Dog Community

Dogs eating the cushions

Posted : 3/29/2011 11:07:54 AM

Hi all, I was wondering if anyone had any advice concerning my 2 Border Terriers. They are getting 2 walks a day, they are fed well and very well looked after. we both work but one of us or the dog walker will see them at lunch time. Recently they have been ripping up the cushions and growling at night if you try to move them. We have let them sleep in the bedroom but stopped doing that last night and had whimpering throughout the night and in the morning woke to find more cushions ripped up, the reason we didn't move the cushions is because if there are no cushions we are worried they will eat the furniture. I have read lots of conflicting websites, some say that they are either anxious or they don't have enough boundaries, some say you should reward and other say you should be firm. The behaviour is becoming a huge problem and is relentless. Are they really unhappy? we are upset that perhaps they would be happier with a couple or family that don't work and can spend all day with them and never leave them at home alone. Any tips or help would be gratefully received......Thanks

JackieG

Posted : 3/29/2011 2:31:41 PM

I'd be crate training them and stop all access to furniture when you aren't actively watching them. How old are they?

micksmom

Posted : 3/29/2011 3:00:47 PM

JackieG
I'd be crate training them and stop all access to furniture when you aren't actively watching them...

I second the crating suggestion, and would also suggest looking into obedience classes.

syster

Posted : 3/29/2011 5:33:14 PM

thanks, they are 2 in August, is that too old to crate them?, they were crated as puppies

JackieG

Posted : 3/29/2011 6:13:18 PM

It's never too late to crate train or do most any other training and since they were crated as pups, this should be fairly quick and easy. Keep it positive and provide a good chew object. Do the retraining at the pace that is comfortable for them but don't let them out if they're crying, barking or in any way protesting. Crate them separately.

I agree that it would be very good if you enrolled them in an obedience class. One at a time, of course and I recommend a positive training class especially, since these are terriers. :) Clicker training is great and if you can find a class that would be cool or there's lots of clicker info on the net. I also recommend you begin NILIF. Nothing in Life is Free. It's a great method and dogs "get" it very quickly if you're consistent and fair.

There are a ton of good dog training and behavior books out there. Patricia McConnell and Jean Donaldson are my top recommendations for easy to read, common sense advice and training help.

syster

Posted : 3/30/2011 3:30:21 AM

I really appreciate your help, we will take your advice and sort out the training and caging. Many thanks