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The Final Straw

Speedracer2580 Jul 18, 2006 09:53 AM

Hello again...I posted a message a few weeks ago about our mastiff's excessive chewing problem. It was suggested that we put her in a crate at night to help solve that problem. Well we haven't had the time or money to get one yet plus she's been doing pretty good. However, last night was it for me. As of this morning, the bottom step to our stair case has no padding and she almost tore the whole piece of carpet off. My dilemas are: (1) If we crate her, either outside or inside, it will annoy the neighbors and/or keep me awake at night with all of the whinning- that may not sound like a big deal but i will have a newborn pretty soon and i want all of the sleep i can get (2) If we decided to give her away, I don't want to list it that she chews excessively because no one will want her. Any suggestions on how I can make sure she finds a good home with people that will love her like we do?

Replies (3)

Shboom Jul 18, 2006 02:25 PM

Nobody said it would it easy. We have all been there and have had our sleepless nights as well. It's a part of the process of dog owning. What was different that she was doing pretty good? We you working with her at all? You are only going to get the results you are looking for if you are willing to put in the time and effort. No dog is perfect... no matter the breed. For the start of crate training the whining is only going to continue if you give in to it. Most times it is less than a week before they learn the routine. If you keep the crate in the bedroom that will also lessen the chance of any whining because she will then be near you.
By giving the dog away means you gave up on the dog without trying. By giving her away and not being truthful about the dog's behavior you are doing a disservice to the dog and to the new owners. For the dog... this would mean the chance of being shuffled off to yet someone else. For potential new owners... be upfront with them... they would at least know what they are getting so they can work on immediate training. Wishing good luck to both of you... hopefully no matter the decision it works out for all involved.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

KDiamondDavis Jul 18, 2006 08:27 PM

>>Hello again...I posted a message a few weeks ago about our mastiff's excessive chewing problem. It was suggested that we put her in a crate at night to help solve that problem. Well we haven't had the time or money to get one yet plus she's been doing pretty good. However, last night was it for me. As of this morning, the bottom step to our stair case has no padding and she almost tore the whole piece of carpet off. My dilemas are: (1) If we crate her, either outside or inside, it will annoy the neighbors and/or keep me awake at night with all of the whinning- that may not sound like a big deal but i will have a newborn pretty soon and i want all of the sleep i can get (2) If we decided to give her away, I don't want to list it that she chews excessively because no one will want her. Any suggestions on how I can make sure she finds a good home with people that will love her like we do?
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That behavior is all in the normal range. The first person to offer the dog to is the breeder. A good breeder will take her right back. If you did not get the dog from a good breeder, contact Mastiff Rescue. If this is an AKC-type Mastiff, registered or not, and is purebred, you'll find the contact person listed under the breed on the AKC web page, www.akc.org. Sounds like maybe you picked the wrong time in life to get a new dog. This is normal dog behavior, and plenty of people can deal with it, and that doesn't mean they will abuse her, either.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Trafalgar Oct 22, 2006 05:41 PM

Why would you want a family that will love her like you do?

If they love her like you do they will dispose of her when she's inconvenient.- like you want to do.

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