Juvinile Adult

[Luvit73]

Since I got Frankie puppy , Jezebel has begun acting all juvinile on me ! She's started to try and challenge my dominance , and we've had to start almost from scratch with that training . She's starting to potty in the house , wherever Frankie has an accident . And since she hasn't been allowed to sleep in anybody's "den" lately , she's taken to chewing up anything she can get her mouth around ! (Puppy doesn't sleep in our den either) As it is , she is spoiled (bad idea , I know) and can not be left alone in the house if we go someplace , or she'll destroy in retaliation . (I never really thought about it when she was young , because I take her with me everywhere , anyway .) I haven't had to crate her since she was a pup . She is very intelligent , and learned everything by 3 months old . Now if she is even contained in one room , she'll cry/bark/whine ceaselessly . I am afraid to crate her now , as I worry that the noise could get us evicted (we live in an apartment). I'm sure alot of her behaviour is jealousy , even though we still give her almost equal time and attention (puppy requires a bit more time , and work) . But how do I solve this , if I can't crate her ? Any ideas ? Pretty please ? Before she eats my whole house ?

[BabyElephant]

Why don't you try to crate her, just for a few minutes, stay in the same room and she how she gets on. Then progress to going out of the room for a few minutes - she how she does. Also, I'm sure you do this anyway, but make sure she has things of her own to keep her amused. A kong stuffed with treats, kibble and peanut butter keeps Poppy occupied for ages. As for the pottying, she's probably just doing it because she can smell the puppy and wants to make her mark too - you need to make sure you clean very carefully. I know I've said this before but I use training pads, that way she only goes in one place. I also use a no-chew spray on the one thing in the house that she has chewed!

As for the noise, what I would do is go and see your neighbours and explain to them that you have a new puppy and you hope she won't make much noise but can they please bear with you if she does. When I got Poppy I was really worried about our neighbour as he has complained about a dog over the back, got the noise police out, RSPCA, petition to evict the people - everything. So a couple of days after I got her, I took her round there and introduced them - he was fine. Poppy does bark when we're in the garden but he hasn't complained to me yet. Now I know it's not the puppy that's barking BUT people do warm to a lovely, cute, cuddly puppy so use it to your advantage. And if you don't know your neighbours, it's a good way to get to know them. It's better to approach people about a potential problem and let them know what you're doing rather than wait for them to complain.

[Luvit73]

I will try the "crate for a few minutes" , and see how it goes .

As for my neighbors...The only one I am truly concerned about , is the lady that lives underneath me . (I live on the third floor - lots of excersize , potty training Frankie ! lol) Now don't get me wrong here , I am not predjudice in any way , shape , or form . But in explaining the facts - the lady underneath me , is white - however , she hates white people , and tries very hard to act like she isn't . She also has black gang members (not an opinion , an observation of fact) over all the time , as her boyfriend is one . He has already threatened to "stomp my dogs head in" just for being outside , and they all glare at me (with or without my dogs) with hatred on their faces , if I happen to be out when they are . She also has no respect for anyone else . I suspect it is the gang aspect , that keeps anyone from complaining - I know I don't for that reason , I am afraid for my kids , but cannot prove anything . So basically , there is no talking to this woman , and I know she would use any excuse to cause us trouble - simply for being white .

[dobermom]

If what you say is true about your neighbor below, I don't think its a bad idea to just ask the police to put something on "file" in the event anything would happen! They have already made a violent threat to you. Don't let them intimidate you and your family. Thats the way those people thrive.

[Luvit73]

I know , I had called the police - and was informed , since the threat was towards my dog , and not me , there was nothing they could do about it .

[Dax]

Luvit73 - have you thought about moving. Totally off line with the dog problems but not the neighbor ones.

I think what your teenager dog is doing what all teenagers do - push to find out where the limits are. There was a thread earlier about a plug in device that was to calm dogs as well as aromatherapy type to calm them. I think a lot of the problem is a combination of jealous & boredom (bad combo). It might be helpful to increase a walk time in the morning (maybe some off the leash running) and/or some agiltiy classes in evening.

[Luvit73]

Yeah , alot , actually . Our ultimate goal is to move into a house , especially as my animal family keeps growing ! We just can't afford to move right now .

Sadly , there are no animal parks here - it is difficult to find anyplace I can have her off the leash . But you're probably right - if I could find a place , she would doubtless benefit from more time to run .
What are agility classes ?

[Dax]

Agility classes would be with obstacles, tunnels, ladders, etc for the dogs to work out with. They are normally available where you take obedience classes. You decide a dog with short legs, a little meaty so this would be great for her - even one nite a week will give her confidence - much needed exercise - and socialization.

[Moo]

I'm going to say... Crate her. Introduce her to the crate as you would a puppy, and work from there.

You could simply work on basic training throughout the day with her. Sometimes, working on tricks for 5 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of "sit-stay" is enough to tire them out for a couple hours. Being attentive in a single position is tough, and helps over all behavior.

Careful on agility classes, basic obedience might be a better idea. Our intructors have actually managed to talk a few people out of taking agility classes because of the shape of their mixed breeds. Changing elevation alot for a combination of long dogs and certain leg lengths can be very hard on the back.

[Luvit73]

Thats a good idea , any thoughts on new tricks ? She knows sit , stay (although she's stubborn , gotta keep on that one) , lay down , roll over , shake , and up - where she stands up on her hind legs . I've never trained a dog for shows or anything , and I simply can't think of anything else ! She is very smart though , and has learned each of those in the first sitting . (On a side note - Frankie is smart too , at only 6 weeks old , he already knows sit and shake - just from watching Jezebel!)