Ok I have a question, but this time it doesnt pertain to me. My cousin has a 2 yr old pitbull male. She has not had him as a puppy, but he has not been well socialized during the first 2 years of his life. He was tied up outside most of the time, but did have contact with people. She would like to start training him so that he could be in the house, but the problem is that he is very sistructive. When loose even outside he diggs and chews everything in site. She has tried confining him to her bathroom where he tore up everything. He chewed up the linoleum, not to mention everything he has gotten his teeth onto. na dthey pooped all over in there. Obviously his way of life before is the reason he is the way he is. I did suggest a crate but until she can get one does anyone have any ideas on how to get this dog under control. He is also VERY strong! If they walk he drags both her and her boyfriend. I suggested a prong. When she has supervised him carefully in the house he also will try to tear up things. She also feels that he is dominant, I guess basically tried to tell them that he can do whatever he wants to. Is there anything she can do to try to get off to a possitive start so that this dog can be in the same house with them? Even outside he will tear up and dig if not restrained to a chain. So the way I see it is she has a very hyper, unsocialized distructive animal... and alot of work ahead of her. He however is not mean and has not tried to bite or growl at her, but he definatly needs some OB and someone who can handle him (probably her boyfriend) since he is so strong. Again thanks and I will keep her informed on your responses until I see her Monday.

The crate is the first step. Get the Basic OB tape that Ed sells, it is not expensive, and start there. Prong collars don't train dogs, people who understand training concepts train dogs.

Generally speaking, looking for help with someone elses dog isn't adviseable. There are too many pieces of the puzzle that we will never get.

Yeah I know it may be hard to help since this isnt my problem unfortunatly she doesnt have a computer, <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> but maybe she can become a member with my computer? Not sure if you have to have your own screen name or not.

She was here when I typed the questions, but if I cant help her by posting for her, then I guess shell have to find another way.

About the prong collar, I agree that it doesnt train a dog but a dog that is so stubborn and strong may need one. But true you have to know how to use one, and make sure the dog understands what your asking.

But thanks anyways... if nobody else has an oppinion then I will see if I can have her become a member.