Michele McAtee Webboard User Reg: 02-05-2006
Posts: 1121
Loc: Iowa City, Iowa
Offline
Once again, I write with an inquiry for a friend. Her friend has an 8? (7-8-9) year old dog, malmute mix. They recently moved into a new setting from relative country life to some city, traffic, pedestrian neighborhood. The dog has started to howl non-stop when the owner leaves. There are threats from the neighbor to involve the humane society. The dog has also started digging.
Any suggestions besides kennel with knuckle bones, stuffed kongs and bark collar? The owner does run the dog every day.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
Offline
Quote: Michele McAtee
Once again, I write with an inquiry for a friend. Her friend has an 8? (7-8-9) year old dog, malmute mix. They recently moved into a new setting from relative country life to some city, traffic, pedestrian neighborhood. The dog has started to howl non-stop when the owner leaves. There are threats from the neighbor to involve the humane society. The dog has also started digging.
Any suggestions besides kennel with knuckle bones, stuffed kongs and bark collar? The owner does run the dog every day.
*Lots* more exercise, first....and leaving a tired, well-exercised dog. That might mean switching the running time.
Elaine Haynes Webboard User Reg: 08-16-2005
Posts: 1221
Loc:
Offline
Or running with him twice a day at least. And add a couple obedience training sessions to the regimine. This will tire the dog out even more than just running because the training uses his mind as well as his body.
I had a Malamute GSD X that I gave to a rancher I knew when I had to move from WY to CA (my Dad became very ill). That dog used to help work cattle all day and I knew there was no way that he'd be happy in the City and I also realized I would not have the time to give him what he needed in the way of exercise.
This is no reflection on your friend, whose circumstances are different than mine were.
Sandy Moore Webboard User Reg: 07-25-2006
Posts: 2665
Loc: AZ
Offline
Really sad situation for the dog, Michelle. He misses what he considers to be his home. More exercise may work but that's not all he's missing. He plain just doesn't like it there.
It may take a while for him to feel secure when the owner leaves. Being in a new environment and owner leaving brings insecurity. Is there some reason why the owner doesn't want to crate train him in the house (would give him the security of his own "den" at least)?
If the dog can handle that, being as old as he is, it's better than possibly being taken away and rehomed to someone completely new and still living in the city.
Rehoming is sometimes the most humane and loving thing to do, to someone who lives in the country of course. Malamutes are not meant for moving to and living in cities. Neither are many other breeds. Some can handle it, some kind of die inside.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Howling and Digging
#143777 - 06/04/2007 08:36 PM 
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
