Rufus the ruffian

Susan · Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 11:49 am Post subject: Rufus the ruffian

Rufus must be entering adolescence, he has been a wee horror this week, and I think he really needs his Friday run around with all the other dogs! Twisted Evil

So far this week he has:

*ripped up the linoleum on the kitchen when left on his own (he is left every weekday from 8.30 till 12, and has never made any fuss before!)

* managed to get the cat's dinner twice and my Mum's yorkie's once - cue yucky runny poos! (I know, strictly these are my fault, not his but he is sooo fast!)

* got through a hole in our garden fence and ran away from me up the road - never been so scared in my life!

* attempted to put every dog he meets in a headlock, and has had several dogs from Border Collies to Labradoodles roll over and submit to him!!! He is a ruffian!

* had two hyper 'fits' where he ran around mad biting!!!

* discovered that he hates horses and will bark and snap at them!!! Especially when they have a rider on top!

lol..and I was boasting a week ago that I had the perfect puppy!! Think I need to take a firmer hand with him from now on!

Elaine · Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 11:55 am Post subject:

Some times you have to sit back and take stock of whats changed it could be some thing really simple that is your fault for his behaviour, I remember when I was first training the boys into their kennel and because I felt guilty at leaving them I decided to have a cuppa with them in the living room before I put them out, problem was this was our routine on their days off from the kennel so Kain started barking when he was put out cause he obviously thought because we were having a cuppa it should have been his day off lol.
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paw prints on my heart

Susan · Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 12:05 pm Post subject:

Bless them!

I can't really think of anything that I have changed with him, his routine is pretty set. I thought maybe he was just starting to 'push the boundaries' and that I need to work more with him on his general obedience and level in the pack. I also think that my Mum spoils him a bit (she has him every weekday from 11.30 till about half 5, which is a lot of his life. She knows 'the rules' but still.....

Think I need to really focus on rewarding good behaviour!

Fiona · Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 12:05 pm Post subject:

Have you tried crating him when you are out? I like you have a list as long as my arm of what Star has destroyed but since he has been crated he is great and all three love their own little place to chill out. I just leave the doors open all day and they swan in and out as they please.
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Dogs are like Chocolate, you just can't have one!

Susan · Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 12:09 pm Post subject:

Hi Fiona

I haven't tried to crate him...am considering it but it feels quite a long time for him to be in there, it is 3 and a half to four hours that he is on his own for. He hadn't caused any problem or even chewed anything before. If this is going to be a habit then I think I will need to get a crate, is that an OK time to leave them in one?
xxx

marcella · Guest

Susan · Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:03 pm Post subject:

Its so funny, but I do worry he will try it on with the wrong dog and end up with a sore one!
With Roxy the BC, he barely reached her shoulder when he stood up on his hind legs, but he made a valiant effort! He will no doubt try it on tonight with someone!

What's happened to my wee Teddy Bear who cried for his Mum when the big dogs came near him?!!

Fiona · Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:03 pm Post subject:

Definately ok! I crate mine all night and for at least 3 hours Monday to Friday. Its like a routine to them now and they love it. Its there time to chill without anyone bothering them. Smile

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Dogs are like Chocolate, you just can't have one!

marcella · Guest

As Fiona says crating him for 3-4 hours is fine. What to do is buy a crate and use it now and again whilst you are in the house. Give him a treat every time he goes in and he will associate it with something nice. Smile

Leave the door open and let him wander in and out, closing the door over from shorter periods to longer periods of time and he will soon settle into it. They do in fact like them! I have 2 large crates that sit in my back garden with the door permanently open for them to wander in and out of when the back door is open. When it's dry and pleasant outside my boys will go in and lie down and sleep in them whilst I'm cleaning my floors Very Happy

kirsty · Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:30 pm Post subject: Re: Rufus the ruffian

Fiona · Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:33 pm Post subject:

Star hated it at first honestly you have never seen anything like it. I have a massive crate and a Medium one, I put two in one and one in the other. Star always wants to be in the one by himself Smile

he loves his own space and if Jake trys to go in with him he gets a telling off Laughing

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Dogs are like Chocolate, you just can't have one!

Nicola · Guest

A crate was the best thing I ever did for Molly. It helped her settle at night and made her feel safe and helped us toilet train her, she was fully housetrained by almost 7 months. (A few of weeks after she had been spayed). I would highly recommend crate training for any dog, big or small, so long as you have the right size of crate for the dog, bearing in mind that it will grow.

Fiona · Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 1:57 pm Post subject:

Nicola · Guest

Forgot to add that crates stop them from destroying the house aswell! Laughing

Nicola · Guest



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