog is in a crate, he howls and yips until Brian wants to kill him. If I leave him out, he runs up and down the fenceline to the point he has actually created muddy trenches in the paths he runs through the yard (which is a whole acre big, mind you). He is incessant about chasing cars, trucks, UPS men, when ever one even drives down the road (behind the fence of course, he just goes up and down the fence line, over and over and over and over and over and over...)
If we tie him up, he paces and/or barks the whole time. I know he is a herder, but it is really ridiculous. He gets so much exercise he looks like a greyhound, and is nothing but muscle.
We are just getting sick of destruction. Whether its the yard or something in the house.
We don't know what to do. When we're home, he's fine. He'll lay down and usually mind his own business (when he can see us). Let him out for more than 2 nanoseconds, and he's a muddy mess from running the trenches. So then it's into the garage to dry off, and if we leave him there too long, something gets chewed up. We've tried bones, toys, everything. He even steals food (bread, namely) off the counters and eats it the second we leave.
Yeah, I see the obvious solution, don't leave stuff out, but I don't want to have to pack up the house each time I want to leave. He even stole a chicken breast I was thawing in the sink one time.
Ug. Patience is wearing thin, but I hate to get rid of such a good "kid dog." Any suggestions?
Check out my poll on the right...
What kind of dog was your "best dog"?
Friday, December 14, 2007
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4 comments:
I would say give him a nice drink of antifreeze and get a cat.
Brian
Our Toy Cockapoo (Coco)is AMAZINGGGG!! She's not destructive, doesn't shed, nor bark much either. As you've probably seen, she's very lovable and great around kids. FYI- Cockapoos come in standard, mini, & toy breeds (In case you didn't like toy sizes.) This depends on the size of the parents-a standard size poodle w/ Cocker Spaniel= biggest kind. Hope this helped.
Emily:)
Kirby is just an overly energetic and loving dog. I feel so bad for him because he isn't a bad dog. He just isn't a good fit for your family. He's been so good with Jade and Vincent and loves people. Please think about finding him a new home.
I've been meaning to stop by and comment on this, and I keep forgetting! Here I am!
How about putting pea gravel (you know, the little tiny smooth rocks like they used to have on playgrounds - you can buy it at that place on Rt. 2) down on his trails? That way he can still run there, but you won't get mud and crap tracked into your house. If you want to go all landscapey, you could even put railroad ties around the perimeter of your yard, about 3 ft. in from the fence, and then put the pea gravel between that and the fence (so you don't get pea gravel all over your yard). Maybe if you just did the front, where he runs along the fence and barks, it would help.
I've never been a crate training fan, personally. My feeling is that most of Max's job is to protect the house from Bad Guys - so how can she do that if she's locked in a box?
A lot of this behavior will settle down as he gets older. He's under a year old, right? He's still a puppy, or at best, a teenager. Max was so hyper when she was a pup, but she mellowed out into the nicest, most loyal, most loving dog. She still jumps (which sucks) and barks (which is part of her job, see above) but she doesn't destroy stuff (anymore - she ate all the window sills in our old apartment. Kiss that security deposit buh-bye...).
Make sure he has lots of interesting things to chew on. Whenever you catch him in the act of chewing on something inappropriate, say, "That is a bad chew, Kirby. Here's a good chew!" and stuff a bone in his mouth. Then say, "Good chew!" over and over and pat him.
Sleep in an old t-shirt for a couple of nights, and then put it in his crate. Give him your scent, so that he feels more secure. That should help him calm down during the day. Or get good and sweaty and then rub an old, ratty stuffed animal all over yourself, and then give him that to love on.
I know this sounds like I've lost my mind, but have you considered getting him a dog? A lot of his issues sound like he's lonely and bored, and if he had a dog of his own, maybe he wouldn't be either... Of course, it could be twice the destruction, but I'd seriously try getting another dog before I'd get rid of him.
Actually, we need someone to watch Max Friday night, if you want to try a loaner dog and see if it helps!! We'll be driving by, too. Let me know!
Love,
Amy
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