HELP ME ... :)

[Frankie]

I have four dogs and five cats. Love animals far more than most people ... but one of my dogs is about ready to drive me over the edge.

Soooo, let me start. Well over a year ago a lady at work's mother had a schnoodle that she was getting rid of because they "traveled" too much. If they didn't find a home for it - the pup was going to a shelter. Well, me being the sucker I am - said I would take him.
They didn't tell me - he wasn't potty trained, wouldn't come back to his name, barked 99% of the time, etc.

I brought him home, and he did NOT listen to anything. I have managed to break him of almost every bad habit he has ... except when he manages to get out side when some is coming and going from the house.

Now, I am sure that you say --- make sure he is on a leash outside. The problem is ... is that you can not even open the door to walk outside without the dog jumping (I am NOT making this up) right over your head or back to get out. He will jump on your back, and crawl right over your shoulders and run out. Soooo, if one of my kids "dare" walk into the house ... he runs out.

He will run up and down the middle of the street. Will not come back. Will not come to his name.

He will come back, but ONLY after he has ran around not returning to his name ... and we go in and shut the door. He will come back and scratch on the door to come in. My main concern is him getting hit on the road.

I put up a six foot fence in the back yard ((($2,500.00))) because I figured he needed more exercise and I can only walk him sooooo often and work, etc. He learned to climb over, and I put somethings around the top ... he started digging his way out.

I have over the years rescued pets from shelters, etc. BUT this dog has me wanting to but him in a rescue. I can not care for him. Does any one have any ideas what I can do to teach him to come back? Does anyone know anyone that wants an adorable, but ill behaved schnoodle??

He does NOT get along well with my other dogs, and tries to terrorize the cats. He does NOT like my kids. He likes me ... a lot, but will not come to me outside. Just runs away, or in a circle.

I know I will get blasted over this ... but I was sooo desperate one night that I considered driving him to the country and just letting him out ... I didn't do it. Nor will I ... but he is driving my family nuts. I am out of ideas.

Please help me.

I live in Michigan, but I could take him elsewhere if need be.

I feel sooo bad to make this post. I do love him, but he is just wrecking havoc on my family and other pets.

Thanks, Frankie.

[Frankie]

No Replies?! Well it was worth a try.

[Alicia]

Hi!
I just read your post..I'm sure I wont be of much help.
But have you tried taking the dog to obediance (sp?) school, or a trainer. I know its costs money but If it helps in the end it will be worth it. Other than that I've got nothing... sorry I cant be of more help!

[Sharon Mistic]

Sounds VERY HYPER!!! Do you exercise him and play with him? Is he neutered?
Talk to a good vet, maybe they can help you- or a dog behaviorist. If you have managed to train him so far, he is trainable, sounds like you need to decide if you want to put in the time, or take him to a shelter (sounds like he wouldn't do too good there), have you talked to the previous owner? GOOD LUCK!

[Frankie]

Thanks for the advice. I haven't tried obedience training. Mainly because where I live the nearest one is over an hour drive - one way.

As far as speaking to the previous owner, they just "laughed" saying that was the way he was at their home. They kept him in his crate, when they didn't have him on his leash.

He is neutered. Didn't settle him down at all. :( I can speak to my vet next time I go there. See if he has any thoughts. I really don't wanna talk Mr. Schnoodle to a shelter, but my family is just not thrilled with the pup at all. He is far more work than all our other animal family members put together.

I think I will try the dog trainer. See how that goes.

I do play with him, when he will concentrate long enough to play. Outside you can't ... or he runs off.

[bams481]

Try using a tread mill, make sure you educate yourself on the proper use but Ceaser Milian uses this to burn off excess energy and it is a wondferul way to give your pooch some exercise

[Campbell Welsh]

I'm so sorry to hear about your problems. It is tough when you have an animal like this. It really sounds like he has a serious emotional problem - or physical problem. I wonder if he's ever had a thyroid check? I dont have the web site on hand but can get it - it is a great site that talks about thyroid problems and dogs. Mainly targeted toward seizure activity, but also addresses behaviors. Also, I wonder if his previous owners kept him in that crate ALL THE TIME?!?
One thing you can do to at least help with the leaping over your shoulders and out the door, is to not allow him to be without a leash -- even in the house. When my dogs are "in training" they are never off the leash so I can gain their control in a nano second. This way, when he bolts, you will have at least the flash of 6 extra feet. I know this isn't the perfect answer to your problems, but I dont believe there is one. Also, with "problem" dogs, some people use a double ended leash (dont know the exact name of it) where you attach one end to the dog and the other end to your belt loop. That way, the dog goes with you everywhere and is given NO CHOICES.
For one thing, I think this situation needs a closer look. This guy has serious problems and you and your family are suffering right along with him.