AboutDelores Beck Expertise Health, nutrition, and training issues.
NOTICE: I NO LONGER RECOMMEND CANIDAE DOG FOOD. DUE TO A CHANGE IN FORMULA AND MANUFACTURING FACILITIES, DOGS ARE GETTING SICK ON THIS BRAND.
Question I have two cockers, they are both roughly 6 1/2 months...we have had her since she was 7 weeks, and we just got him in late August. She is a little angel when it comes to behaving, the only problems I have with her is she thinks she is queen of the castle and comes when I call only when she is ready to come to me, and just pretty much does what ever she wants but she does not chew anything besides her toys or get into things she knows she is not supposed too... Him on the other hand, I have no clue where to start... he is just starting to mark in the house, will chew anything ESPECIALLY phone cords, gets into the trash, every time I turn my back he is into something...I have tried everything, I tried taking away what he is not supposed to chew on and gave him a toy, when that wasn't working I tried punishing him and putting him in their kennel for 15 min, that doesn't work I'm at my wits end with him chewing... I used to let our girl out every morning and go back to bed and not worry about something getting destroyed or an "accident" happening, but ever since we got him he will not let us know when he needs to go out, so I just let them out every couple hours.... My girl will let us know when she has to go, I taught her to scratch at the back door, I tried that with him but it did not pick up.... I have no idea what to do about the accidents, and the chewing... I would like to be able to leave their kennel door open at night(they share a huge kennel since he freaks out if he is not with the girl all the time) without worrying about accidents or things getting destroyed
Answer Well, he's a boy and you know how boys are :) !
Now, first of all re the housebreaking. You have to back up and start from Square One.
Don't "put" him out - take him. When he goes - praise & reward. He's not going to "pick it up".
You're going to have to teach him. So pick a command "go potty" or whatever you choose and when you see he's about to go - give the command. Then praise & reward. It won't take long for him to connect the dots.
Puppy proof your house as best you can. He'll outgrow this but in the meantime get all over it.
You're going to have to put in some time but get a few empty pop cans and fill with 15 pennies..duct tape the top shut. When you see him even approaching the garbage/phone cord/etc.
say NO and raise the can in the air and bring it down hard ONCE.
When you're out or unable to supervise - confine them both in a safe place with nothing to destroy. The key to training is to anticipate and stop behavior before it starts. Once or twice with the can of pennies and you'll just have to say NO and pick it up. He'll back off.
And don't forget you didn't get him till he was 5 months or so - you're going to have to correct his lack of training.
Delores
