Please please help me sort out my lovely dog.

[chegirlwithbellson]

I am using MNs to sort my entire life at the moment . But hey if it works....

I have a really fab little Chi x Pom who is a year next week.

His intial training went really well. House training, lead training etc.

Still really good on the lead. Doesnt get agressive with other dogs, cats or people. Lovely.

Pretty nervy whilst out but he is only teeny and isnt getting enough walks ATM (lots of outdoor play).

Before I describe main problems just want to be clear I know its down to me. I know I need to do something but perhaps need an outside reminder to give me a push in the right direction. Also dog (Atticus) is a happy little soul and doesnt appear depressed or neurotic.

He has started weeing and pooing in the house again. Really cannot class him as housetrained anymore.

He is a terrible chewer. Will chew anything and everything. Toys, shoes, bags, clothes. I was a bit suprised at this. Didnt think toy dogs were big on chewing.

Worst thing. He will wee on beds and sofa. Driving me nuts. He will do it after going out so not because he is desperate, more marking out.

He is a lovely dog. He is neutered. He is treated like a dog. He has his own bed, eats at set time, never fed titbits, has cuddles but isnt carried around and treated like a baby.
But I am obviously doing something wrong.

I know I can sort this out and am v.commited to doing so.

Any ideas?

Sound like he is bored. You mention that he isn't getting enough walks.

For our dogs exercise is key, at least one hour a day. Admittedly they are large dogs (boxer / lab mix and no idea mix)), so not quite like your. But most dogs do need plenty of exercise.

Sounds like he has a good personality but he is still young. If I were you, I would try giving him proper exercise, ie long walks AND games while out, and if that didn't fix the pooing, weeing an chewing, I'd take him to the vet, just to make sure that he is okay.

If you feel out of your leauge you could always bring in a trainer. I'd imagine he is bored though. My JRT used to chew when she was left alone. This was soon stopped with lots of new toys.

RE: toilet training, again probably down to boredom and he has no way of telling you. This is his way of getting your attention. If my current dog doesn't get his late night walk he messes in the house. You could always try going back to the begining and train him again as if he was a puppy.

A trip to the vets might be an idea, just to ensure there is no medical reason for the lapse in house training.

I accept he is probably bored as he is only a baby still.

Never on his own though. I work two days a week and OH works evenings so he is only ever alone 2 hours on one afternoon a week (other dog is there).

I was a bit worried about taking him for long walks because he is so small. When I was reading up about Chis it said that too much exercise could be harmful.

He does get out everyday but its a short walk so know you are both right and he obviously needs more.

The toy thing - how do you ensure that he knows his toys? I have little boys who have loads of platic tat. How do you make it easy for dog to know what he is allowed to chew and what he is not?

Hi

Firstly, you should really see your vet first to rule out any medical reasons for the soiling.

When does he do the chewing/soiling? Are there set times? Is it when he's left alone?

No not really. He is rarely alone.

He seems to do because he likes it rather than to be destructive if that makes sense.

Under the sofa is full of chewed up bits of toy and if the kids leave anything on the kitchen floor at night he will have it.

He will also pinch things and run off for a chew. Is is very good at bringing them too me if I ask him though (so proud). He will happily give up anything he has, even food.

He is quite a greedy dog. I was a bit suprised at this as little dogs I have had/known didnt have much interest in food.

He has had a check up recently so dont think its a medical problem. Everything looks normal and its not over frequent. Seems like he has forgotten IYSWIM.

Are you cleaning the soiled areas properly? (no ammonia based cleaners - use a solution of biological washing liquid or a specialist odour remover to prevent him returning to same spot).

Some dogs don't like pooing in their own garden, so lack of walks could be contributing to this.

They don't do it to get attention as such, but if you make a fuss about it then they learn that association, and if oyu scold them for doing it then they can become more anxious and soil even more - a difficult vicious cycle.

As for toys - has he got plenty of good chewy toys of his own? They can also chew as a result of anxiety - chewing releases endorhpins and makes them feel better.

Do you think he is anxious?

He doesnt seem so but he is a little toy dog and I suppose they can be a bit nervy?

I have been really careful not to shout and rant at him. I know enough to know this doesnt help (however much I want to when I have to wash the sofa cushions again!)

What toys do you recommend? I have been a bit alarmed at the ones I have seen on the market TBH. A lot of them are stuffed things that look dangerous to me.

As he is a bit of a destroyer I dont want to give him something that he will chew and be able to swallow bits of.

I will go out and get some tommorow if you could be kind enough to give me some pointers.
So how much walking and for how long to you think for his breed?

Believe it or not I have had dogs for years and used to be a veterinary nurse (bloody ages ago). Feeling a bit anxious about this little chappie because I really want to do the best by him. I am falling in love with a dog for the first time since my beloved Giro.

I can't say whether he's anxious without seeing him - and even then I'm not a behaviourist (yet!), just a lifelong dog owner and former vet nurse, like you!

Kongs are good and indestuctible, as are Nylabones. A tuggy rope would be good too.

Re walking - I would think 2 x 15 mins would be ample. It's the mental stimulation as much as the exercise that will do him good.

For the soiling, try taking him back to the start and take him outside every hour, praising (amd giving a small treat) when he does a wee or poo outside.

HTH

Thanks everso Bella.

My feeling is that he is not overly anxious but probably has a slightly 'toy' nature. He likes rough and tumble and isnt all shakey at home.

Definatly can do the walks. I choose the breed type because I was being realistic about not having hours to walk a big dog or terrier.

I will see if I can get him a little kong and a tuggy thing.

Will do with training too. He wont take treats on walks - still a bit too watchful for that but I am sure he will in the garden.

Thanks very much. You have pretty much told me what I think I knew but I needed to be told.

Thanks again

And for everyone's helpful comments.

You're welcome. I'm assuming he's been castrated (us vet nurses are usually very pro-neutering ) but of course if he isn't that could help with the weeing. Maybe also try a DAP collar?

Ooo yes, got them chopped off as soon as possible

Whats a DAP collar?

DAP

Blimey whatever next?

Do they work?

Thanks for link.

Shame they dont do them in pink (yes I am that type of dog owner )

Lol - I would be that kind of owner too if I had a Chi x Pom
They do help - not in all cases but they're a standard recommendation for any marking type problems.

My Chi still goes in the house at night sometimes,on speaking to other Chi owners i found its quite common.My boy Chi likes to chew teddybears and if dd3 leaves any around they dont last long.As for walks my chis get 2 20-30min walks a day,lots of running around in the garden as well.My girl Chihuahua however will walk for hours,she is my pocket rocket and frequently freaks out the local greyhounds by shooting past them and catching their frisbee/ball in mid air.So feel free to walk your doggy they quite enjoy it...unless its windy...raining...snowing