February this year my boyfriend and I bought a 8 week old boxer mix from a local petstore. The puppy currently lives with my boyfriend. We have been having several problems with the puppy, leading up to my boyfriend wanting to give it away. I love this puppy dearly, and do not want to give it away.

My boyfriend works and 8 hour job, during which our puppy (6months) spends time in his crate. When my boyfriend comes home the puppy is let out. The puppy does not listen, chews on everything (has destroyed many things), and recently reverted back to doing his business in the house. My boyfriend will let the dog out in the backyard, the dog will do his business and while my b/f is shaving/taking shower/ect. the dog will crap on the carpet, even after going outside. The dog has broken out of his crate on several occasions.

The puppy has growled and bared his teeth at my boyfriend while my boyfriend is putting him in the crate. The dog has never done this to me.

The dog has never bitten anyone, But he refuses to listen and barks at my boyfriend when repremanded. He barks constantly when put on a chain. I've looked on the internet and have been told that the puppy is suffering from seperation anxiety. (follows us from room to room, demands attention contanstanly etc.)

I really need help, I do not want my boyfriend to give our puppy away, but I feel that he is so frustrated and does not know what else to do.

Thanks in advance,
Jessie

You said he is a boxer mix, with what? Also has the puppy had any obedience training at all. It sounds like the puppy is getting to do what the puppy wants to do. Once he goes outside, bring him back in and crate him. Don't give him the opportunity to be in the house unsupervised. If he is breaking out of the crate, invest in a better crate. Go to this site section on videos, tons of items that can assist you.

Jessie,

There is a fundamental problem with dogs as pets. Natural dog behaviors (biting, barking, growling, pooping, fighting, digging, jumping) don't fit into our ideas of a peaceful home and loving pets. This is why we have to train them.

Start with Ed's article of Becoming your Puppy's Leader. Then make an investment and get Ed's Basic Obedience DVD set. Compared to paying for a behaviorist when your dog is older - it a great deal!

If your boyfriend gives up on this dog and gets another, you can expect the same things to happen with the new puppy - they're natural dog behaviors that are incompatible with what you expect. It's your job to teach this puppy how you want it to behave. Keepthe puppy on a leash and give it 100% of your attention when it is out and total supervision.

BTW - if your boyfriend really doesn't like the puppy, it should be living with you. Dogs can pick up on resentment and their reactions can range from nothing to stress to blatent disrespect. IMO, if you want the dog, you care for it. (or hire a staff <img src="http://www.leerburgkennels.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

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If your boyfriend gives up on this dog and gets another, you can expect the same things to happen with the new puppy - they're natural dog behaviors that are incompatible with what you expect.

Your puppy sounds 100% normal to me and my dogs would have all behaved the same when they were puppies. They are not cats, or fish or a plant. Puppies need a TON of time, training, EXERCISE, play time, EXERCISE, time, EXERCISE, time. Adult dogs can be MUCH easier, but puppies can be like the Energizer Bunny and keep going and going and going...................... and with all that they are like blank slates that need alot of teaching and guidance.

How can a puppy learn going pee/poo outside is good unless you are out with him PRAISING for doing it right? Each and every time. Not out alone in the yard where they want to be with their 'pack', and may or may not 'go'.

And I also worked 8 hours a day so crated my puppy. But when I got home, it was let them out for a pee/poo in the yard (with a puppy party when they did it), then I'd run back in the house, change into my 'play' clothes, and then pack my pups into the car to go for a hike/long walk/training/socialization/visiting friends/visiting friends with good dogs........................

For the first year my pups are a MAJOR part of my life, not just something I feed and give a quick pet on the head, and wonder why there may be a problem. I write on my calendar and plan my day(s) and week(s) with activities just as if they were kids (karate, scouts, soccer). And if my life is currently too busy that I can schedule in the TIME a puppy will take, then maybe I don't need to have a puppy at all.

Apologies if my comments will upset the serious advice you've received so far........Your puppy seems to know more than you do, dogs do pick up on this.......you may want to have a closer look at your boyfriend and start considering what to do with him!

Thanks to everyone for there honest advise, none of which has made me angry or hurt my feelings. I do feel at this point giving Ben away to a family that will have plenty of time to care for him is the best plan. It kills me to give him away because I do love him dearly, but my boyfriend does not have the time or interest to train a puppy, and I can not have him at my house (have a much older dog, that could not handle the stress of having a puppy around). I wish I could have him with me, because I know that I could devote the time to him. Life isn't perfect.

Thanks again to everyone and their awesome advice,
Jessie.

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Thanks to everyone for there honest advise, none of which has made me angry or hurt my feelings. I do feel at this point giving Ben away to a family that will have plenty of time to care for him is the best plan. It kills me to give him away because I do love him dearly, but my boyfriend does not have the time or interest to train a puppy, and I can not have him at my house (have a much older dog, that could not handle the stress of having a puppy around). I wish I could have him with me, because I know that I could devote the time to him. Life isn't perfect.

Thanks again to everyone and their awesome advice,
Jessie.

You are making an excellent decision for the puppy. <img src="http://www.leerburgkennels.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Have you tried the boxer pup around your older dog? I say this not knowing if your senior has health problems or existing behavioral issues but many times a pup can give new life to a senior dog and if the pup becomes too much then he can be crated to settle down. While you're not around the pup can be crated so your older dog can have rest. Careful training of the pup and management of its exercise needs should help to curb its youthful enthusiasm around the older dog, as a tired pup is a good pup!

Barring any existing health problems, you may want to give it a carefully supervised try and see what happens.