We have a little folding fence that we keep up to keep Oscar off the carpet. We let him into the living room if we’re in there with him but even sometimes when I’m trying to cross stitch, I keep him in the fenced area. There’s tile floor and even though his bathroom manners are excellent, he will get to biting on the carpet and will pull lots of the fibers out. His fenced in area is about 4′ x probably 30′. It spans the length of the living room, the “foyer area that goes into the garage downstairs (though he doesn’t go into the garage) and an area towards the downstairs bedrooms and bathroom so he has plenty of room to play in there. But, like everyone else, he wants to be where he isn’t supposed to be.
Last night I looked over and he had his nose sticking through the fence. I thought . . that’s odd! I had never seen that before. That’s when I realized he had completely chewed off one part of the fence and it’s missing . . as in probably eaten!
I told Vince we’re going to have to wrap the bottom of the fence in chicken wire. Won’t that be attractive?
Oscar will be nine months old this week. I don’t see much difference in the chewing and playing than when he was 4 or 5 months old. I was so hoping that by one year he would be calm, easy to take on car trips, let me hold him, sit with me in my chair. I’m losing hope that there’s going to be some magical change at one year. I know . . a blog reader tells me it will happen at 2 years. Maybe we can compromise and say 18 months will be the time he turns into a calm, cool and collected dog! 🙂
vivoaks says
You know it WILL happen at some point. Just hope it’s sooner rather than later, which, I guess is basically what you said. 🙂
Barbara Truchan says
Have you ever thought of teaching him the meaning of the word NO? He needs some discipline and not to be cooped up. When he chews up things you just give him another one. That doesn’t teach him a thing. Their just animals but capable of listening and remembering. I have raised 2 doxies and taught them from the get-go what is not permissible.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
You obviously don’t read my blog much because multiple times I’ve mentioned that he knows the word NO. He knows the word STAY because when he grabs something and starts to run with it and I say STAY, he stops and I’m able to get what he has. Also, he’s totally outside potty trained and has been since he was about 5 months old, maybe 6 months, which I think is really good for a dachshund. He only stays “cooped up” when (1) we’re not in the room with him and (2) when he needs a little calming down time and even then, he’s in the same room with us, just off the carpet and away from my cross stitching supplies that are in the chair with me. He’s my third dachshund and yes, Oscar and my other two knew the meaning of NO. It’s really hard to say NO when I’m not in the same room with him, hence, he gets “cooped” up. Where did you get that when he chews things we give him another one?
Oscar is not your typical dachshund. Even our vet says he’s one of the most energetic, determined little dogs she’s ever seen.
Cilla says
Welcome to the world of Pie Balds. I’ve had a few. They are a pawfull.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
He is so funny but such a handful. I’m glad to know it’s in his genes and there’s only so much we can do. He does want to please and he gets upset when he knows he’s in trouble but . . the fun is worth the consequences apparently.
Shari says
I used a piece of plexiglas on the bottom of the door to my screen porch to keep my cats from pushing the screen out. They can still see out, but the screen is secure. Maybe that would work for you.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I’m sure Vince will come up with a plan. I’m afraid Oscar might chew on the plexiglass. He is such a chewer!
Cody says
Judy…it’s just like raising children..lol…i’m thinking about all of your chad stories..and
before you know it…a calm dog…he’ll get there before you know it.