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Post by multiplicity on Aug 15, 2006 21:21:20 GMT -5
The post below is actually a post I posted on Greytalk as well...I could use all the help I can get on this one!
OK, I am gonna start by saying in no way is Chevy in danger of losing his home. I love him and he is here to stay! But having said that OMG he has become a monster!
Chevy has suddenly developed all these bad habits - up to recently he was just perfect. He now chews shoes, purses and cellphones. He shreds newpapers, bills and cardboard boxes. Yesterday he got up walked over to the TV and peed on it!!!
WHAT IS GOING ON!?
Why is he like this now? I have had him for 1 year and he has been so well behaved until about a month ago. My 2 other greys still seem normal and content. Nothing has changed in the house...well my kitty Scooter died and the rest of our kitties are fighting alot while they figure out the new pecking order. Could that affect Chevy? The greys and the kitties do not really interact very much though so I do not think it is that. Nothing else has changed.
How do I correct this behaviour? I started putting things away and out of reach but it seems he just finds something else to do or get into. I tell myself "Don't set him up for failure...put your shoes away..." but when he walked up to the TV and peed on it shortly after his after supper walk I knew this is getting outta control.
All input and suggestions welcome!!!
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Post by jiffer on Aug 16, 2006 13:44:23 GMT -5
Wow. I would assume, given that nothing else has changed, that Scooter's passing (or the people's reaction to it) has caused it.
My thoughts are exercise him (tired dog is a good dog), work with him as if it's back to his first week at home, puppyproof your home and have a nice stiff drink.
I have two destructos in my house. Nothing is left where they can mangle it.. but this was after the loss of several items... to name a few: my cell phone (which we still use, despite the fact it looks like it went through a meat grinder), an XBox cordless controller, numerous pens/pencils/markers. Icarus even chewed a battery about 3 months into living with us! Now, my living room has the bare essentials (though I've slowly started to reintroduce things), I gate them out of the kitchen, the spare room doors stay closed and we have a leaving and returning procedure.
Best of luck to you!
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Post by GreyPoopon on Aug 16, 2006 14:41:33 GMT -5
I have not been through this--thank heavens--but my reaction is that he is behaving like a puppy, so he ought to be treated like one. I'd puppyproof, use a crate when not there, watch him like a hawk when he's out of the crate, exercise him (for physical tiredness), and do some training (for mental tiredness).
I also have a zero tolerance policy for stuff I don't want to deal with long term. For example, since I don't want paper shredded, I don't let them chew paper. I remove the item and direct them to something from their overflowing toybox. Peeing in the house is grounds for admonishment and a quick trip outside.
Good luck.
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Post by stylishhound on Aug 16, 2006 16:02:36 GMT -5
Oh Sheri....you poor thing! Ok, first question. When did it start exactly - did you have visitors (ahem..) staying with you at the time, was he feeling "put out" in some way? Does he do this in front of you or when you're away? Have you ruled out everything medical? Is he bored, frustrated, hungry, eating something different, have your shifts changed at work? I'm just throwing a bunch of questions out there in case some something triggers for you that you may not have thought of. All those being ruled out....I'm also for putting him back in "Sheri's house of training" and making sure there aren't things being left out, perhaps more exercise, keeping an eye on the water intake, crate or leash him to you and maybe even some obedience training to keep his mind active....could just be bored. I hope that helps. He's a good boy...maybe just going through a stage (hopefully quickly!).
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Post by multiplicity on Aug 16, 2006 18:28:43 GMT -5
Thanks guys. Here's some more info: Chevy used to just carry my shoes around and even though I am a shoe-aholic this did not bother me so I did not discourage the behaviour. I am devastated that my dearest Scooter is gone. I have not changed the amount of time or love I share with boys but I guess it is possible with me and the 4 other cats acting a bit different he is upset. His behaviour changed slowly over the last month. Scooter died almost 2 months ago, but other than that I cannot think of any other changes... At first,every other day or so he'd chew something. Now he is a H*LL dog... everytime I turn around he has or still is doing something bad. The VOG (voice of god) doesn't even phase him - actually he just tilts his head as if to say "Huh, yes mama what would you like..."!I will not smack him or anything like that so I just remove the object and pretend to ignore him for a short time. When he peed on the TV Greg and I were right there, watching the darn things with all 3 greys and some of the kitties. Needless to say I used my stern voice and told him "NO, let's go outside NOW!" and he started wagging his freaken tail!!! *pulling out my hair* I did change their food about 1 1/2 months ago (remember Devin's ordeal?), do you think all of this could be b/c he is not satisfied with his meals? That maybe he is not full? I have donated all of my crates so I do not have one but I do still have a cupboard full of belly bands and muzzles so I guess I could break a couple of those out... I have removed everything else he could get at (Jiffer:I wish I could still use my cellphone ) and I am off for the next 4 days so I plan to exercise him like crazy. Thanks for the suggestions...have I sparked any new ideas in anyone?
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nimbyearl
Hound Nut
BUY CANADIAN!
Posts: 1,344
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Post by nimbyearl on Aug 28, 2006 19:15:41 GMT -5
Hey Sheri, boy, I just read this! How is it going? If you need a crate we still have one. You can borrow it anytime if you need it.
Liz
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Post by rprovost on Aug 29, 2006 15:38:50 GMT -5
How are things going? I don't have any better suggestions than the others gave unfortunately. I hope things have gotten better for you!
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Post by multiplicity on Aug 30, 2006 17:11:18 GMT -5
Chevy bad behaviour has almost disappeared. *knock on wood* I have been trying to play with him more and exercising him more too. I am off tomorrow and am planning a "Chevy & Mom" afternoon...I am going to bring him out to the park to run and play and maybe try to teach him new tricks.
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Post by jiffer on Aug 30, 2006 20:50:02 GMT -5
Awesome to hear that! Way to you to you and Chevy!!
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