Is this the terrible teens or is he just out of control?

[Roscoesmommy]

Ok, I have been so upset for the past week with Roscoe. Ever since we brought him home from being neutered (9 days ago) he has been a holy terror. I know that him not being able to exercise as much as usual will make him more rambunctous, but this is getting out of hand.
We began letting him play with Blayne as normal in the house, but not letting him outside to run around the backyard (fenced in), thinking this will help. Not a chance! He has been so terrible that I am at my wits end. I feel like all I am doing is telling him to stop doing whatever he is doing and getting so frustrated to the point where I am yelling at him. I have tried getting him new toys to keep him entertained and interested and he has chewed them all up within 5 minutes of giving him them (the only one not chewed up yet is the cuz). Even the one I bought yesterday I thougt was going to be indestructible (a "wiggly giggly" which was $15!)...nope, he had a hole in it in 5 minutes.
He has been really snotty towards Blayne lately also. With the new toy I got yesterday, anytime she went to play with it with him, he would turn his head and bite at her and when he gets excited and sees something outside, he does the same thing. He has been counter and table surfing to no end, tearing up the couch right in front of me, and basically doing everything that he is not supposed to do. I almost lost my cool with him last night :mad:...so bad that I had to go outside to prevent myself from freaking out on him. I know it sounds bad, but I dont know what to do. I've gone back to NILF but his problems dont really deem geared toward us, so I havent noticed a difference yet.
I dont believe any of this is related to the neuter, as he seems to be in no pain and is healing nicely (as long as he quits licking the incision). It is almost like I dread going home after work because I get so stressed out over him behaving so badly. Poor Blayne, she gets so upset if anyone raises their voice and she comes running to you and practically sits on top of you.
I also tried playing some mental games with him last night (hiding treats around the house) and that helped for a whole 10 minutes. I just dont know what to do, I feel like such a bad mommy because I get so upset with him for constantly being naughty. Does anyone have any ideas or help? I am so upset and feel so terrible :(

 

[Kaybie's Mom]

I think it's a combination of both the built up energy since not being able to play since the neuter and also his age. Kaybie went through a stage around that age that she drove me nuts everyday and I felt like all I did was yell at her. I think once he is able to play like normal and maybe go for a long walk, he will start to calm down. Just be strict on his training and this too shall pass.........

 

[Roscoesmommy]

Thanks, Nikki...I just feel like such a terrible mommy yelling at him all the time.

 

[Kaybie's Mom]

Trust me I know the feeling. I always felt so bad after I would yell at her. Honestly, I don't really remember when her behavior improved, it just slowly did. And I really really cracked down on her training around that time. Have you thought about maybe enrolling in an obedience class with Roscoe? I think at his age, it would be an excellent idea. I took Kaybie to 3 obedience classes throughout her growing up.....it really helps build a bond with you and the dog and teaches them a new level of respect for you.

 

[Roscoesmommy]

Yeah, we have already been through one and we need to take Blayne too, but it is so expensive that we dont have the money to do it right now, that is why we are doing it at home for about 15 minutes a night. It's a lot more expensive to take 2 dogs rather than just one! :D

 

[ehayes21]

Big hugs, to you!!! He sounds exactly like Rowdy when he hit that age. Take a DEEEEP breath and relax - one day they just SNAP out of it and they become a normal dog again. I am sure his activity level is out of control because of also not being able to resume exercise after his neuter. Some things that helped me were numerous short 10-15 training sessions broken up throughout the day - just to exercise his mind. Short walks, two to three times a day (check with your vet, I was able to walk Rowdy, just no off leash play) and lots of wine (for you of course ).
Keep the faith - it will get better.

 

[Kaybie's Mom]

yeah, training isn't cheap........maybe you could up the amount of time spent on his at home training......and vary each session......like do one inside and one outside each day........just to test his ability in different locations........I know Kaybie gets very bored and irritated if I do the same training in the same place (living room) every day.

 

[DiverDiva]

If Roscoe likes food dispensing toys, you could try the Tug-a-Jug. It is made by the company that makes the Busy Buddy treat dispensing toys. Mali hasn't destroyed it and Oscar hasn't figured it out yet. I put their kibble in it because the treats that are sold to go with it are not very good. I couldn't find it locally so I had to buy it online, but it may be in more stores now. I bought the small size, and it certainly is big enough for my two.
I agree that training classes aren't cheap. My club has an assistant program. For each class that I assist, I get a voucher to attend a future class. This has definitely helped with the two dogs. Maybe you can find something similar in your area. Good luck.

 

[calimomma]

Abbi did the SAME THING when we got her spayed!! It's like a switch got flipped in her little brain and she started going nutty. I'm sure it does just have to do with age and pent up energy but it sure is coincidental....

 

[Murp.mm]

Ali could be pretty wild on times too. I know it seems like a long way ahead but they do settle down (Ali is 3 and between 2-3 she settled down quite a bit and I think the fact that I was able to let her run off lead for about 3 miles every day with her buddy made all the difference. Good luck!!