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 Scavanging Puppy Problems
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| Author | Topic: Scavanging Puppy Problems |
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Sundri New Member  Posts: 8 |
posted 08-20-2003 09:26 AM
 
Recently we adopted a Rat Terrier puppy (male). He is now almost 4 months old, and a total sweetheart and very smart. Our biggest problem with him has been that he scavanges like crazy. He'll eat anything, from carpet shreads, to tree seeds, to pillow fluff. He doesn't touch his own feces, but everything else seems to be fair game. We can't let him play without constant close supervision because he will find something else to eat that either makes him throw up, or causes other problems. For a while we were training him with a pop can filled with a few pennies (shaken, the sound scares him and he would leave the object alone after a few 'test' shakes). But we had to leave him with my parents (who's house he is used to being at anyway) for a week while we were on vacation, and my father taught him (accidentally) to play with the shaker can, so now he isn't afraid of it anymore. He is well fed, and has access to fresh water all the time, and we keep food off the floors as much as possible (we have a 2 year old, so there are a few crumbs that we have to chase down). Thanks for any help you can give! IP: Logged |
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Maisey Member  Posts: 1387 |
posted 08-20-2003 10:09 AM
I think this is normal behavior for a puppy, they are curious about everything. My eight month old puppy still likes to experience and explore things with his mouth. He even licks the wall. Some may do it more than others, but it is a puppy thing. I tell my pup "leave it". This is an important command for so many occasions. Just my personal opinion, but I never liked the "scare tactic" idea of using the can with pennies in it a whole lot. I would rather teach my dog what is ok and whats not by using a vocabulary. You have a rat terrier, they are very smart and can learn quite a large vocabulary if you teach it to him. I made a point of saving "No" and "Stop" for emergencies or safety occasions, (ie; your dog runs out in the road)this was hard because I have two children and had been saying NO alot. LOL. I use "leave it", "enough", "quit" they know what all three mean and listen. When he does manage to eat something or tear it up, and you didn't catch him in the act, you can't punish...just clean it up. If you catch him in the act, use one of the commands above WHILE he is doing it. Don't berate him or hold a grudge. No 15 minute gripe sessions to the dog about what he got into. A quick correction and move on. Be firm and he will learn what is off limits. I would also suggest you start looking into obedience classes. They are fun for you and your dog , offer socialization for your pup and skills for both of you that will last a lifetime. IP: Logged |
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NewLabOwnr Member Posts: 169 |
posted 08-20-2003 12:43 PM
Sundri I have the same problem with my new lab. It's not even possible anymore to stop him at getting at things because even on a leash two feet from you he can find 10 things to chew on. He knows drop it very well with lots of things, laundry, his toys, shoes he shouldn't have, but when it comes to the sticks, rocks, mulch whatever else he gets at he simply ignores our command, if we move towards his direction at all in attempt to take it from him he runs away as if it's a game. I started luring him with a treat and telling him to come and drop it, which works, but also means he's getting a tiny piece of treat 10 times while we are outside. I posted about this a few weeks back and a few people responded. I'm sorry I can't help with any advice but wanted you to know you aren't the only one experiencing this. IP: Logged |
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jeminn Member Posts: 166 |
posted 08-20-2003 01:07 PM
I think part of it is the breed and part of it is just age. He will eventually grow out of it, I hope! My friend adopted a rat terrier mix and has the same problem. He is now almost a year old, and went to obedience training, which helped, but still he really has had to just grow up a little. Learning specific commands is a must and start now, be consistent. When he gets older he will be a better listener.- hang in there. IP: Logged |
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Maisey Member Posts: 1387 |
posted 08-20-2003 07:39 PM
Sundri...I forgot to add, make sure you keep a good sense of humor and can grin and bear it! I think that applies to all puppy issues. IP: Logged |
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