[Danny21]

Hello, I have a 3 years old dog and I don't know his breed.The problem with him that he is too much active, I mean when I walk him he never stops.The second problem is that when he barks, he whines(I don't know if have used the right word, english is not my first language).That often happens when other dogs are passing by him.It's really embarassing.

Maybe these days I will get a another dog, a 3 month old puppy.My parents are thinking about dithcing the old dog I have because we can't afford two dogs.I'm trying to keep the both dogs.But I must admitt sometimes I want to get rid of him.He embaresses me with his constant whinning-barking, he is not a house guard, he lets other dogs walk in out backyard.I really love animals, but sometimes I can't stand him.
Please any suggestion if I can change his behaviour.

[nattiej1976]

Originally Posted by Danny21

Hello, I have a 3 years old dog and I don't know his breed.The problem with him that he is too much active, I mean when I walk him he never stops.The second problem is that when he barks, he whines(I don't know if have used the right word, english is not my first language).That often happens when other dogs are passing by him.It's really embarassing.

Maybe these days I will get a another dog, a 3 month old puppy.My parents are thinking about dithcing the old dog I have because we can't afford two dogs.I'm trying to keep the both dogs.But I must admitt sometimes I want to get rid of him.He embaresses me with his constant whinning-barking, he is not a house guard, he lets other dogs walk in out backyard.I really love animals, but sometimes I can't stand him.
Please any suggestion if I can change his behaviour.

I hate to say it Danny, but its YOUR behaviour that has to change first. A dog only behaves in a manner that has been either taught as acceptable, or because their family have not taken the time to teach it that it is NOT acceptable behaviour.

Sounds like you are going to have to start from the beginning, basic obedience training, it is going to be a little more challengeing, as you are going to have to unteach other behaviours at the same time. I would reccomend seeking out the assistance of a local training school if you have one.

As far as getting another dog, what makes your family think it will turn out any better? If a dog is left to learn things itself, it is ALWAYS going turn out with undesirable outcomes.

[Lara's mom]

There is nothing wrong with the dogs behaviour. There is however, something very wrong with yours. By the sound of you, the dog would be far better off without you. I have no doubt that you will find fault with whatever dog you have.

[Lara's mom]

At what point did I suggest dumping the dog onto the streets? Frankly, the fact that you'd even suggest such a thing tells me you couldn't care less about this dog. Find a good and loving home for poor thing. It obviously isn't with you.

[cigwyllt]

I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt because English is not your first language - although I have to say your English is very good indeed for someone who does not speak it as a first language.

I have three dogs - two dogs who would do anything to please me, and one small dog who really would not care if I disappeared tomorrow as long as there was someone, preferably my husband or my son, who would feed her. She is a friendly, happy little girl. Every visitor to our house falls in love with her, people smile at her in the street, she loves everyone - but she has made me cry and doubt myself in a way that I have never known with a dog before.

I took her to a behaviourist because I needed to know - was she a really difficult dog or was I a rotten owner. As you can probably guess - the answer was neither of those things. She is just not a dog that thrives on affection. My other dogs obey me because they want to be stroked and fussed and petted. That doesn't interest Ojo - she just wants to have fun and if there is no one around to play with she will go off and play by herself.

The biggest eye opener for me was to see her with the behaviourist - this was a lady she had never seen before but she obeyed her and seemed so happy. She worked with me over several months and I have come to see what everyone else can see in my naughty little dog - a sense of fun, eagerness to get out and discover the world, an independent streak that has to be controlled.

For me the key was to be strong and assertive (not physically or verbally cross and abusive), to say what I want and to make sure it happened. She is still noisy and yappy, still prefers my husband to me, but if I call her to come back, she does. If I tell her to get down from the furniture she will. She will never be 100% obedient and willing but we live together happily and I love her for who she is, not what I wanted her to be.

I don't know how old you are - I'm guessing you are a student, not an adult? But part of growing up is accepting things are not as you would want them and making the most of it. Spend some time just watching your dog. What does he like? How does he enjoy himself? How can you make life better for him? As you do that and start to join in with the things he likes I am sure you will find the bond between you will grow and you will find more and more good things about him.

[Todd]

You said that this dog is too active for you. Is this correct? If so the major issue here is probably lack of exercise/physical activity than anything else. If this dog is a very active and you are unable to meet his exercising demands and give him plenty of exercise on a regular basis then I agree that you should find him a new,loving home that can in fact provide him with this. When an active dog is pent up and not exercised alough it will most likely aquire many behavioral problems because of this. If he were to receive plenty of exercise and run time on a regular basis I promice his behavioral problems would clear up or at least greatly improve. This is something that needs mending before basic training is attempted. Both of these suggestions will go hand/hand. As I said though, if you are unable to meet his energy/exercise needs and training, it would be best to rehome him with a family who can. You would be better off with dog with a low energy level, but you still must train the dog to combat common behavioral issues. The again, if you aren't willing to put in the time and effort, maybe it would be best if you didn't get a dog at this time. It's a huge commitment.

[pinsnpugs]

Dogs are not born knowing what behavior is acceptable and what is expected of them.
That is your responsibility to teach them!

It is not fair for the dogs involved for you to get rid of this one simply because you did not train him properly and choose not to take the time to do so.
Replacing the 3 yr old with a puppy is a horrible idea. Puppies are just as, if not MORE ACTIVE than the dog you have now!

What will you do with the pup when he is too energetic for you? Re-home that one too?

Some people are simply not cut out to be dog owners, and you sound like one of those people.
Dogs take time, patience, commitment, money, etc...none of which you seem to have. With all do respect, my opinion is that you find a nice loving home for the 3 yr old dog you have now and if you are still certain you want a pet, go with something less active and with lower care requirements.