Please help

[frosty1982]

Harvey is a rescue dog, we have had him for 5.5 years, he is a Staffie cross with ?. Since he has been in this house (4 years) he has become a problem. He is otherwise a good dog, loves being with us, loves kids other pets etc, but he needs to be kept in the kitchen at bedtime or when we are out if not he is jumping over the furniture, making it smelly and dirty, and he often humps it too, which is not nice, he has not been 'done' he is about 10 years old. he used to come upstairs with us but made a mess of the carpet, and letting the cats in the bedroom with muddy paws. He has destroyed 2 doors, including door frames totally unrepearable. for the last few nights he has been in the kitchen with a babygate but lastnight he started, whine whine whine, trying to get out. so I gave in and let him go in the lounge, I took all the cushions off the sofas, as I've just washed them all. I just don't know what to do any more, it neeeds to be sorted out before our baby arrives in Oct, I dfon't know what to do, I've been given the advice of trying a cage as it might be separation anxiety, I've tried everything, letting HIM be the boss, telling him off, ignoring him. Taking him for LONG LONG walks to tire him out.I don't really want to get rid of him because other than this problem he is a lovely dog, but I fear I have no choice. I am going insane, please help. x

[nick_j007]

Originally Posted by frosty1982

Harvey is a rescue dog, we have had him for 5.5 years, he is a Staffie cross with ?. Since he has been in this house (4 years) he has become a problem. He is otherwise a good dog, loves being with us, loves kids other pets etc, but he needs to be kept in the kitchen at bedtime or when we are out if not he is jumping over the furniture, making it smelly and dirty, and he often humps it too, which is not nice, he has not been 'done' he is about 10 years old. he used to come upstairs with us but made a mess of the carpet, and letting the cats in the bedroom with muddy paws. He has destroyed 2 doors, including door frames totally unrepairable. for the last few nights he has been in the kitchen with a babygate but last night he started, whine whine whine, trying to get out. so I gave in and let him go in the lounge, I took all the cushions off the sofas, as I've just washed them all. I just don't know what to do any more, it needs to be sorted out before our baby arrives in Oct, I dfon't know what to do, I've been given the advice of trying a cage as it might be separation anxiety,:disappointed: I've tried everything, letting HIM be the boss, telling him off, ignoring him. Taking him for LONG LONG walks to tire him out.I don't really want to get rid of him because other than this problem he is a lovely dog, but I fear I have no choice. I am going insane, please help. x

Where to start.

Firstly all dogs respond well to a balanced consistent approach from the owner.
You have changed many times your approach with him and he is now pretty confused as to what's what, and who's who.

As a start pick through these articles by me and implement the points strictly:

Expert Articles - Dog-Behavior-Training.co.uk Forum

Pay special attention to leadership parts 1&2.
Then address the subject of diet as a 'to be sure' measure.
Also address doorways as per my notes.

It does sound as though your dog has a degree of separation anxiety, but with strict rules about where he can and can't go (and sticking to them!) this may resolve or calm down to a good degree.

Avoid crating a dog that is not used to a crate previously or too anxious. they can injure themselves getting out (and they can escape from a crate if the desire is there).

Consider castration with your vet. This should reduce/stop the humping...he is possibly too charged up.

Baby on the way. this requires some serious thought re having the dog and baby together. Do you trust him? Will he be able to adapt? NOW is the time to address these questions, not once baby is with you
There is quite a bit of free reading on line re this subject, and books via Amazon, so get looking

If you can afford a home visit by an experienced trainer, then bite the bullet now and make that investment in the future.

Write back here, or PM me if you prefer.

Best wishes,

Nick