How to make my motorhome pup friendly

[PeteH]

Top Tip. At the end of the Day, YOU have to be Alpha. Dogs have a Hierarchy, a pecking order. All Family members are above the dog. Once that is established the dog becomes comfortable and feels more secure, it not a case of not "loving" the dog it`s pure dog psychology, they do not think like humans.

I don`t always agree with Ceasar Milan (The dog whisperer). But much of his work is based on the psychology of the dog. Distraction also works. when they are not behaving, find a distraction. It changes their thinking pattern.

That advice came from a guy who trains Police Dogs.

Our latest, A "gift" from a couple who could not keep her on their Thames Barge, 3 years old now.

 

[Mark and Mindy]

Top Tip. At the end of the Day, YOU have to be Alpha. Dogs have a Hierarchy, a pecking order. All Family members are above the dog. Once that is established the dog becomes comfortable and feels more secure, it not a case of not "loving" the dog it`s pure dog psychology, they do not think like humans.

I don`t always agree with Ceasar Milan (The dog whisperer). But much of his work is based on the psychology of the dog. Distraction also works. when they are not behaving, find a distraction. It changes their thinking pattern.

That advice came from a guy who trains Police Dogs.

View attachment 361490

Our latest, A "gift" from a couple who could not keep her on their Thames Barge, 3 years old now.

What a gorgeous dog, so pretty!

 

[PeteH]

What a gorgeous dog, so pretty!

Allegedly, crossed Norwich Terrier?. But What With?, we have no idea.

 

[Rosemary1]

Tried everything, little exercise, lots of exercise, he still goes crazy about 7pm. Thanks for the spray tip.

Ours are 11 this year and they still have the “zoomies” once a day - I just join in now

 

[Googlebot]

Our German Shepard crossed with a Belgian Shepard post 15 mile bike ride. She has never chewed, bitten, barked or been disruptive. I can’t let her off the lead, her recall is dreadful despite constant training.

Every dog is different I suppose.

Agree with the crate though, ours has been invaluable.

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[TheBig1]

All my adult life we have had rescue dogs, some with serious problems, some with health conditions. They all respond to natural behaviour and pack hierarchy. You need to learn and adapt to them in as much as knowing what makes them tick and their triggers. But absolutely you must be leader of your pack and you will have a happy well balanced dogs. We overcome the initial training of a new dog by always having more than one, with the current dog or dogs training a newcomer to the pack wherever possible.

Some dogs are destructive through boredom and others from stress, which you shouldn't confuse with just teething. Knowing the difference is the first step to helping your dog solve it's issues

 

[tonyidle]

Very inspiring. Thanks. Everybody seems to have dogs with no problems when I show them the scars on my hands and arms.

If you're worried about wounds you need to practice with a cat.

 

[tonyidle]

View attachment 361495
Our German Shepard crossed with a Belgian Shepard post 15 mile bike ride. She has never chewed, bitten, barked or been disruptive. I can’t let her off the lead, her recall is dreadful despite constant training.

Every dog is different I suppose.

Agree with the crate though, ours has been invaluable.

That's one beautiful animal .

 

[poppycamper]

I wonder if you giving him too much exercise for his age? Collies are active dogs but working collies spend a lot of time being inactive. We have found that the more exercise they get the more they want. It is the same with chasing a ball. Our last girl would have run herself into the ground if we had let her. I see people have mentioned air fresheners. We can’t use bought ones as they affect husband’s asthma and some chemicals can make dogs ill. I make up a solution of bicarbonate, lemon juice and water in a spray bottle.

Yep that's the answer....run them into the ground.......then use Fiddlesticksn big spade to fill hole back up and keep your foot on hole tae make sure the snarlin/bitin/stinky/Fiddlesticksn useless lump o blubber that seem to think they can bark/snarl/yap/yip n bite while while Mummy and Daddy watch oot windae.... Wot...my digs are quiet.....silent as mooooosseeesss. DREAM ON !@@

 

[Googlebot]

That's one beautiful animal .

Thanks, she has grown up to be a gorgeous looking dog.

Yep that's the answer....run them into the ground.......then use Fiddlesticksn big spade to fill hole back up and keep your foot on hole tae make sure the snarlin/bitin/stinky/Fiddlesticksn useless lump o blubber that seem to think they can bark/snarl/yap/yip n bite while while Mummy and Daddy watch oot windae.... Wot...my digs are quiet.....silent as mooooosseeesss. DREAM ON !@@

It‘s a bit difficult to decide, but I take it you don’t like dogs?

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[Beemobile]

My say on this is, don't rush it, your kid has to feel secure in the knowledge that as a child would feel, he is secure, but kids get up to mischief and that's when they are left on their own hence chewing etc, restriction to a cage helps but its up to the owner to praise the good., it's all about good boy, your new addition soon will settle down just don't expect it all at once, collies are quick to learn I hope you have lots of fun.

 

[Caggsie1]

When we had a houseful,, 3 bull terriers and a rescue collie the bullies had what we called the bullie run. This required, of own volition, to belt around the house or garden, bouncing off anything in their way. Going from room to room or random parts of the garden. I used to love watching them to me it was letting their hair down which we all need and lasted anything from 30 secs to 5 mins.

 

[Janine]

These are good for keeping the muddy dog away from the soft furnishings -

Henry Wag Dog Drying Bag

Henry Wag Dog Drying Bag. Ultra absorbent microfibre material.

www.innerwolf.co.uk

 

[Figaro]

These are good for keeping the muddy dog away from the soft furnishings -

There might be a fight getting him in there though !

 

[Steve and Denise]

May be that type of dog is not suitable for mh life. ?

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[Rosemary1]

View attachment 361495
Our German Shepard crossed with a Belgian Shepard post 15 mile bike ride. She has never chewed, bitten, barked or been disruptive. I can’t let her off the lead, her recall is dreadful despite constant training.

Every dog is different I suppose.

Agree with the crate though, ours has been invaluable.

It’s a wolf!

What a smashing dog

 

[Makingtrax]

There might be a fight getting him in there though !

And we know who'll lose!

 

[Makingtrax]

View attachment 361495
Our German Shepard crossed with a Belgian Shepard post 15 mile bike ride. She has never chewed, bitten, barked or been disruptive. I can’t let her off the lead, her recall is dreadful despite constant training.

Every dog is different I suppose.

Agree with the crate though, ours has been invaluable.

How did you get a dog like that? From the first day at 8 weeks, ours was 100mph. Chases the sunshine and shadows on the floor, ankles, and hands, bites just about everything, jumps, runs and plays. Scratches at floor, carpets, rugs, fridge and oven doors, wants constant attention and finally crashes. 30 minutes and it's off again like a duracel bunny.

Trying desperately to work on calming measures with treats, which is why its growing so fast.

 

[Parrot Face]

You think you have the dog from hell. Get a Welsh Terrier like most of the 'beautiful people' they are flawed. Great looking dog but boy was he a difficult dog. Definitely use a crate, first trip out must be a short one, get a screw in or hammer in ground stick with long lead, NEVER EVER let dogs up on furniture for hygiene reasons and also because many dogs will sustain injury's from jumping off furniture. My neighbours dog injured its back jumping off furniture, was 4yrs old and had to be put down. Be the boss. Mine is now 4 and is great in motorhome. Do not avoid the difficult things . First visit to a pub he caused murder but we took him in more and more . Now people comment on how lovely and well behaved he is in pubs and restaurants.

 

[Makingtrax]

You think you have the dog from hell. Get a Welsh Terrier like most of the 'beautiful people' they are flawed. Great looking dog but boy was he a difficult dog. Definitely use a crate, first trip out must be a short one, get a screw in or hammer in ground stick with long lead, NEVER EVER let dogs up on furniture for hygiene reasons and also because many dogs will sustain injury's from jumping off furniture. My neighbours dog injured its back jumping off furniture, was 4yrs old and had to be put down. Be the boss. Mine is now 4 and is great in motorhome. Do not avoid the difficult things . First visit to a pub he caused murder but we took him in more and more . Now people comment on how lovely and well behaved he is in pubs and restaurants.

Gives me hope there's light at the end of the tunnel. Working on wiping his paws when he comes in everyday . . . what a struggle. I'm not giving up despite the scars.

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[Googlebot]

How did you get a dog like that? From the first day at 8 weeks, ours was 100mph. Chases the sunshine and shadows on the floor, ankles, and hands, bites just about everything, jumps, runs and plays. Scratches at floor, carpets, rugs, fridge and oven doors, wants constant attention and finally crashes. 30 minutes and it's off again like a duracel bunny.

Trying desperately to work on calming measures with treats, which is why its growing so fast.

From the time she entered the house it was made clear she was the bottom of the pack. She never eats before us, isn’t allowed upstairs and never on the furniture. The kids have been taught to treat her the same.

She once snarled at my youngest, I don’t think she meant it, he woke her up while dreaming we think. However the cold and lonely few hours she spent outside meant that has never happened again.

She does love being fussed though and bugs you till she gets some come the evening when the kids go to bed.

She does get a tremendous amount of exercise, now she is two she will go for miles running or on bikes. As a minimum she gets an hour walking a day, more usually two or three. This means she is knackered and content when home.

I don’t think it is us, we were just lucky with her. As I mentioned, her recall is dreadful, the ears go up and off she goes. Squirrels, birds, other dogs, anything that moves. No amount of food, whistling, praise or shouting gets her back. I have just accepted she will always be on a lead. She is daft but when running towards you at full pelt is a big scary looking dog and I hate inconsiderate owners who let their dogs do that.

All dogs are different and though mine is very well behaved, she does have her moments. I am a firm believer that they are happiest when put in their place and kept there. No confusion and clear expectations.

I used to be a dog hater, took my Wife years to persuade me and I am glad she did.

 

[janeb]

Hi, each to their own about letting dogs on seats. However, if you want your furbaby to be welcome in friend's mohos as well and you have chosen a very intelligent breed for training, then the word "off!" needs to come into it, a lot !! Definitely wouldn't leave the dog alone in moho, likely to bark at passers by, defending his space and thereby causing upset to others, lots of sites put it in their rules anyway. As for travelling, until he becomes a senior dog and hopefully sleeps all the way , then I guess a crate is necessary and safe. It will become his own space, eventually you will be able to leave the door open all the time and he will enjoy having his quiet place. Plenty of toys that are his to chew, lots of praise when he gets it right, remember it's a dog, not a child, although there are similiarities !!!! Best of luck with your new companion.

 

[15edward]

We got our smooth haired collie from a rescue as a pup. They said he’d just come in that morning and was 8 weeks. Took him shivering with his funny eye and ear straightaway even though there was the very confident looking long haired pup beside him which we’d come to see - heart took over head.
he wasn’t 8 weeks, wasn’t even weaned we discovered. We blame that start for the all that’s followed. I’m a very experienced behaviourist trainer but there was no way he was going to accept a crate. Nor will he accept any separation with equanimity. Even after 5 years of putting his lead on fir his walks - he’s off lead when we get there!- he cowers and looks at as though we are about to beat him. The only restraint he tolerates is the long rope lead from the motorhome. And after many trips only now settles with his harness on for a good sleep as we travel
Wouldnt swap him!
he wouldn't I don’t think survive a pack!!
hes only ever chewed once when I shut him in the van on his long lead - we were there outside - chewed the corner off the seat cushion. If he can see outside he’ll stay calm (Ish)
we’ve adapted to him
we leave him at home regularly but for short times- longest is a cinema trip when he’s shaking as we return.
he loves the Motorhome - knows exactly where we are.
the only thing I’d change is the flooring in the motorhome. We have carpet and vinyl would make life a lot easier
his toys travel with us and the games are much the same!
Persevere - ours isn’t food orientated but training wasn’t difficult for most behaviours with praise and fun
he couldn’t love us more - or we him
we’ve had immense fun

 

[bellabee]

Just by way of reassurance, by the time he's 14, he'll be no trouble at all - provided you're still strong enough to lift him in and out of the van.

 

[Dognewf]

Dogs in vans are fine. They settle down. Pup there is about 9 months.

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[Four of us]

I don't think I would try more than several day trips until your pup is housetrained, sleeping through the night, and a bit more settled. Another few months should see a massive change in his behaviour and it will all seem much more doable!

 

[Makingtrax]

However, if you want your furbaby to be welcome in friend's mohos as well and you have chosen a very intelligent breed for training, then the word "off!"

Yes, the word 'off' is used an awful lot, just not in the way you're thinking.

 

[KarenJoeandPups]

The best thing to do is not to over exercise physically, he is too young for that anyway and get thr pup to use his brain. Different feeders, scatter feed, shuffle mats etc.
Frozen carrots and kongs are good for chewing, and feeding his main meal..
After physical exercise you can calm.him with a licki mat, cheap and cheerful, with soft food and liquid rubbed on.
If you just physically exercise a dog it just gets fit however with dogs such as collies they need their brain to be used. Training/games are key and can be done in daily activities.
Sorry is this has already been said but there were a lot of answers to read and I got lazy ?

 

[KarenJoeandPups]

Oh and a dry bag is fab......

 

[Makingtrax]

We got our smooth haired collie from a rescue as a pup. They said he’d just come in that morning and was 8 weeks. Took him shivering with his funny eye and ear straightaway even though there was the very confident looking long haired pup beside him which we’d come to see - heart took over head.
he wasn’t 8 weeks, wasn’t even weaned we discovered. We blame that start for the all that’s followed. I’m a very experienced behaviourist trainer but there was no way he was going to accept a crate. Nor will he accept any separation with equanimity. Even after 5 years of putting his lead on fir his walks - he’s off lead when we get there!- he cowers and looks at as though we are about to beat him. The only restraint he tolerates is the long rope lead from the motorhome. And after many trips only now settles with his harness on for a good sleep as we travel
Wouldnt swap him!
he wouldn't I don’t think survive a pack!!
hes only ever chewed once when I shut him in the van on his long lead - we were there outside - chewed the corner off the seat cushion. If he can see outside he’ll stay calm (Ish)
we’ve adapted to him
we leave him at home regularly but for short times- longest is a cinema trip when he’s shaking as we return.
he loves the Motorhome - knows exactly where we are.
the only thing I’d change is the flooring in the motorhome. We have carpet and vinyl would make life a lot easier
his toys travel with us and the games are much the same!
Persevere - ours isn’t food orientated but training wasn’t difficult for most behaviours with praise and fun
he couldn’t love us more - or we him
we’ve had immense fun

Such a great story. I'm guessing if they're scarred by a previous experience or got the wrong genes, there's only so much training can do. Insecurities can run deep.

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