Weimaraner problems

[Sattarmalik]

We are having major issues with our weim puppy..we got her when she was 12 weeks old and now she is almost 9months old. The problem is when she is left alone she goes NUTS!! She has ate a corner of the wall, scratch the kitchen table leg (thank goodness it was the leg) with her teeth, she has goten into my closet (while the door was closed) and chewed my shoes (she even got them out of the box)..She is usually good as long as our other dog is with her...but today I came home and she has gotten a way through the gate, went into the bedroom and peed on top of my bed. She also got tissue out of a shoe box and shredded it completely. She has also shredded a dog bed and you may ask why do I not crate her when gone...well she has ate through a metal crate...What can I do to make my poor baby not so axnxious when we are gone???

 

[Gguevara]

That sounds like a dog who doesn't get enough time to burn her energy. How often does she get exercise? Is it possible to walk her before leaving for the day?

 

[PalmettoPaws]

I agree that it sounds like she needs more exercise and that it also sounds like it could be separation anxiety. I don't have any advice, but I wanted to wish you good luck.

 

[AllieMackie]

Wondering how she ate through a metal crate... but then, a friend's husky did a similar thing, and he just reinforced the joints.

I think perhaps you should work on your weim enjoying being in the crate. Kong treats, things to occupy her in there while you're gone, etc. Search this forum for crate training, you'll find a TON of useful info.

 

[Brandyb]

Sounds like classic separation anxiety.
As Allie said, helping her get used to and enjoy the crate will help to alleviate these issues. If you do a search on the forum you should come up with some responses for separation anxiety. You'll need to start desensitizing her to your leaving the house, and find some sort of confinement that works.
Does she follow you around the house every where you go? Does she seem anxious when you leave a room? How much exercise does she get during the day? Is she basic obedience trained? Can you give her a "job" to do?

 

[Ivy]

Wondering how she ate through a metal crate... but then, a friend's husky did a similar thing, and he just reinforced the joints.

My 20 lbs Beagle ate through his metal crate. He stripped the bars upwards enough until he could squeeze out. It's pretty crazy considering I have a heavy duty crate used for large/giant breed dogs.

 

[Squishy22]

I dont have anything to add. I agree with the rest. My weimeraner/lab mix foster had the same problem, but not as bad. He hated being alone. He was extremely vocal about it. I think its a weimeraner thing. One reason why I will probably never own the breed. I did not like my experience with one, lol. No offense to you. They are very pretty dogs though.

 

[Gguevara]

In my opinion, I'd say it's more the individual than the breed when it comes to how they act when they don't like something. But, any dog is going to be extremely vocal when left alone without training, they're social animals, it's up to the owner to get them used to being left alone.

 

[PlottMom]

Unfortunately I have no suggestions beyond the others... but this is the EXACT story I had someone tell me about their weim when I worked at PetsMart. At the time the crate thing shocked me... now I've seen enough dogs escape and ruin metal crates to know better Good luck - they sound like clingy dogs! heh

 

[Brattina88]

One of my fosters learned how to open the metal crate, so I had to put hooks on the latches. Then he chewed and bent the bars enough to where he could get out!

Could be SA, but also sounds like bored distructive puppy Have you tried kongs?

 

[bradny78]

there is always a way to reinforce a crate. there is no reason that a 9 month old dog shouldnt be left unsupervised or confined. If it is a seperation anxiety case then look for a book by dr doderman. he has some good solutions on how to help curb seperation anxiety that i have had great results with myself in some cases. also EXCERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE. get on a bike or something your dog will appreciate it especially a working breed.

 

[lizzybeth727]

look for a book by dr doderman.

Dr. Dodman?

 

[Shadow_Spitz]

Quite often many are too quick to think that their dog has separation anxiety simply because there may be a few problems when the dog is left alone. True separation anxiety quite often has some underlying medical condition which should be assessed by veterinarians. Once the medical problem is adressed then the behaviors can be fixed. Also many times an owner may come home to a disaster at home and may decide that the pooch has a problem with being alone when in truth the dog is just releasing some pent up energy. True separation anxiety manifest itself in most if not all the following forms: whinning, barking, self mutilation, destructive behavior, excessive salivation, and having accidents (sometimes to the point of dehydration). If the dog doesn't do this within the first few minutes of your departure (you can use a camera to find out), isn't by your side (a velcro dog) at all times when you are home, and isn't able to sleep unless he is with you; then the most likely thing is that the pooch is either bored when you leave or simply hasn't been conditioned to being left alone (minor confidence problems). If you suspect true separation anxiety contact your vet as soon as possible and fix any medical problem if there happens to be one, if the dog is healthy then continue with behavior modifications, plenty of exercise, and some confidence building exercises. The following information deals mostly with mild cases of what might be called separation anxiety but can also be used for dogs that simply lack confidence in themselves.

Separation Anxiety - dog separation anxiety, barking when left alone, Lack of confidence

I think that the first member nailed it, this seems like a pup that needs to go out more and lets face it, simply is being a puppy! The two things that are most likely going to help this problem get better are two things 1. Exercise (no, not a 5 minute walk around the corner, I mean a 30-60 min jog/walk, or a couple mile walk). Fetch is also a good alternative. 2. Obedience training. Have you set down rules in the house and constantly enforced them? This along with basic obedience exercises mentally stimulates a dog and allows them to figure out what they can and cannot do while left unattended in the house.