[guenthersmom]

Hello! I'm new here, so let me introduce myself and my dog:

My name is Kim, and I have the honor of living with a 10 year-old Weim-Rottie mix named Guenther. He's THE best dog I've ever had the pleasure of 'owning' (don't really like that term - after all I don't 'own' my son, either, but I digress...). We've had a wonderful relationship up until about two years ago. Here's the scoop:

He was rescued by the ASPCA from a home where he was chained outside without shelter, food or water. He was emaciated, nails overgrown, and in very poor health overall. He had a foster family for a while, then came to live with me and my 8 year old son. For several years, he was perfect. But, then I noticed he was scratching at the windows and doors to get out. Finally, he busted through two windows over the course of 6 months to get out and would head to any neighbor who was outside at the time. I asked a neighbor if I could have him babysit Guenther and he agreed. Everything was working out fine - in that time I moved into an upstairs apartment and Guenther handled the transition well. Unfortunately, my babysitter ended up in poor health and could no longer watch Guenther.

I asked the apartment manager if I could have another dog, and the answer was a resounding 'no'. So, over a course of a few days, I 'practiced' leaving my house, staying away for longer times each outing, and Guenther seemed to do well - until last week. He's now again clawing at the door, ripping down my blinds, and barking incessently (as my neighbors begrudgingly told me). I tried tranqs, but at $10.00 per pill and two pills at a time for just a short bout of sedation, it's not something I can do daily as I work 8 to 10 hours per day.

Having Guenther leave the family is about as absurd a notion to me as giving my son up for adoption because he was misbehaving; it's out of the question. So, help, my fellow dog lovers! I need to get Guenther calmed down before he barks us right out of house and home. (To say nothing of losing my pet deposit after I'm kicked out due to damage.)

Thanks!
Kim

[suebgone]

10 hours IMO is way to long to expect any dog to hold it. he is trying to get out from bordom & because he has to go.

you could crate him but that does not address HIS problems & he will probably bark more

no a second dog is definately not the answer - then you'd have 2 bored dogs not getting out enough

how many 30 minute walks does he get every day? sounds like that is a large part of the problem - not enough exercise

it has probably gone on for so long now that its pretty embedded & the neighbors are not going to put up with the barking & the downstairs people are not going to put up with all the comotion upstairs.

if you can afford it, hire a dog walker for twice a day. leave a radio on for him. there is Rescue Remedy & Calming Essence available at health food stores that are very effective

I really don't think time is going to be on your side with is & your only answer is going to be to have him euthanized while you hold him as he goes

good luck

[erna]

Find him a new home with a back yard and stay at home family. It is not fair to leave a dog alone locked up for hours on end. Dogs need companionship, walks and play time every day. I know it is hard but you would be doing your friend a big favor.

[CaityK]

Dog Training: Bark Busters Home Dog Training

They are lifesavers. Our dogs had barking problems as well. They were driving our neighbors batty. They were recently "bark busted". The proof was when the pizza delivery boy came to the door and asked us if we still had dogs.

They're kind of pricey.. but if you're at the end of your rope, Bark Busters is something I definitely recommend looking into.