How Do You Deal With a "Problem" Dog? (Chewing, Soiling, Etc.)
Puppies are a lot of work, especially when it feels like they're always getting into trouble. So what can you do about it?
What Can I Do About My Dog's Chewing, Soiling, and Food Aggression?
"On November 13th, my precious 4-year-old fur baby passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. He was half Jack Russell and half Chihuahua, and he was the most perfect dog in the world. He was so calm and loved to cuddle—just so chilled and relaxed. He was my heart and soul, and I was so devastated when he passed.
It's been about 2 months now, and my dad got another puppy. I was not ready—I was still mourning Harley, and I still am. This new puppy is 3 months old right now. His name is Bentley and I'm in love already, but he is such a little terror! I hate to say that, but it's so true!
He chews on everything he can find. He does not want to chew on his chew sticks or his toys, he wants to chew on your hands your feet so much that he draws blood. We do not use force with him or physical violence of any kind. I need to learn how to train him because Harley was my therapy dog (I have severe anxiety and PTSD and bipolar), and that's what I wanted another dog for, but the way he is now it's just not going to happen.
I know he's only three months old and he's losing his puppy teeth and maybe he's in pain and that's why he chews, but why doesn't he chew on a toy or a chew stick? He's just so mean! When you tell him "no," he growls at you. He does not care.
He's also got some aggression when it comes to feeding time. We put the food in his bowl, but if we go anywhere near it, he will growl. We are trying to potty train him, but he does not care. We take him outside so he can potty, but he'll come right back in and poo on the floor.
Please help us! Everyone's saying give him away, but I am definitely not going to do that because I do not think he deserves that at all! He deserves a chance, and I already love him. There's no way I'm going to get rid of him ever.
He has not been neutered yet, and our vet will not neuter him until March. Is there anything, anything at all that we can do? I was told since he's teething, to put his hard chew toys in the freezer and get them cold, and I was told to get raw carrots and put them in the freezer and give them to him. We're going to try that, but I don't know if he'll take it because he doesn't play with his toys—he just wants to chew your feet and your hands! You should see our hands and feet; he's drawn blood. It looks like a cat attacked us!
Also, we really don't know what breed he is. The people we rescued him from said he was half Jack Russell, half Chihuahua, but I don't think so. I think he might have some Jack Russell but no Chihuahua because his feet are getting big! He's going to be a big dog, bigger than a Jack Russell. Is there any way that you could tell? I would love to know!
We don't know what else to do and we do not want to get rid of him. Could you please help us? We would greatly appreciate it! Thank you so very much!" —H.H.
Teaching your puppy impulse control is one of the most important things you can do as a dog owner.
Impulse Control
The main issue in many of these comments seems to be that the puppy is growing up without impulse control. Not all dogs need to be taught to be polite (your late Jack Russel cross sounds like a nice example), but it is a good idea to assume that most puppies do need impulse control.
Your puppy is still at a great age to teach impulse control. Neutering is not going to take care of these issues. Shelters are full of dogs that are not taught to be polite, so please take the time to teach your dog impulse control (and start training now when it is still going to be easy).
While biting is very normal puppy behavior, it should be dealt with swiftly, and suitable chew toys should be provided.
Chewing
Another issue you mention is chewing. That is pretty normal for most puppies, but it needs to be stopped early by teaching bite inhibition. Many puppies learn this from their mother, but it sounds like you adopted him very young, so it is up to you to teach him.
No puppy should ever put his teeth on his human family members, and certainly not hard enough to draw blood. The article above includes some great suggestions, and since Bentley is still in his sensitive socialization period, it should be easy to stop this.
When he puts his teeth on you, yelp as if he is really hurting you, remove your hand, and stop playing with him. He will quickly learn that biting leads to social isolation and will learn not to bite.
It is not okay if your dog growls or snaps at you over food.
Food Aggression
Guarding his food while he is eating is okay if he has to compete against a bunch of other dogs, but should never be allowed with you or anyone else in the household. This is going to be much easier to work on now instead of later. Research how to stop food aggression and start working on it immediately.
Some dogs have a lot of trouble with potty training.
Potty Training
Not all dogs are easy to potty train, and it sounds like you have a serious problem. There are a few ways to deal with dogs that do not potty on the walk but then do so as soon as they come home. The first would be to take the dog for a longer walk.
Wait until the dog potties before taking him home. Give him time to stop and smell, and take him to a special place every day where he can use the potty. Praise him and give him a treat as soon as he goes (but wait until he's finished, or you risk him getting overexcited and stopping before he's really done).
If he really likes coming home, go ahead and end the walk as soon as he potties and take him home. If he is excited about the walk, do not take him back immediately; otherwise, he may associate using the potty as the end of his fun time.
Training your dog to go on command is going to be important for you now and as he grows older.
Obedience training is a critical component of puppy ownership.
Obedience Training
As I mentioned in the article on impulse control linked above, a lot of dogs benefit from obedience training and not just because they learn to do "tricks." There are great videos available and many books that will help you teach him at home.
Learning how to use hand signals can help you communicate with Bentley. Better communication will help him learn to behave better.
Dog DNA tests are easy to do, but they won't do much in the way of helping you solve behavioral issues.
Defining Breed
There are several DNA testing kits available that you can do at home. These tests will tell you that your dog is part this or part that, but they are not going to help you deal with the issues you have listed. It's understandable to want to know Bentley's breed, but don't expect that knowledge to help solve his behavioral issues.
Start With Impulse Control
There are a lot of things to work on here, but please start by working on Bentley's impulse control. He has the chance to be a great dog if you put a little effort in now while he is young.
This article is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from your veterinarian. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2023 Mark dos Anjos, DVM
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