Mouthing, stealing, chewing

Question
Hello,
We've had Louis, our large neutered male standard poodle,for
three months. He's now nine months old. He's very sweet most of the
time, but his mouthing behavior, which he's always done, seems to be
getting worse. He slings his head
about, mouth wide open, and sometimes bumps us with a tooth;
or he chases behind and bites at our heels; or he sort of lunges
his head at us but doesn't exactly bite. We have tried various
solutions that we've read about, such as stopping short, holding
hands close to the body, and ceasing eye contact, but they don't
seem to work for us. I don't think he would ever hurt anyone
deliberately, but we can't trust him around children or
anyone who would be afraid of this behavior. I do feel much too
familiar with the inside of his mouth. Also, he steals the same
things over and over, even right in front of us: the bathmat,
dishtowels, cloth napkins, socks, etc. Sometimes he chews them
up and even swallows them, and sometimes just puts them on
his bed. He might grab a folded newspaper or a book and start
chewing it up right before my eyes, and he ignores me if I say
No! He seems to enjoy this like a joke. He has destroyed most of his
toys, and is down to just a few indestructible ones.

Louis's breeder told us that his first owner had returned him to
her for unknown reasons after only a couple of months.  We
have two small older dogs, one of whom barks and snarls at him
constantly. Louis tries to get them to play, but they're not
interested. He seems obsessed with treats. We can usually get
him to obey with treats, but not with praise. He gets two or three
walks a day, but he pulls and bites on the leash. He barks at
other dogs and people when he is on leash. He comes when we
call only if he feels like it. On some days he is calm, and on
others he can't seem to settle down at all. Someone is home with
him most of the time and he sleeps next to our bed, so I don't
think he's lonely.

Some good things about Louis: He seems intelligent, kind, and
humorous. His first owner taught him to sit and stay, and he is
100% housetrained. He rides perfectly in the car and sleeps
nicely in the bedroom.  We go to the dog park almost every day,
where he runs with other dogs until he's tired out, but he also
stays near us and checks in often while running. He is crate-
trained, and seems to enjoy going in there when he can't settle
down. He's very good about learning and sticking to routines. We all
love him.

He'll start a training class this week, but I feel that we've waited
too long and the problems we're having with him are getting
worse. I know that the problems are ours, but I can't think of
much more to do to alleviate his boredom or whatever is causing
them. I would appreciate any advice or insight that you might
have. Thank you.  

Answer
An animal behaviorist might be best for some of the questions, but I think (hope?) I can help with some. My poodles have "selective hearing" sometimes as well. I have found by keeping a spray bottle filled with water around, it stops their negative actions. If they're doing something they aren't supposed to do, I spritz them in the face with the water and say "NO" in a deep firm voice.  The water seems to reinforce the tone. I'm not sure why it works, because they LIKE water.  Maybe the idea of having it sprayed in their face is irritating. When I have to do it, I get this wounded soulful look and they stop. All I know is now all I have to say is "you want the water?" and they stop what they're doing.  

As for the chewing, you might want to make sure he has plenty of chewie bones and such to work on.......that's the only thing I can think of.  That and the water.

Also, when you correct him, use a LOW firm voice.  If he hears a high voice, he just considers it noise.  Wierd but true.  The low voice he hears as a growl of sorts, which means business.

One thing I can say from having dogs with behavior problems in the past....some that have been shunted around are just so insecure they are sure they'll be moved again. They act out (much like a foster child might) because they figure they'll be moved again.  It may take awhile for him to be sure he gets to stay - even if he IS at times a bad boy.

I wish you luck with your Louis - the training classes will give him something to keep his mind active and I hope stop the negative behavior.  Trust me - the water bottle works. If THAT doesn't work, get a pop or beer can and put a few pennies in it. When he misbehaves - shake it a few times - he will probably find the noise irritating and know you mean business.  Good luck!!!


Kathryn