Positively | Victoria Stilwell | Forum

There is a temptation to think that managing a problem like this is purely managing, but actually doing it well and doing it long term, as long as the dogs needs are met, it does improve behaviour too. It does. I leave Rupert loose now if I'm just going to the local shop and he's never chewed anyth...

I crate my almost 7 year old destructodog because he'd probably chew anything he could get his teeth into if left more than half an hour. Sadly, fabric, wood and paper make much better tearing noises than rawhide or bone so the furniture, books etc are more appealing than his own toys. Not only is i...

Rawhide chewies are treated with chemicals to stop them smelling bad and rotting. You may not want to feed your dog these chemicals. Far safer are raw meaty bones, or deer antler with the tines sawn off. I figure the rawhides are probably safer than the stuff my dog would otherwise find to chew. I'...

i just try to comfort her (in a separate room) to keep her from barking.

What exactly do you do to comfort her? You could inadvertantly be making the issue worse. And what have you done to try and convince her your aunt isn't something she needs to worry about?

The crazy half hour is normal puppy behaviour and they all grow out of it Very Happy When does that happen? Ruperts almost 7 and still has these moments :lol: To be fair he has learned to grab a toy and not us though. or do dogs do that when they want to play? Some do. Mine's a big growler and stan...

Where do you store it??? I assume you have an extra freezer just for the dogs food? I've considered trying Rupert on raw but storage has always been a problem. Now delivery would also be a problem but could be worked around. As for what food is the best, I've tried Rupert on pretty much all the reco...

Dogs don't like to potty in long grass. All 3 dogs I've had been the opposite and preferred long grass over short to potty in although any grass was preferable to concrete. What sort of surface is he going on while out on walks? Maybe try recreating that in your garden somehow if it's possible? Wha...

Another question: is it okay to encourage him to go during walkies? He simply will not go in the back yard, so taking him for potty breaks doesn't really work. Problem I can see with this is if you can't take him for a walk because you've got to stay in for some reason :? Not really got any advice ...

Nettle, it's kind of ridiculous isn't it? I understand that rescues ans shelters have to think of what's best for the animals but I think some need to go back and take a look at their policies. And teach their staff how to deal with people. I know an elderly gentleman who was turned down for adoptin...

Not really a home made toy but for those with dogs who like destroying stuffed toys, try the charity shops. Just make sure to take off any glass/button eyes and noses etc and other loose parts first. I hate paying the prices of stuffed dog toys when I know they're going to be destuffed and torn into...

I see Natures Miracle recommended a lot on the US forums I'm on.

What do you actually do with them other than the 30 minute walk once a week and playing fetch in the yard some days? If all they're getting is an occasional game of fetch and a 30 minute walk once a week it's no wonder they're not settling in the house. Also, are they only in the house once or twice...

Lily, it's probably not going to make you feel any better but I went through similar things twice before getting Rupert. Both were private adoptions rather than a shelter or rescue though, people wanting to rehome their dogs for whatever reason and then deciding at the last minute they actually want...

I don't see wolfhound either to be honest. German Wirehaired Pointer mix was suggested but not really a breed you see around. I just tell people I have a Lab sized scruffy mutt

And interesting describes him well, never a dull moment with Rupert around.

My Rupert Bear. He's roughly 6 or 7 years old, shelter had him down as being a wolfhound mix but he could be anything really. http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i269/sjlwilliamson/IMG_0468.jpg This one never fails to crack me up http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i269/sjlwilliamson/IMG_0061.jpg Forgiv...