i have a 1 yr old boxer. i understand he's still a puppy, but nothing i do to discipline him works. he barks incessantly, puts anything and everything in his mouth, destroys his toys within minutes, jumps on people (i can't even let little kids pet him because he'll take them out), you name a bad habit, he has it (i kid you not, he even bites his nails). i've taken him to training classes, i've tried "time outs", i've used bitter sprays, i have a choke collar, i've spanked him, i've done the firm "NO" thing... i've done all i can think of within the realm of "humane", but nothing works. he's a tough dog, so spanks don't phase him, he actually LIKES the bitter spray... any advice as to how to get him to get away from his bad habits?

Enroll him in a dog obedience course.

This dog is completely out of control. Either he is akin to a 2yr old human child or he has serious mental problems. I tend to believe he enjoys controlling you and his environment and unless you can convince him you are the boss, he will continue to run the household. If he has really bonded with you, he will not enjoy your ignoring him. The best way to do this is crate him and ignore him. If this doesn't work, trade him in on another breed. Sporting dogs tend to be more agreeable.

have you read "how to be your dog's best friend" by the Monks of New Skete ? this is probably the best book you can read for training dogs. The most IMPORTANT thing to do is STAY CONSISTENT, be patient, and praise often. Get the book, though, it's really great. good luck!!I had a huskey, I know what it's like to train a difficult dog! all the frustration is worth it in the end, in teaching your dog, your dog also teaches you, and you form a bond that stays with you for a lifetime.

Puppies, like young children, have tons of energy and curiosity so it's up to you to guide him toward constructive rather than destructive behaviors. You want to provide as much routine and consistency as possible so make sure feeding times are at the same time (2-3 meals for puppies). Provide lots of toys of different shapes and textures to pique your puppy's interest as well as help to alleviate teething and boredom. We've had success with positive reinforcement. Rather than tell puppy what NOT to do, you show puppy what to do and reward him with lots of attention and love. Schedule a brief (10-15 minutes at this stage) training period at the same time each day. Regardless of how well it goes, end on a positive note instead of being frustrated. Puppy is more likely to participate and recall training that is FUN. Patience is going to be key here, but will pay off down the line with regard to having a well-behaved, well-adjusted loving dog. Finally, when puppy does something inappropriate, just give him a short stern NO and, if possible, show him what is OK (i.e. chewing on your hand, give him a toy to chew on) and ignore him if the behavior persists. Last, but not least, puppy needs lots of exercise and time to play. Good luck.

Consistency, consistency, consistency. That's what most dog owners forget from their obedience classes. I agree that crating is a good way to teach your dog that his behavior is unacceptable. Take him away from what he wants ... attention. Put him in the crate and ignore him. Don't make eye contact. Don't let the kids give him any attention whatsoever, negative or positive. After 10 minutes, let him out, but put him back immediately if he misbehaves. If he's good for the next ten minutes, praise him and give him a cookie.

As far as him Jumping up on people, the next time he does that take your knee and firmly push him away. It might take a time or two but it usually works. AS far as the other problems the best remedy I have found is to put some coins in a coke can. Cover the top with a napkin, paper towel or what ever keeps the coins from coming out. When your dog displays these other bad behaviors shake the can at him. This has worked on my 2 labs and one Basset.

don't give up....Hang in there...try to be more firm! And apply more bitter stuff......and don't spank him with your hand if it doesn't work use a long skinny stick and sting him on the butt once every time he does something wrong...and carry it around with you and when you speak to him when you swat him call it a "stick" after a while of doing that you will not need it just when you suspect he about to do something wrong say "stick" and he'll know i better not do that or i'll get stung on the butt......It worked for Jacob my Bulldog