Might need a new home

[BelleMere03]

I have a 12 month old English Mastiff brindle female that is an amazing dog. Housebroken, great with kids and other pets and people, great on a leash, beautiful, up to date on shots and microchipped ect. I very close to having to find her a new home though. The problem is she chews... EVERYTHING, and has separation anxiety. I can handle most things but the property damage is wearing me out. She is in a crate if we are not home and in the house with us when we are, but she causes massive amounts of damage in tiny amounts of time. Let her outside to potty and she is destroying our brand new $1200 swing set, digging like 15 holes along our foundation, broke our screen door, destroyed an end table...the list goes on and on. But if we stand outside with her she won't potty. If we turn our back inside she'll find a kids toy to EAT. She eats her toys and bones in a matter of minutes. Running out of options... Hard to just sell though bc she IS a member of the family, and has to have her nose touching one of us 24/7. She sucks on the one stuffed toy she won't destroy to go to sleep.. We are in central Arkansas. (it might take me a bit to respond, but I will)

 

[BelleMere03]

This was 9 months old. (Her with her fav toy)

 

[Smart_Family]

Have you tried getting a trainer to come help you?

 

[BelleMere03]

No, Ive been trying to locate a trainer that could board while training. I am in fulltime nursing school with 3 small kids, so the time (and money.. but money I can scrounge up, time I cant) to come and go with trainers is difficult. I MAY try holding out for 3 more months when I graduate to cross that bridge then.. but I also just dont see how they can help this prob when you dont see her doing it. She knows better than to do it when shes being watched. And I think the separation anxiety has alot to do with it too. We try to keep her occupied and walk her.. but cant be there 24/7.

 

[Smart_Family]

In all honesty, my concern here is that you'll rehome her and she'll keep getting rehomed because of her issues or be mistreated because of them. Getting rehomed is only going to make her separation anxiety worse.

 

[BelleMere03]

In all honesty, my concern here is that you'll rehome her and she'll keep getting rehomed because of her issues or be mistreated because of them. Getting rehomed is only going to make her separation anxiety worse.

That's exactly my fear. So if I were to rehome, it would have to be to someone with the time and patience to commit, experienced with the breed, and who is totally aware of what they are getting. Even then, I know there's no guarantee for her future. That's why she is still here. Catch 22. I do love her, and I know you're not supposed to give up on family... I'm trying to stick it out...

 

[Smart_Family]

I definitely admire you for not giving up on her. I really hope a solution comes to light that works for all of you.

 

[bullyBug]

What toys/chews are you using? How do you stimulate her? My puppy is a very good boy, but if I don't provide an outlet for him everyday he would go bonkers. Are you exercising (structured, not just letting her out to the yard alone) and training her every day?

Have you worked on the seperation anxiety at all? I would recommend getting her good and tired and then leaving her alone for a very short period of time. You would gradually increase your time away. SA is not always curable, however. My previous dog was a german shepherd, and even at 13 years of age, he'd have to be put in a room while I was away. (My third bedroom was converted into a laundry room with tiled floors so there wasn't really much to damage.) He did progress from crate to room so there was improvement.

 

[ruby55]

No, Ive been trying to locate a trainer that could board while training.

Finding a trainer that will board while training might be a problem in itself. Most trainers will tell you that they don't train the dog; they train the owner. A dog will be an angel with their trainer & turn into the devil when they get home. The training will involve stuff you do every day, so there's not a ton of extra time required.
I admire you for continuing to try to get through this. I had a GSD/timber wolf mix named Shiva(Hindu God of destruction). He was aptly named. He ate the coffee table, the rubber off the pegs of my husband's motorcycle ( I thought he was going to die for that one), the siding off the house, the basement door, & God know what else. It never got any better. But I didn't know as much then as we do now.
Is she crate trained? I know giant breeds need extremely strong crates, but perhaps the money spent on a crate would save a lot of money AND anger in the end. Or do you have a room you can train her to stay in that would withstand the destruction? As far as her not doing her business if you watch, that will only last so long. Sooner or later she's going to have to go.

 

[BelleMere03]

What toys/chews are you using? How do you stimulate her? My puppy is a very good boy, but if I don't provide an outlet for him everyday he would go bonkers. Are you exercising (structured, not just letting her out to the yard alone) and training her every day?

Have you worked on the seperation anxiety at all? I would recommend getting her good and tired and then leaving her alone for a very short period of time. You would gradually increase your time away. SA is not always curable, however. My previous dog was a german shepherd, and even at 13 years of age, he'd have to be put in a room while I was away. (My third bedroom was converted into a laundry room with tiled floors so there wasn't really much to damage.) He did progress from crate to room so there was improvement.

She'll destroy absolutely anything(including ceramic), but as far as toys..she's not interested in much. She won't touch the diff kinds of rawhides or pigskin stuff I've bought, and anything plastic she tears apart and eats. She loves fabrics, I buy anything stuffing free I can find.. But she has it shred to pieces the first few hours, so can't buy everyday. The real bones she eats in one hour. I've bought a lot of the kong products and anything that looks really tough, but it doesn't survive her teeth. She goes for a walk/run 3 times a week, but otherwise not much stimulation other than the 3 kids playing with her in the backyard (which she's not real interested in). I train periodically, like while I'm cooking ..with treats and she's a quick learner. Just can't teach to stop destruction. As far as her SA, I have a busy schedule I have to adhere to.. so can't do the gradual thing. I was hoping she'd outgrow it but doesn't sound so hopeful huh? Tx for response

---------- Post added at 04:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:58 PM ----------

Finding a trainer that will board while training might be a problem in itself. Most trainers will tell you that they don't train the dog; they train the owner. A dog will be an angel with their trainer & turn into the devil when they get home. The training will involve stuff you do every day, so there's not a ton of extra time required.
I admire you for continuing to try to get through this. I had a GSD/timber wolf mix named Shiva(Hindu God of destruction). He was aptly named. He ate the coffee table, the rubber off the pegs of my husband's motorcycle ( I thought he was going to die for that one), the siding off the house, the basement door, & God know what else. It never got any better. But I didn't know as much then as we do now.
Is she crate trained? I know giant breeds need extremely strong crates, but perhaps the money spent on a crate would save a lot of money AND anger in the end. Or do you have a room you can train her to stay in that would withstand the destruction? As far as her not doing her business if you watch, that will only last so long. Sooner or later she's going to have to go.

I was afraid that would be the case, and pretty much know that (it's the owners not the dog).. Denial I guess, or wishful thinking. Her crate is fine and she does fine in it, just can't keep her locked away all the time. It's only for when we leave the house. I guess I will have to take her on a leash to potty every time, and hope she'll eventually go. I guess I was afraid instead of eventually she'll have to go, that she would go in my house, but you're probably right. Thanks for the advice.

 

[BelleMere03]

Finding a trainer that will board while training might be a problem in itself. Most trainers will tell you that they don't train the dog; they train the owner. A dog will be an angel with their trainer & turn into the devil when they get home. The training will involve stuff you do every day, so there's not a ton of extra time required.
I admire you for continuing to try to get through this. I had a GSD/timber wolf mix named Shiva(Hindu God of destruction). He was aptly named. He ate the coffee table, the rubber off the pegs of my husband's motorcycle ( I thought he was going to die for that one), the siding off the house, the basement door, & God know what else. It never got any better. But I didn't know as much then as we do now.
Is she crate trained? I know giant breeds need extremely strong crates, but perhaps the money spent on a crate would save a lot of money AND anger in the end. Or do you have a room you can train her to stay in that would withstand the destruction? As far as her not doing her business if you watch, that will only last so long. Sooner or later she's going to have to go.

I was afraid that would be the case, and pretty much know that (it's the owners not the dog).. Denial I guess, or wishful thinking. Her crate is fine and she does fine in it, just can't keep her locked away all the time. It's only for when we leave the house. I guess I will have to take her on a leash to potty every time, and hope she'll eventually go. I guess I was afraid instead of eventually she'll have to go, that she would go in my house, but you're probably right. Thanks for the advice.

 

[neomama]

Your pup NEEDS to go for walks 3 times a day, I think your problem is she is bored and really needs excersised alot to get her good and tired.
You would be amazed how this will settle them down.

 

[Smart_Family]

It's probably a good idea to start taking her out on a leash. Take her out and then give her a treat with lots of praise when she does go.

 

[BelleMere03]

I definitely admire you for not giving up on her. I really hope a solution comes to light that works for all of you.

I appreciate that, thank you

---------- Post added at 04:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:25 PM ----------

Ok, didn't realize they needed so much exercise. I researched the breed prior to adopting, but not enough I suppose. I thought this breed required less exercise than most, especially with the joints and all. But I do know what she's getting is not enough. My husband does the walk/runs in the early am 3 times a week, but he exercises off the site the other days. I take her when it's nice and the three kids can walk with us, but time is so limited. I will try the leash thing to avoid unsupervised time and when I graduate in June I'll have more time to give her the energy outlet that she needs. She does have the wonderful trait that I admire of the breed, and that is calmness. She is perfectly happy sleeping at my feet all evening (getting up whenever I do, bc she never leaves my side). The only time she has problems is when left alone, other than her crate where she can't destroy anything... Hence the backyard. Or if I take a bath/ go to the bathroom and don't let her in. Our normal schedule is letting her outside in the morning with her food & water, to potty and eat (bc of course she's a messy eater and drools the water for several feet). And letting her back in 15 min later. And again around 3 and 7 for evening meal. She doesn't like this schedule bc she's separated from us. Thank you everyone for your advice.. Def. learning here.

 

[BelleMere03]

Ok, didn't realize they needed so much exercise. I researched the breed prior to adopting, but not enough I suppose. I thought this breed required less exercise than most, especially with the joints and all. But I do know what she's getting is not enough. My husband does the walk/runs in the early am 3 times a week, but he exercises off the site the other days. I take her when it's nice and the three kids can walk with us, but time is so limited. I will try the leash thing to avoid unsupervised time and when I graduate in June I'll have more time to give her the energy outlet that she needs. She does have the wonderful trait that I admire of the breed, and that is calmness. She is perfectly happy sleeping at my feet all evening (getting up whenever I do, bc she never leaves my side). The only time she has problems is when left alone, other than her crate where she can't destroy anything... Hence the backyard. Or if I take a bath/ go to the bathroom and don't let her in. Our normal schedule is letting her outside in the morning with her food & water, to potty and eat (bc of course she's a messy eater and drools the water for several feet). And letting her back in 15 min later. And again around 3 and 7 for evening meal. She doesn't like this schedule bc she's separated from us. Thank you everyone for your advice.. Def. learning here.

---------- Post added at 04:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:39 PM ----------

Your pup NEEDS to go for walks 3 times a day, I think your problem is she is bored and really needs excersised alot to get her good and tired.
You would be amazed how this will settle them down.

Ok, didn't realize they needed so much exercise. I researched the breed prior to adopting, but not enough I suppose. I thought this breed required less exercise than most, especially with the joints and all. But I do know what she's getting is not enough. My husband does the walk/runs in the early am 3 times a week, but he exercises off the site the other days. I take her when it's nice and the three kids can walk with us, but time is so limited. I will try the leash thing to avoid unsupervised time and when I graduate in June I'll have more time to give her the energy outlet that she needs. She does have the wonderful trait that I admire of the breed, and that is calmness. She is perfectly happy sleeping at my feet all evening (getting up whenever I do, bc she never leaves my side). The only time she has problems is when left alone, other than her crate where she can't destroy anything... Hence the backyard. Or if I take a bath/ go to the bathroom and don't let her in. Our normal schedule is letting her outside in the morning with her food & water, to potty and eat (bc of course she's a messy eater and drools the water for several feet). And letting her back in 15 min later. And again around 3 and 7 for evening meal. She doesn't like this schedule bc she's separated from us. Thank you everyone for your advice.. Def. learning here.

 

[BelleMere03]

Your pup NEEDS to go for walks 3 times a day, I think your problem is she is bored and really needs excersised alot to get her good and tired.
You would be amazed how this will settle them down.

Ok, didn't realize they needed so much exercise. I researched the breed prior to adopting, but not enough I suppose. I thought this breed required less exercise than most, especially with the joints and all. But I do know what she's getting is not enough. My husband does the walk/runs in the early am 3 times a week, but he exercises off the site the other days. I take her when it's nice and the three kids can walk with us, but time is so limited. I will try the leash thing to avoid unsupervised time and when I graduate in June I'll have more time to give her the energy outlet that she needs. She does have the wonderful trait that I admire of the breed, and that is calmness. She is perfectly happy sleeping at my feet all evening (getting up whenever I do, bc she never leaves my side). The only time she has problems is when left alone, other than her crate where she can't destroy anything... Hence the backyard. Or if I take a bath/ go to the bathroom and don't let her in. Our normal schedule is letting her outside in the morning with her food & water, to potty and eat (bc of course she's a messy eater and drools the water for several feet). And letting her back in 15 min later. And again around 3 and 7 for evening meal. She doesn't like this schedule bc she's separated from us. Thank you everyone for your advice.. Def. learning here.

---------- Post added at 04:46 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:42 PM ----------

Sorry, that post went crazy and copied a bunch of times, not sure why. Oops.

 

[BelleMere03]

Sorry, that post went crazy and copied a bunch of times, not sure why. Oops.

 

[Smart_Family]

Be careful letting her run that young. She really shouldn't be running at all until at least 18 months because she's not done growing and her joints can be easily injured. Mastiffs usually aren't runners to begun with, although there are always a few that will defy this standard. They definitely need walks at least once a day and preferably more if at all possible.

 

[angelbears]

Mental stimulation can be just as tiring as exercise. 10 to 15 minutes of working on sit or stay or anything. We used to play a game every night where I would hide a toy and Cane would have to go and find it. We would do that 4 or 5 times and it would help tire him out for bed time.

 

[Kelly]

And they dont get that sedentary until they're a little older. getting a pup, no matter what breed, you're gonna have some crazy time. It's why I haven't done a pup since I was 17. that was enough to scare me off. I think I might be ready for a pup when I get my next dog, but it's not a necessity.