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| The Bandito Sleeping |
I am very frustrated and near wits end over his marking problem. I have tried countless remedies, training tools & methods, and have been trying to correct this for YEARS. My Hubby has no idea how bad it is. He thinks it's an accident now & then. A jealous issue usually (because his mates/buddies are getting attention more than he or we left him too long, etc.)
I have tried things the Vet recommended. I have tried things friends suggest. I have been on Caesar's website and even requested a question about it (no reply). I can't afford a trainer or a Doggy Therapist.
I need help my Bloggy Friends! I am open to any suggestions. If I put his Doggie Male Wrap on, it protects his targets but them he has a soggy wrap that must be washed right away.
His main targets are the corner of my bed and the curtains in my window seat. I wash these items daily and try all the expensive protein enzyme destroyers.
HELP PLEASE!
I love Bandit, but I've had enough of this pissy problem!
9 comments:
He's soooo adorable! Is he a Min-Pin? He looks bigger, but I can't tell! As for the marking, the only thing I can suggest you look into is lavender oil. I know it works for cats, but not sure about dogs. Check and make sure it's not toxic or what have you, and if not, give it a try, my cats were peeing on the little rug under my sink in the kitchen and I spritzed it with a 50/50 mix of pure lavender oil and water and it worked!
I don't have any suggestions for you, Janice. I know it must be frustrating, and I know it's sometimes more of a problem with two male dogs in the same house (pack). Fletcher and Eli are constantly at each other over here, but they rarely pee on anything inside. (I think that's mainly when they get mad at me about something!)
He looks so sweet sleeping! Hard to believe he's being naughty. Blame it on your daughter's cat! ;)
I'm no use either only having one Alsation bitch to deal with. But just wanted to say he looks a sweetie however he behaves!
xx
oh dear! i have my hands full with our rambuncious puppy. and would be no help. i hope you come up with a solution!
This is actually advice from a dear childhood friend that I recently reconnected with. He is a Veterinarian. I dont know why I didnt just call him!
Anyway great advice that I wanted to share.. Its long so I need to cut the comment into two halves. I hope it helps others too.
Doesnt one of my Bloggy friends have a pup that tinkles on her yarn? I cant remember who though.
Subject: Bandit
I thought I'd reply this way vs. through the blog. I am the world's worst behaviorist, so I probably don't have anything to offer. First, I always want to make sure it is behavioral vs. physical. So my questions would be- when does this happen? Is it only when you guys are gone? Is there a certain time of day? Next question would be is he drinking more than he used to? Does he ask out more often? Does he strain when he goes? I suspect your answers will be that he is normal in those regards.
Sounds like separation anxiety to me. He sounds like a needy dog, right down to the leaning on you. Classic. What little I know about separation anxiety is this. First, (I suspect you've already done this) don't make a big deal about coming and going. Just walk out. Don't pet and talk to him and tell him to be a good boy, etc. The same when you come home. Don't have a big greeting. Sort of ignore him when you come home until he seems relaxed, then gradually acknowledge him. Big celebrations just emphasize the difference between when you are home and when you are not.
Next is teaching him to relax and be calm on his own. This is partially accomplished through what is called basic deference. In this program the dog has to earn every interaction. You make him sit (and preferably sit and be calm and focused on you) before you do ANYTHING with him. This would include when you pet him, when you feed him, when you let him outside, when you groom him, etc. It allows him to get control of his emotions. And show a little tough love. I don't think I would be good at this, but don't always give into his demands for attention. It just feeds his dependence on you.
part two from Scott~
One of the awkward things is to try to separate clues that you are leaving. Dogs are very tuned into our body language. They see someone pick up their car keys or purse, and they know they are headed out. So you should gather up your things sometimes, then not go out. Or you gather them up, walk out and come back in. On weekends, get up at the same time you would on a work day and go through the same procedure as you do when you go to work ,but then you don't leave. (I guess that is for Sergio)
When you leave, have you tried using a kong toy? Those are the hollow rubber toys that you stuff with peanut butter or treats. You give them to the dog when you leave to occupy them while your gone. Or perhaps a toy that dispenses treats as they play with it.
Exercise is always critical. When the weather finally warms, get him out as much as you can and let him burn off energy.
Have you tried a pheromone product? I'm talking about DAP, which stands for Dog Appeasing Pheromone. When a pup nurses from the mother, there is a pheromone that is produced by the mother's breasts that calm and relax the puppies. They've been able to synthesize this and have it as a spray, a plug-in diffuser or a collar. The dog smells it, but you don't. It is supposed to help with anxiety issues. The company gives a money back guarantee if it does not help. I have had mixed results with this, but it is safe and does not involve drugs.
Finally, as a last resort, there are the antidepressants. The two drugs approved for separation anxiety are prozac and clomipramine (Clomicalm). They alone will not solve the problem, but they can be good adjunct tools when you are working through behavioral techniques. They will usually have to take them for a few months, at least. I don't intend for an animal to stay on them, but I have a few who do. Those are the ones with severe anxiety issues and have no life without them. They are afraid to go outside, afraid of every noise, and are very destructive when the owner is gone. Those are the extreme cases.
There is a good chance you know everything I just listed, but it is the sum total of my knowledge on the subject. I am absolutely clueless when it comes to behavior. I can recommend a couple of behaviorists, but I know money is an issue, and I totally understand.
Good luck and let me know if you find a solution.
Scott
Hi Donna~
No to the Mini Pin. When we found him on PetFinder.com they said he was a GERMAN SHEPARD/CHIHUAHUA! We knew they were wrong but we feel in love with the ridiculous photo of this shepard mix pup w/ big ears (he grew into the ears). We was twice rescued, he came from the organization 2nd Chance.
I actually have a Lavender Vanilla room spray from Origins that I use often on the sheets & curtains. Maybe I should try spraying the corner of the bed too! Thanks :)
I have no clue when it comes to K9 friends, but I do hope you are able to come up with a working solution! He looks sweet!
Janis, This is why we never have boy dogs! Good luck!
Your old friend Lee
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