Hello!! Help please! =]

[MastiffMomma]

Hello everyone!

I am a very loving mother to two Mastiffs. I have a Bull Mastiff who will be 3 next month. I also have a 10 month old French Mastiff. I joined this forum because I need help. My French Mastiff (Hayden) is a little bit of a terror. I love her with all of my heart but she just does NOT seem to understand the concept of potty training and she chews everything!! From coffee tables, to rugs, to couches!! I feel as though I have tried everything but she is just not "getting it." I thought Hayden was doing this out of frustration but, I just don't think thats the case anymore. I walk her everyday, at least once. I have a large backyard for her to run in. She has more toys than a child. Is it normal for her to be 10 months old and still doing these things? I have tried crate training her since I got her at 8 weeks but, I stopped using the crate about a month ago because she would potty in the cage every time I left. I came home to a hole in my leather couch today - the crate is coming back! =] What else do I do? I will take ANY advice!

Thank you.

P.S. I love this forum so far, especially the pictures! =]

[zraver]

Fellow new member here,

From your description it sounds like part of the problem is separation anxiety. There is no one size fits all solution to this, find a reputable local trainer who will work with the two of you. They could also probably help with the potty training. Dogs are den animals so such behavior is not normal for them, and the dog might be trying to tell you something.

The neat thing about a dog is you can always go back to square 1 with them. Following WWII thousands of war dogs were retrained into family pets, if they can do it, so can you and Hayden. Retrain her into the dog you want, and train yourself into the owner you want to be. Take her out after she wakes, after she eats, after she drinks and every few hours in between and keep her out there until she relieves herself. If she is empty its harder to mess the floor. When she has an accident, do not punish, rather when she does good outside then reward. Is she food or play motivated, use the reward that means the most to her.

On a side note, the extra walks, even if they are around the yard might help with the other problem as your dog will get more time with you. Most dogs if they could would never be more than 3' from us. They worship us and being apart hurts them.

Final note, steel yourself to work through this, if you can't and decide to give up and surrender her in all honestly you have signed a death warrant. If you put in the time and effort so will she and you'll have a great companion.

[MastiffMomma]

Thank you so much for your help. I did go price out training this weekend, I think I'm going to try that. I also like the idea of rewarding her when she does well rather than punishing her. I hate punishing, I don't feel like it does any good unless I catch her in the act and she never does it when I'm home.

I think you are right, it might separation anxiety. Even if I put her in the kitchen while I'm mopping the floors (right in front of her) she cries until I step over the puppy gate and stand in the same room as her. I really don't think she likes when I leave. If it were my choice, I would never leave! =]

No worries, I could never ever give up my pups. They are my children! I really appreciate your inspiring reply!

[zraver]

Glad I could help.

On a side note, if you have been punishing, you have some trust building to do with Hayden. Even simple commands she has mastered should be rewarded and she should be praised often. You need to make sure she see you as the source of all good things. Plus such trust building works to cement in her mind that you are the boss, dogs need a leader.