Thieving dogs

westendlass · 23-08-2013, 13:25

Does anyone know of a way to stop my dog grabbing things and trying to swallow them (toilet rolls, hair clips and just about anything he can find ). He has become a terrible attention seeker. I try to keep everything out of his way but the other day he came bursting in from the garden with a huge rusty nail sticking out of his mouth. After a massive struggle, I managed to extract it from his gob but ended up with a huge fang through the top of my thumb as he tried to keep hold of the nail. One anti tetanus jab later (and a cartoon sized bandage) and I'm pulling my hair out! Any suggestions?

cashman · 23-08-2013, 13:30

When hes out bung a muzzle on him, should help. inside yer struggling.

gpick24 · 23-08-2013, 13:34

is it something like this -
How to Stop a Dog From Stealing Items & Running | Dog Care - The Daily Puppy
A muzzle would be a quick fix, but not good long term.

westendlass · 23-08-2013, 13:39

Yes, I think that would make a difference when he's outside but inside, no matter how many times I tell the ( grown up ) kids to watch where they leave things, he always manages to root something out. He has a penchant for socks. I don't want him to seriously injure himself. He's such a div.

westendlass · 23-08-2013, 13:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpick24

is it something like this -
How to Stop a Dog From Stealing Items & Running | Dog Care - The Daily Puppy
A muzzle would be a quick fix, but not good long term.

Thanks for that, but I have to be careful what toys I get him as he eats those as well. I get him those huge ropes from the pet shop and they last about three days tops. He gets bored with his bones too, after a while. His jaws are so powerful I haven't found anything that he can't demolish so far. Does anyone have any ideas for indestructible dog toys?

gpick24 · 23-08-2013, 13:56

I`ve not found anything indestructible yet, but some last better than others.
Indestructible Dog Toys and Durable Dog Toys for your LARGE Dog
There is a stall on market that sells quite cheap durable balls, but as they sink, they aren`t much good to us.

gpick24 · 23-08-2013, 14:04

I get this kind from stall on outdoor market. They are solid, so don`t pop like a tennis ball & they float. But if left alone with it, he will pull it to bits. They cost £1.70 each.

westendlass · 23-08-2013, 14:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpick24

I get this kind from stall on outdoor market. They are solid, so don`t pop like a tennis ball & they float. But if left alone with it, he will pull it to bits. They cost £1.70 each.

I wouldn't mind if he ripped toys to bits but he swallows the bits as well. I'm worried he will get a blockage. He definitely needs more mental stimulation. I've found stuffing bits of food in to the middle of his bone keeps him occupied for about five minutes, a bit like a Kong. But it doesn't last long enough.

gpick24 · 23-08-2013, 14:29

Does he get plenty of exercise? Duke plays up if he misses a walk or two, made a right mess of his kennel, chewed it to bits. All down to boredom.
Another link I`m afraid, explains why dogs chew things.
How can I stop destructive dog chewing
Not exactly relevant to your problem, but may be worth a read.

cashman · 23-08-2013, 14:44

Did yeh get him from the Burnley Area? Sure sounds like hes got Dingle in him.

gpick24 · 23-08-2013, 14:48

He is part Cheweky, which is as good as, if not worse.
http://gundogs.joomlawebdesigner.co....ky/cheweky.htm
Based in S.Yorks
Top pic (Cheweky wolf) is his grandad.

Less · 23-08-2013, 15:29

I think you are allowing your dog to dominate you.

It needs you to take control which won't be allowed without some tough love.

Find yourself (rather than the dog) a place that will give you both instruction.

MargaretR · 23-08-2013, 15:31

If all else fails there is always - teeth extraction !

westendlass · 23-08-2013, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by cashman

Did yeh get him from the Burnley Area? Sure sounds like hes got Dingle in him.

Actually Mr.C, that's really funny as we got him from Aspen Valley kennels as a stray that wanted rehoming. They told us he'd been picked up wandering round the streets of Burnley! Ha,ha. We've had him two and a half years now and he's really lovely apart from this quirk. As for exercise, Mr. G, I think we'll step up his walks to see if that makes a difference but, to be honest, when he's been out for hours he's still full of it when he gets home.

westendlass · 23-08-2013, 16:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by MargaretR

If all else fails there is always - teeth extraction !

Thanks Margaret, could've done with that before he sank his fang in to my thumb!