Dog trainers I need advice

[zoe114]

I have an Aussie who when I leave the home chews on the walls and one pillow. I have tried a few things but need some other ideas. She is about 1 yr's old now. I have always has BC's and ran into some puppy issues but they did stop as thedog got older.

Thank you for your help and suggestions.  

[JDarla]

Have you tried  playing with her before you go out?   That way she will look forward  perhaps to you leaving.. because she gets  special time with you before hand.  What I've  noticed  is  high energy dogs  need something more than walking because it simply  doesn't get all the energy out.  And I know I can't run as fast as they can on a good day, and roller blading for me is out of the question.. However  throwing a ball in the yard always seemed to the trick..  I did this with a high energy  golden / lab cross, and then I did her training.. While she was somewhat tuckered out  she  picked up things more.. and had more attention.

Crate  training is great.  It also gives the dog a sanctuary.  

My one dog had some separation issues, but he's fine now.  He's a Samoyed/American Eskimo cross. Definitely not as high energy as your girl is. I penned him off in an area.. and played music.. when I left, so he wouldn't hear me leave.
He slowly got used to it..because I'd make a big deal when I came home with him.  No 2 dogs are alike that's for sure.  He didn't know how to play or fetch as was a rescue.. so he didn't have normal dog behavior.

Sounds like she's  a lovely  girl  with extremely high intelligence.  Have fun with her.
Darla

[zoe114]

I think she might have true seperation anxiety. I can leave the home for just 20 minutes and she has torn up the pillow ( same one I keep restuffing) and now she is going after my quilting material. I walked her 2 miles today, that helped her some. I think I will just have to start putting her in the crate when I am at home a little at a time, and get her to realize it is ok for her to be alone. I will try the vinager on her pillow though, and other items if I see her going for something new. I have a BC and he is nothing as active as this dog, never was. I am working with her and she is a sweet girl. She has learned several new tricks that I taught her this past week.  

[JDarla]

Believe it or not  normal house hold vinegar can deter dogs and cats alike  from doing the things we would rather they wouldn't  and it won't harm the critter.  I have used this for a long time  almost 30 years.  Dogs don't like the smell and try to avoid it.. There is also a "NO"  spray  you can spray on what you need to keep them off of..  and it seems to work as well.  

Aussies  are high  energy dogs that need a lot of running.. because they are a working dog.  If you have a fenced in yard.. throw a ball get your dog fetching..  :)  A tired doggie  doesn't cause as much damage..  Only because they are too tuckered out.. :)

Good luck  :)

[seeana]

You are on the right track in making her feel guilty but take it a little further when you catch her again give her the silent treatment ,act as if she does not exist and if she tries to get your attention turn your back on her because that is the worst punishment they can have is being ignored.
While you are telling her off she is getting attention anything to get your attention.

If she is good make a big fuss of her.....she will soon catch on which is the best action to do.Oh the punishment should not go on longer than a couple of hours but still be a little cool until she does the right thing and then gush, kiss , and cuddle she will lap it up and get her a treat as well,might take a few days to happen ,but it will happen  and you will have a well behaved young lady...........................I hope.

[zoe114]

Your helping me laught at this situation--thanks! My pup licks off the paint, and she loves the corners or the window seals. I left for about an hour tonight and when I came home "her pillow" was all spread out in the back yard and inside the home. I looked at her, and she tried to make it under the bed, but I said nothing, so she watched me pick up each bit of foam and restuff the pillow and lowered her head as of shame, I still said nothing- she knew she was wrong....it is funny to watch her reactions though.

Yeah, she does get my arm bones, it hurts !! I gave her real bones once and she got very ill- so no more on that one...keep trying, your ideas are great !!  

[seeana]

Phew that`s a relief an Austrian.Um she must have a huge mouth to get the wall in there for a start,or does she take chunks out of it that would mean she has to start with the door jamb first to get a grip lol...the mind boggles at the thought of it...ah I know there is a hole there to start with but how did she get hold of a hammer ?? her pillow would have been too soft to make an impression also that would be for desert I expect.

I suppose she could run her teeth down the wall but that would really cheese the other dogs off as it would set thier teeth on edge, the blackboard effect.

I give up tell me how she does it.

Ever thought of shin bones not yours..... but beef lol.

[zoe114]

One Aussie to another ...lol
She is an Austrian Sheppard, actually 1/2, and 1/2 Border Collie. I have two other Border Collies and they all play well with each other. She has a Kong and that does help. I might need to get a special one for her for just when I leave and put specail treats in there, of course I will have to get them for the other dogs...but maybe that would help her look forward to my leaving?? lol  She has chewed on the wall when I am home though. I have a family member that has the sister dog and that does does the same things....I am beginning to think they talk on the phone when were gone....they are very smart dogs.

  

[seeana]

She has separation anxiety and she is feeling so very lonely without you.You need to give her something to do ! get her a couple of Kongs off the Internet too expensive in pet shops.
She is full of energy so you will have to step up those walks,You say she is an Aussie well so am I and I don't chew the walls lol. Please explain.

You also enrol her in obedience classes there you will meet other dog owners that can help you.You do not need a trainer to help you,just good common sense all you have to do is put yourself in her position.. dogs are Very clever and they become bored as we do.
We climb the walls they chew the walls.   You could also get a companion for her and they could play together.....