I'm ready to give them away!!!

[Daisy&Dixie]

I don't know what else to do. I'm getting to the point where I hate my dogs. I don't want to get rid of them, because I don't believe in just getting rid of an animal, but I don't want to deal with them anymore. I have 2 females that are 18 months old. They jump the fence and roam the neighborhood. So we only let them out on leashes now, but they've started "going" on out bedroom floor, and even on our bed sometimes. Not to mention, I can't keep them off the counter & kitchen table. They chew up everything that fits into their mouth. You can't turn your head for one minute without them destroying something. I have 3 children, so keeping doors shut & things out of the dogs reach is not an option. We've been trying that since we got them. I keep thinking they're going to stop chewing at some point, but no such luck. I need help, I'm worried if I give them away they'll be worse off since they're probably be separated, or they'll be mistreated since they're so difficult to care for. What do I do?

 

[Chicagosarah]

Ok, deep breathe, it will be ok. They are in there terrible teens stage, it will pass. You need to be firm with your training with them.
When you are out, crate them. If you cant watch them(like cooking dinner, showering, etc)crate them. They cant get into trouble in the crate
As for the pottying in the house.. Take them out regularly during the day. Find a time that is constant from day to day so they get into a routine.
Take them for walks during the morning/night so they tire out. Can you heighten/fix the fence so they cant jump out? Do they jump out when you are watching them outside or when they are unsupervised? Are they spayed?
Make sure they have a ton of yummy toys so they have no desire to get into the "wrong" stuff. And if they do, tell them no, take it away and give them one of their toys and praise them. Make them feel really cool when they play with their toys and really bad when they play with your stuff.

Boxers are smart, they'll get it,they just need some consistancy and a calm leader. Be calm, dont let them get to you, they are just pups!!

 

[Mollie_T]

Yup, it's the horrid teenage stage. They seem to forget everything you've taught them, since your two are the same age you're getting it double bad... I'd never recommend getting rid of a dog unless you've exasperated all possible options. If sadly you do decide to get rid of them, I'd contact a local boxer rescue. Good luck & keep trying, I'm sure they're deeply attached to your family & you to them- if not you wouldn't be on here seeking help

 

[Vela]

Well, you are their owner and it is your responsibility to train them. It doesn't matter if you have three kids, you still have to work extra hard to keep things picked up and doors closed. They are just like children and must be taught like children. It could all be in your training approach. You would do well to read The Dog Listener as it may very well help you with the problems you are having. Dogs don't come trained and getting exasperated with them and yelling at them will only make things worse. You obviously need to try a different training technique as the one you have tried has not worked. You also need to "train" your children to keep things picked up. You can't wave bait right on front of them and then expect them never to take it, as in leaving things down and unattended. It's going to take a lot of work on your part but dogs aren't inherently bad or trying to upset you, they are just dogs and until or unless they are trained properly, they aren't going to magically stop doing these things. I am not berating you or trying to be harsh but it's the way it is. Dogs don't have it in them to maliciuosly try to upset you, they are just being dogs and actually sound bored. You should invest in crate training, leash training, obedience training, and structured play. You probably also ought to never leave them outside unattended and/or raise the height of your fence. It is dangerous to them and others to have them at large. Yes it is going to be difficult to train them, yes it is going to take a lot of time, but you agreed to that by getting them in the first place. Have everyone in the family work together towards the common goal. Good luck and I hope you are able to make some headway.

 

[Daisy&Dixie]

Don't get me wrong, the dogs weren't always this bad. They seem to have gotten worse. They're in a crate at night and while we're gone. They seems to find ways to get into stuff right under our noses. They've been potty trained for almost a year now, so the "accidents" on our bedroom floor came with the leashed outings. They used to stay in our yard, but recently started jumping the fence. We have 2 acres and can't afford to put up a privacy fence to keep them in, that would cost a fortune. I'm feeling very overwhelmed.

 

[Vela]

I know you are feeling overwhelmed but maybe you can try to tackle each problem one at a time rather that trying to fix it all at once. I would maybe start with re-housetraining. Perhaps limiting their space and taking them out frequently with much praising and lots of treats when they go outside, basically treat them like they have never been housetrained. I'm sure with three kids and two dogs you are rushed and hurried, trust me i have three kids two dogs and two jobs, but you have to start somewhere and that seems like the best first step. Also, get an enzyme cleaner and try to clean up the places they have gone to get rid of the smell and hopefully prevent them from returning to those places. I promise they aren't thinking "oh now im going to poop on the floor" because you take them out leashed. Maybe it would be possible to build one smaller section with a higher fence, inside your yard, where they can be off leash? If this isn't possible perhaps finding a nearby park or dog park with open space for them to run is an option. It sounds like they are bored and therefore getting into everything. They also are in their terrible teen years and it should mellow out as they grow out of it. Maybe you and the kids can help play with them and keep a really close eye on them so they just can't go in the house. Maybe make it a game or challenge for the kids to keep their things picked up, make it fun for them to do so. Maybe you'll have to "bribe" (kind of like giving the dogs treats) them at first to keep their things up but there has to be a way to get the kids to at least try to help out. Don't give up on them, they can learn, but it's going to be hard on you for a while but you can do it. Maybe you can borrow that book from the local library if you don't want to purchase it but I would really try reading it, it might give you some good insight and help you better train them so everyone's life is easier.

 

[gmacleod]

Can you afford to securely fence a smaller area? Your dogs don't have to have access to the whole two acres Then at least you would have a secure area to allow them outside where you can keep a good eye on them.

Your dogs are at an age where they need a lot of training and attention. A lot of exercise will help also (good hard playing and running, not just walks), so if you can make the time to give them an hour a couple of times a day, that will help enormously. So would having them out at a training class - even aside from the training aspect, it would be mental stimulation for them. Adolescent boxers need mental workouts as much as physical ones.

It really sounds as though most of your problems stem from having understimulated, bored adolescents. The adolescent phase won't last forever, fortunately, but it's a heck of a lot more survivable if you can put the time in that they need to get adequate mental and physical stimulation. A tired boxer is a good boxer. A bored and frustrated one is a nightmare (as you're discovering), especially if it is also an adolescent.

 

[Macon's Mom]

It really sounds as though most of your problems stem from having understimulated, bored adolescents. The adolescent phase won't last forever, fortunately, but it's a heck of a lot more survivable if you can put the time in that they need to get adequate mental and physical stimulation. A tired boxer is a good boxer. A bored and frustrated one is a nightmare (as you're discovering), especially if it is also an adolescent.

This is very true. Macon is 2 1/2 now and I completely remember the times you (Daisy&Dixie) are describing. It was very frustrating but she did outgrow it and we learned that she really did need way more exercise, running and playing than our Golden mix. Now she's usually sleeping when she's inside instead of searching the house for something to get into. I PROMISE you it will get better if you are patient, use "nothing in life is free" approach, and get them plenty of playtime/exercise. You can do it! I know you want to, you're just overwhelmed right now. Take a step back and remember that it could be worse. They could have cancer or something awful. You can do this. I hope our encouragement and advice has helped you in some way. Good Luck and keep us posted

 

[KonaKoffe]

You have been given great advice. Yes the dogs will test your patience but you have to decide if this is what you want and than YOU and your family are going to have to work and train them to be the dogs you want. Their behavior is a direct reflection of their training or lack of it. You actually have 5 kids who all look to you for love and guidance.

 

[PrinceBubba]

Don't give up...they just need a little understanding and LOTS and LOTS of dicipline..constant and rigorous..........