My dog is digging, chewing & destroying my backyard. Help please.

• 05-15-2008 6:18 PM

  In reply to turborich

  Bonita of Bwana Joined on 09-14-2007 Foley , Alabama Posts 1,671 Points 4,655

  Re: My dog is digging, chewing & destroying my backyard. Help please. Reply Contact First she is really pretty !! Second I can only offer my sympathy. My 9 RRs have made my back yard look like Beiruit !! We refill the holes and include the dog waste this prohibits them from redigging the same spot but only delays the brats from finding a new spot to dig up...if 4 of them get busy I can have an hours works to refil a single hole!! They routinally pick one or more of the kid's toys and chew the heck out of it , my spa house has been destroyed by them figuring out they could go thru the screen and plastic window coverings if they spotted a lizard or toad!   My front yard is tidy and fun , full of yard whimesy and a joy. The back yard is a constant effort to clean , repair and manage to make sure the 5 kids have a safe and clean play space and the dogs have a good sized area to challenge the tree rats ( squirrels) and run and play. Will I ever have a landscaped back yard?   nope, but my dogs and kids had a brilliant plan to dig to china and often help each other in this adventure. And anyone getting in trouble gets poop duty  to that helps a bit too..... My sympathies but know you are not alone, really you aren't! Bonita of Bwana Bonita of Bwana AKC Rhodesian Ridgebacks Champions, Therapy Dogs and Awesome Companions

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• 05-15-2008 6:40 PM

  In reply to turborich

  Bonita of Bwana Joined on 09-14-2007 Foley , Alabama Posts 1,671 Points 4,655

  Re: My dog is digging, chewing & destroying my backyard. Help please. Reply Contact turborich: Tell that to the local animal shelter. their people strongly suggested to do this so that the dog would know what it's doing wrong. Whether it's correct or not I don't know. I was following their advice.  Oh yes, it's my fault that as soon as i was done giving her a bath, she ran out & peed on the carpet? I don't see how? Would you have liked me to carry the dog downstairs & lock her up in a box or something? The dog peed where she wasn't supposed to. Was it her fault? No probally not since she isn't trained yet. I don't see how it's my fault though. Accidents happen, Dont they? Your dog(s) have never peed in the house? Kiddo No one is saying you are not trying and by the same token unfortunately just because some oengets a check from an animal shelter or even a vet facility does not mean they know "squat" pardon the pun about training,  I have been in dogs over 40 years and the last time I rubbed a dog's nose in a mess was about 42 years ago... it does not work. Period. They don't assoiciate the puddle (etc) with wrong doing on thier part. The rubbing of thier face in it just tells them you are rather demented  .. No disrespect intended as obviously you are trying to learn how to handle this lovely dog. You picked a strong willed , very active animal that requires training from the start. If you hope to establish her as a member of you family many of the suggestions offered are awesome. My 8 dogs do not mess in my home the 9th a puppy recently picked up from a reputable breder to train for another family has "issues" he was litter box trained , sorry that is not house broken in my book, so he tries so very hard to hold it but every now and then forgets or one of us misses the tell sign and he makes a mess, a sharp correction verbally stops him in the act and he is hustled out. We clean up and all is forgiven when he comes back in. He would not rememeber why I was POed again excuse the crummy pun 10 minutes after doing the deed.  crate training is a Godsend. We live in Hurricane Alley and evacuations are a way of life in our world. So we train from the start to have the dog happy and comfy in a crate. An outside dog is NOT a  member of your family. It is a potenally destructive yard ornament. The develope thier own behaviors nbot the one you would have her show.  My dogs routinally pass CGC, and ATTS I raise International Therapy Dogs  as well as show dogs and companions .  They are easily walked through crowds and show sites with common sense and controls. The yard is simply not a big deal for us. It is huge and if they destroy of it it makes for a family work effort to clean it back up. Silly  I know but again I have 9 large dogs that live with me and my neighbors thinks I may have 3. No barking issues, no smell, no obvious damage so they make our life quite easy to enjoy them and still have a family both 2 and 4 legged. Best of luck with Ginger and please don't take offense when the suggestions seem to come from the hip. Most of us thtink of our fur kids as we would our 2 leggers, would you take a 2 legger out of the tub and let them run through the house without being dressed, diapered or what ever? Nope, you would assume the water and temp changes could prompt a normal need to potty and while youar erinsing the tub and gathing wet towels they don't think the need to wait is as important...   Bonita of Bwana Bonita of Bwana AKC Rhodesian Ridgebacks Champions, Therapy Dogs and Awesome Companions

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• 05-15-2008 7:50 PM

  In reply to Bonita of Bwana

  tiffy Joined on 09-10-2007 Tacoma, Wa. Posts 1,617 Points 130

  Re: My dog is digging, chewing & destroying my backyard. Help please. Reply Contact That was the point I was trying to make. When housetraining a dog you need to be proactive and one step ahead, always.  A dog is very much like a baby. And no, my dog has never pottied in the house since she was 6 mo. old. Every time a dog goes in the house, its reinforcing the behavior. is Ginger alone in the backyard? Tootsie, my dog will become destructive when left to amuse herself also.

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• 05-17-2008 5:31 PM

  In reply to turborich

  espencer Joined on 09-25-2006 St Louis Posts 3,198 Points 300

  Re: My dog is digging, chewing & destroying my backyard. Help please. Reply Contact turborich: I walk her to my son's bus stop in the morning & if the ground isn't too hot in the afternoon as well.   Not even close to the amount of exercise she needs, she needs to walk AT LEAST 30-45 minutes a day; fish swim, birds fly, dogs walk, i have an Alaskan Malamute, if i was not walking him EVERY day i would be living in the street because my house would be destroyed by know Once you come back from the walk she will go into "resting mode", you burned out all the energy she needs to dig holes and destroy things, pent up energy leads to frustration, frustration lead to aggression and you dont want an aggressive dog Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, Exercise, and more Exercise "There are not bad dogs, only bad owners"

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• 05-17-2008 7:13 PM

  In reply to espencer

  Maxs Mom Joined on 09-26-2006 Livonia, MI Posts 1,569 Points 100

  Re: My dog is digging, chewing & destroying my backyard. Help please. Reply Contact   We have had HUGE success with our dogs to stop their digging by putting their poop in the hole and covering it up. They won't ever go back to that spot. Once we start doing that, our dogs lose interest in digging.   Ann & Art Maxine CGC, UADNJIII, DDNJ-r (11 yr old Golden) Belle NJP, NAJ, OJP, CGC, UAGI, UADSJ, UADJJ (5 Black Lab) Teddi UADJJ, UJJ, CGC (1 1/2 yr old Golden) Pete 14 yr old TB

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• 05-19-2008 4:17 PM

  In reply to espencer

  mudpuppy Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 5,478 Points 100

  Re: My dog is digging, chewing & destroying my backyard. Help please. Reply Contact a leash-walk of any length is rarely sufficient for a large dog- they need to run. they need mental work. A pitty would be an excellent candidate for weight-pulling or carrying a pack to help burn off energy. Fetch is a wonderful way to exercise a dog. Obedience training in short sessions throughout the day helps tire the mind- have the dog perform simple commands in order to earn meals, for example. Oh, and you should never "correct" a dog for pottying in the house in any way. It will backfire. All the dog learns is to not-potty when the owner is present: so you get a dog who sneaks off behind the couch to potty and who refuses to potty on leash. Simply take out often and reward for pottying in the correct place, and supervise every minute of this dog's life for the next few weeks to help her avoid developing bad habits.

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• 05-19-2008 8:30 PM

  In reply to mudpuppy

  Bonita of Bwana Joined on 09-14-2007 Foley , Alabama Posts 1,671 Points 4,655

  Re: My dog is digging, chewing & destroying my backyard. Help please. Reply Contact mudpuppy: Oh, and you should never "correct" a dog for pottying in the house in any way. It will backfire. All the dog learns is to not-potty when the owner is present: so you get a dog who sneaks off behind the couch to potty and who refuses to potty on leash. Simply take out often and reward for pottying in the correct place, and supervise every minute of this dog's life for the next few weeks to help her avoid developing bad habits. GREAT advice !!!!!    seriously simple and correct I may stick this in my puppy packets it is a perfect qoute about potty training !! Bonita of Bwana Bonita of Bwana AKC Rhodesian Ridgebacks Champions, Therapy Dogs and Awesome Companions

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• 05-21-2008 6:57 PM

  In reply to Bonita of Bwana

  spiritdogs Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 10,133 Points 735

  Re: My dog is digging, chewing & destroying my backyard. Help please. Reply Contact  The one thing that is a Pit characteristic is that they are working dogs and, thus, do get easily bored.  Once you get her trained in basic obedience, think about a dog sport, like agility.  (Or, maybe you could do therapy dog work with her.  Pits may not always like other dogs, but they usually LOVE people)  You'd probably have a blast, both of you would get good exercise, she would get mental stimulation, and the best thing of all - she would be a great ambassador for her breed.  Giving her up would place her in great danger, IMO.  Some people aren't good with Pits, and if she ever lost her home, and went to a shelter, she might be among the first to be euthanized, even if she's a nice dog. http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets/housetraining.html  http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets/digging.html  http://www.understand-a-bull.com/images/Target_1.JPG  http://www.understand-a-bull.com/images/Moose%20therapy%206.jpg  Regional Director for Massachusetts, International Positive Dog Training Association Director, SeniorCare Pawsitive Connections Program AKC CGC Evaluator #3669 Therapy Dogs, Inc. Tester/Observer Sioux, CGC, TDInc. Maska, CGC, TDInc. Sequoyah, CGC Fergie, Retired Lap Dog, Age 19 Dancer, CGC, TDInc. (1989-2006) #1 Heart Dog "If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears, one destroys." - Chief Dan George "The fidelity of a dog is a precious gift demanding no less binding moral responsibilities than the friendship of a human being. The bond with a true dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth can ever be." ~ Konrad Lorenz

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• 05-21-2008 11:19 PM

  In reply to spiritdogs

  BCMixs Joined on 01-10-2008 Virginia Posts 1,400 Points 25

  Re: My dog is digging, chewing & destroying my backyard. Help please. Reply Contact  You've gotten great advice, the poop in the hole has worked well for us.  I have a crazy chewer (Indie) who's gotten better in the past few months.  But one thing I haven't seen mentioned that might help are the treat balls.  They worked great on Indie, and there are a few different types that could keep her challenged.  If you do set aside a digging box for her, you could even bury them or hide them around the yard for her to find them.  The optimistic hope that a tidbit of a treat might fall out keeps Indie thumping them about the house even when they're long past empty.   I also stuff Kongs and  hollow bones with peanut butter and banana or green tripe and freeze them.  It keeps both dogs nice and happy when they're crated if I'm gone for a while during the day.  I'd also suggest keeping her crated in your room at night.  I've found with my dogs that they are more settled, sleep better and bond with you when they sleep with near you where they can see, hear and smell you.  Crating her would prevent any accidents from happening while you're sleeping. Also, exercise, exercise, exercise.  A tired dog is a good dog.  My two walk an hour a day and even then they can be stinkers sometimes.  Training exercises and other activities help keep their minds tired too.  If you can take her for a long walk in the morning (45 mins plus) before you leave for the day, you might see some improvement. Good luck!  30 lbs. by Christmas, down 4 lbs., 26 to go!!!

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• 06-06-2008 10:52 PM

  In reply to BCMixs

  sillysally Joined on 09-10-2007 Indiana Posts 3,414 Points 0

  Re: My dog is digging, chewing & destroying my backyard. Help please. Reply Contact  Exercise and mental stimulation are VERY key here.  Honestly the amount of exercise that she is getting does not sound sufficient.  Pit bulls are athletes, and in general they are *very* smart.  Mine learned to open all the doors in our house within 2 days of moving in. Here are some things that might help: -jogging--either with you, or along side a bike -hiking--my pittie *loves* to hike.  The surroundings also help with the mental stimulation part of it. -playing in the water.  If you have a lake in your area you could see how she likes playing in water.  Just let her go at her own pace, and if you think she might swim I highly recommend a dog life jacket, as some pitties are not terrific swimmers. -Jolly Balls.  My pittie girl is *crazy* about Jolly Balls.  Another thing you could try is a large hard plastic ball. -if she likes to fetch, use that and play lots of fetch with her -have her carry a backpack on walks.  Make sure you work her up slowly to actually putting stuff in the backpack though. -if you have a large, open area (not around lots of people) you can walk in you could try walking her on a harness and long line.  I have several long lines of various sizes.  It gives her more freedom to move out then a shorter leash would, but you still have control and are not breaking leash laws or risking her getting hurt.   -Invest in some "smart toys."  Kongs, Buster Cubes, treat balls, those ice things you freeze with lots of treats in them.  Trust me, smart toys are your friends.  -You can also try playing games with her.  Here is a good link about scent games:  http://www.flyingdogpress.com/scntgame.html   Like others have said, it would be a good idea to not rub her nose in her accidents.  I know that is actually a very common misconception.  When we got our first dog--our pit mix Sally, she was 1 year old and completely unhousebroken.  We thought you were supposed to rub their nose in it too, but after seeing how much it freaked Sally out, we did a little research and tried other methods. We were able to housebreak Sally using a combination of crate training and taking her out on a schedule.  We also ended up housebreaking our lab puppy that way.   Good luck and keep us posted!!  "Some men aren't looking for anything logical. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn."

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• 06-07-2008 10:18 PM

  In reply to sillysally

  miranadobe Joined on 04-06-2006 Arizona Posts 4,181 Points 305

  Re: My dog is digging, chewing & destroying my backyard. Help please. Reply Contact sillysally: -Jolly Balls.  My pittie girl is *crazy* about Jolly Balls.  Another thing you could try is a large hard plastic ball. Amen - I live in a hot climate with a pit, too, so I know how that changes things.  I feel for your frustration.  Of all the dogs, our Pit demands the most attention, play time, exercise, and general upkeep.  But is she worth it?  FOR SURE!!  She is my boyfriend's dog, and I just asked him what he did to wear her out aside from the play time with her companion (the Heeler).  His response "nothing wears her out". I don't want to jump on the bandwagon, but if all your pit gets is one, maybe two walks a day - well, then there is plenty of room for improvement in her behavior when you add some exercise and mental stimulation - more play time, obedience training, etc.  The Jolly Ball or other rolling puzzle toys help our girl.  She LOVES to play fetch in the backyard with it.  In your case, that means you wouldn't have to leave your son unattended to get the dog exercised.  Our pit also NEEDS to chew.  Lots of appropriate chew toys supervised so that if/when she transitions to something she should NOT chew, you can discourage it and give her the appropriate chew toy instead. I also brought our Pit through obedience training this spring and, in all honesty, was a smidge surprised by how good she became so quickly.  She seems like a wiggly butt, dum-dum sometimes. (I love my "Potato Head")... but, she actually learned very quickly and was a willing and ready companion in training.  You might be pleasantly surprised and PROUD of your pit if you can invest in her like this.  It will build your bond, her skills of understanding what you want/don't want, etc.  I know "obedience training" is a big suggestion to drop on someone who is just learning that "rubbing her nose in her pee" is a useless act... but there's plenty of resources here in the training section.  You can do it... and you may be surprised to learn your Pit can do it - and EXCEL at it! Good luck!! Gracie - 5yr old Doberman, Jada - 4?yr old APBT, Achilles - 4yr old ACD Fight for your opinions, but do not believe that they contain the whole truth, or the only truth. ~W. Hamilton

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• 06-08-2008 11:21 AM

  In reply to turborich

  Chuffy Joined on 12-17-2006 UK Posts 5,453 Points 10

  Re: My dog is digging, chewing & destroying my backyard. Help please. Reply Contact  My gut reaction without reading the otehr replies is that she is bored. Assuming that's the case here's your 6 step plan to set her straight: 1. WELL DONE for cordoning off the areas you do not want her to intrude.  This is a very positive first step.  At this stage, managing her environment is a tonne more effective and kind than nagging her. 2.  Give her more exercise.  Increase each of her daily walks by 10 minutes and next week, increase them by 10 minutes again.  3.  Set aside some time every day for PLAYTIME.  Include vigourous physical games like fetch, but ALSO include mind games (like hide and seek)  This is SO easy to teach and you will have a blast watching her look for stuff.  It will tire her out effectively too. 4.  Set aside some time every day to train her.  Work on things she knows a little... if she sac sit-stay for 20 seconds, work on building that up slowly to a minute for example.  ANd teach her something new as well.  I always recommend trying clicker training with dogs like this, because its a great way to have fun with the dig and it TIRES THEM OUT!!!!!!! A tired dog is a good dog!  10 minutes of clicker training and out dogs are snoozing in a heap on the rug and we have blessed peace for the rest of the evening. 5.  Give her a sandpit and hide some treats and toys in it! 6.  make her own toys and bones mroe appealing.  Try Kongs that you can stuff with yummies   "Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life." (Pratchett, Jingo) "I used to look at [my dog] Smokey and think, 'If you were a little smarter you could tell me what you were thinking,' and he'd look at me like he was saying, 'If you were a little smarter, I wouldn't have to.'" - Fred Jungclaus

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