Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 10/20/2006

Question
I have a 9 month old boxer pit mix. She seems to not want to listen. She always runs out in the street when she sees a dog or a person. She runs in the other neighbors yard and gets in a fight with the other older dog. She doesnt come when asked. Like tonight when me n my boyfriend and father left for 3 hours she was home with another dog and my mom. We come back the basement is destroyed. She chewed my arrows up. My bowcase, my tackle box. My tools for my bow. The ferret food that was in another room. She was doing well until tonight and we just dont know what to do.We put her in the crate when she dont listen and what not. But it seems like it doesnt fase her. I dont know if its the breed or what. Because its not like shes fully by herself. With her running in the street and not listening when we say no is gonna get her killed cuz my road is terrible. It scares us. Do you have any advice?

Answer
Dear Stephanie,
Thanks for your question. Sorry to hear of you troubles.

Many of the examples you listed are behaviors that I would attribute to a breakdown in communication and a lack of structure. Even though your girl (I'll call her Katie) may be nearly full grown, she is still a puppy. Katie won't be an adult for at least another year or so!

That being said, puppies need lots of supervision, firm but kind teachers, tons of exercise and plenty of management. For example, attach a leash on her so she cannot run out into the street or in your neighbor's yard. Many very well trained pups are not reliable off lead when there are distractions like people and dogs passing by. Until you have taught Katie a very reliable recall (come) and until she has matured, don't let her off lead. Get a long line if you want to take her out to stretch her legs.

There are four major signs of clinical separation anxiety-
excessive vocalization, inside elimination, salivation, and
destructive behaviors directed at entry and exit points.

Katie's behavior of destroying your belongings is not really a sign of separation anxiety. It's an indication that Katie needs more exercise and less freedom.

Instead of trying to stop behaviors, focus your attention on teaching Katie to perform behaviors which are acceptable. Anytime you tell Katie "No" I want you to ask yourself  these two questions:  "What exactly would I like Katie to be doing right now" and "Where exactly would I like her to be  doing it?"

For example, teach Katie to go sit in one particular spot in the room whenever the door is opened.

You'll teach this in steps. First teach her to look at you when you say her name (attention command). Next, teach her to come, then sit. Then teach her stay. Teach down. Teach go-to-place. Teach her all these behaviors in a very quiet spot with no distractions. Slowly add small distractions until she can succeed when there are distractions. Once she can perform these behaviors inside your house, you can give her the commands whenever the door is opened.

Buy the book, "The Only Dog Training Book You Will Ever Need: From Avoiding Accidents to Banishing Barking, the Basics for Raising a Well-Behaved Dog" (Paperback)
by Gerilyn J. Bielakiewicz, Andrea Mattei

This is the perfect book for your situation! The ten bucks you spend is much cheaper than replacing your stuff.

Happy Training!
AT