Help with re-homed labrador - please!

[SueWin]

About 7 weeks ago I took on an 8 month old chocolate lab bitch as company for my 18 month old male black lab (Bryan). I work during the day and although I am home every lunch time and although the dogs are never on their own for more than 4 hours I though it would be better for Bryan as he is very sociable.

I knew the new bitch would have some issues as she had been living in an outdoor run so was not particularly house trained and hadn't had much obedience training. She wasn't mistreated at all and has a sweet nature but hadn't had much input. I did the introductions gradually before she moved in with us and now she and Bryan are the best of friends and training is ongoing. I am however having issues with house training and destructiveness. She (Billie) is great overnight and will ask to go out when I'm in but when I'm at work she has intermittent accidents of both kinds even when she has been out within the last couple of hours.

Despite being left with plenty of toys of different varieties she also destroys everything in sight. I'm on her 4th dog bed already and she destroys Bryan's beds and toys as well as her own. She has also chewed fridge cables, wooden steps and the walls to name but a few. The most destructive outbursts are usually on the same days she has accidents. I can crate her of course but then she barks incessantly and disturbs the neighbours. I know young dogs are destructive but I'm beginning to wonder if this is more of a behavioural issue. It's staring to stress me out and Bryan as well, as I'm having to contain them in smaller areas of the house or separate them entirely and he gets worked up at her barking and upset if I lose patience and shout at her (he's a complete wuss).

Does anyone have any insights or advice that could help?

Thanks.

 

[gypsysmum]

It does sound like a behaviour issue. There are a couple of things that can cause this sort of behaviour. One is anxiety at being left and another is frustration at being left. Inappropriate toileting usually points to anxiety as it is a relief to toilet. In Billie's case, though, you could not rule out house training issues.

Given the amount of destruction you are getting I would think an investment in a qualified Behaviourist would be a good idea. Be sure to choose one from either COAPE or the APBC. They do like to see video evidence of dogs that are causing problems when left. Many will have their own cameras but if you had video footage first that might help them make a more informed diagnosis earlier.

In the meantime I would use a crate and apologise to the neighbours while explaining that you are seeking help that may take a while.

Some general advice would be to not let Billie become too reliant on you for company and attention when you are around. Another dog is not always the company some dogs want. So, keeping a slight coolness between you will help her to not miss you so much when left. Also be extra cool with her for about ten minutes before you leave her so that she misses you less. Give clear guidance about when she is, or is not, coming with you when you go out. Get her lead out early when you are taking her and do not go near it when you are not taking her with you. This can help them not become frustrated when they think they are accompanying us but end up being left at home.

A behaviourist will give you a programme to work on to help resolve the issues you have. They can also advise on any other problems you are having.