Teenage problems - and not the dog

[Suzanne H]

I came home earlier than the Teenager expected yesterday evening and got a good insight into why the dog's been misbehaving since Teenager lost his job.

Teenager is holed up in his bedroom with a young lady, while Otto's running about the house unsupervised with young lady's shoe in his gob. He hadn't been walked or fed despite instructions being left.

It's a tough one - as it's better for the dog to not be in his crate if we're out, but despite assurances, I think mostly he's either sleeping/on computer/getting up to God knows what and we come home to a hyper, naughty young dog, undoing all the work we do.

All I can think of is to draw up a set of rules and threaten with expulsion once again, and explain to him that he's actually being cruel by confusing and not exercising him. He's flipping 19.

Anyone else go this issue?

[Janis]

oh yes!...................would love to say it gets easier and here is the answer!..............however i sill don't have it!
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[Lisa/Colin]

I really feel for you!

Sorry, no bright ideas as still have all that to look forward to, when Ewan is 15 Laura will be 13, cant wait!!!

Would it be deemed too extreme to crate Teenager instead of dog??

[marcella]

try a prong .................

[Enid]

[marcella]

[Suzanne H]

I have considered a prong (for Otto not the Teenager - he's going to get a slap instead) - but Ian's not keen.

Anyone got a spare we could we borrow for a week or even for Thursday training. We had a quick shot before, and dog acted like he'd been kicked which is what put Ian off.

I also gave the Teenager a print-out of some of the pack stuff on here (and reminded myself) and told him that he has to be supervised and corrected, and if he can't do that, then he's better in his crate than left to roam. And also to stop wrestling with him and letting him lie on his bed. And that a 5 min game of footie with him is not the same as a walk.

He's just getting big, fit and strong and pushing boundaries - both of them!

[Ashley]

[jackdeb]

[Suzanne H]

Oh we do all that - he doesn't get on beds/sofas, is ignored until he calms down when we come in, etc. And me and Ian are fairly consistent and firm with him.

Just at the moment, the person he's spending most time with is someone who does none of those things and hands us a hyper, demanding and naughty young dog every evening. There is no routine to his day anymore.

I also don't know whether to ignore him when he's being naughty, correct him, do some training with him or give him some attention...and probably do all of the above. Which is a big part of the problem. Just not used to him being bad - he was so good in the house.

A prong might just help, but I'm off for a weekend in London with my pal to get away from them all!!! That's what's really needed - I just chill out a bit. Then come back and sort them all out!

[Suzanne H]

I was more annoyed he hadn't fed the dog than the fact he was up to no good, but now I come to think of it....

He knows death would await him if he went near our bed.

I love being a stepmum, can you tell.

[Margaret J]

[Ashley]

[kendal]

behold the reason im not having kids. its bad enough having a wee brother who is 16 years younger than you.
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[Enid]