Acting out

Question
Hi Mr. Turner, We have a 1 yr & 5 month old Male Black Lab. We have had Buddy since he was 6 weeks old. Recently he has started shredding our magazines and newspapers. He likes to go riding with my husband & I, but it seems if he don't get his way he eats something of ours. We have spanked (with a newspaper, been spanked with what he shredded what was left of it, time out room, no treats, & no toys. Nothing seems to matter. He knows he's done wrong, he tucks his tail and lowers his ears. The other night he had my husbands pocket watch; he shredded the case and was chewing on the watch when I caught him. He has been a good dog, not done a lot of bad things. He learns or shall I say learned fast but she just not catching this lesson. Can you please help? Thank you for your time and any advise.

Sincerely,
Chrissy & Joe

Answer
Dear Chrissy and Joe,
Thanks for the question. I can help. Buddy has not learned the lesson because you have not taught him in a way that he understands! (big big smile) That's not advice to 'get a bigger hammer'!

>>>>"he tucks his tail and lowers his ears" >>>

Is someone came at you cursing and swinging their arms, you might flinch, duck, freeze or run away. Does that indicate you know why they are assaulting you?

This is not an indication of understanding on his part. It is an indication that the is trying to 'turn off' your aggression.

Forget about using punishment to teach Buddy about unwanted behaviors. Obviously it's not working. He has no idea that you are upset because of his behaviors.

Buddy needs more exercise and more mental stimulation. Take  Buddy for a couple of long walks each day. Start a training program and practice basic obedience. Teach him to fetch or 'find-the-ball'.

Where was the pocket watch? Where were you when Buddy shredded the case? Buddy needs more structure and less freedom. Buddy needs something to do when you are gone or Buddy needs to be crated when you are gone.

You could give him a Kong-siscle when you leave. Get a Kong,  seal the small opening with a bit of tape. Place some food treat and dog food inside, add one tsp. of chicken broth and fill it with water. Place it upright in your freezer and let it freeze.

Take it out of the freezer, remove the tape and give it to Buddy when you leave. I'm guessing (and willing to bet 10 poop-bags) that Buddy will choose to eat the Kong instead of your newspaper.

If Buddy is acting out when you are home, take him for a long walk or hold a training session. His 'acting out' is a sign that he needs some exercise.

Buy the book, The Only Dog Training Book You Will Ever Need: From Avoiding Accidents to Banishing Barking, the Basics for Raising a Well-Behaved Dog (Paperback)
by Gerilyn J. Bielakiewicz, Andrea Mattei

This book was written precisely for all the people with 'Buddys" !

Happy Training!
AT