Trash shredding

[Heather & Brinkley]

 

So, I'm back living in my parent's house until my new place opens up in April/May.  Unfortunately, five weeks after my husband returned from being away at med school, he told me he wanted a divorce.

 

My dad's not a dog person.  He tolerates Brinkley well and he even takes him on walks.  He tries-- he really does.  But add the stress of my current situation + a 4 1/2 month old + my doodle and me back in their house, to say tension is on an all time high would be an understatement. 

 

Brinkley shreds paper like mad.  He goes into the trash and pulls out Kleenex and shreds to his heart’s content.  Aside from getting cans with lids, how can I train him to stop the shredding?  It's not my house; they won't get trash cans with lids.  There's nothing dangerous in these small cans.  Just a Kleenex or two. Luckily he never eats anything-- just shreds and shreds and shreds.  He does it when he wants attention. This will all end when I'm in my own place in a month or so... but last night my parents had cleaned and two minutes later the living room was a disaster because Brinkley pulled everything out that he possibly could and shredded it.  He has chew toys; he had three LONG walks; ball throwing and a play date yesterday.  Exercise is not the problem.  When I'm with the baby, he shreds. 

 

Any training advice?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Heather, I'm so sorry that you are dealing with all of this. I am sure the stress levels are sky high. 

Keeping dogs away from used Kleenex is one of the hardest things in the world, because without getting too graphic, Kleenex and other paper products commonly found in waste baskets has some very powerful human smells on it that are very appealing to dogs. Especially bathroom wastebaskets. 

Would your parents be willing to just keep the doors to these rooms closed? if he can't get to the baskets, problem solved.

You could also try sprinkling hot sauce over the contents of the trash cans. That might deter him. Or possibly bitter apple spray. 

The only other thing I can think of would be to confine Brinkley when nobody is watching him, or possibly tethering him to you. 

Hugs and hopes for better days soon!

[Heather & Brinkley]

Thanks- I"ll try some bitter apple.  I never used it because he's never needed it before. 

 

My parent's have so many trash cans.  I've never seen a house with so many!  :)  The whole house would have to be shut.  Here's hoping bitter apple does the trick.

[Eryn]

Oh goodness... I'm sorry all of this is happening to you. Our Sully gets into the garbage as well. We just have to keep away from his reach. Would they consider moving the garbages away from his reach until you were in your own place?

Sending prayers of strength your way while you are dealing with all of this.

[Heather & Brinkley]

Thanks. He's not really willing to rearrange his life for the dog.  He feels he should be trained better.  He's a very good dog but the tissue is out of hand.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Heather, I'm so sorry to hear this....I'm sure this is such a difficult time.  I think Karen's idea about the Bitter Apple is a good one....I'd definitely try that.  I do think this something that could be trained, but it would take time and lots of work and consistency...and for only a couple of months it probably isn't worth it.  You can correct whenever you see him go near the trash can but I'm not sure that will be effective unless you can watch him every minute....each time he "shreds" is reinforcing to him.  I wish you parents were more agreeable to placing the wastebaskets where he can't get to him....but it is there house.  Keep your chin up....days will get brighter.  I'd wait until he was a full Doctor....and then I'd take him for every single dime of child support I could get.  Hugs....

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Amen, Jane!!!!! 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Great advice Jane, both with the dog training and the husband. (Not giving him DH status) but since a child is involved, as his income increases so will child support. Heather, I have a shredder too. Covered trash cans was an easy option for me, but I would certainly use the Bitter Apple if I had to. Some dogs actually like it or ignore it. In that case I'd move on to cayene / hot pwdered pepper. Hot sauce in their trash cans might not be an option for your parents. But it would have to be very consistant and with that many trash cans and a baby, it will be a challenge for the next month. Good luck with everything dear. This is a rough time for you, Im sorry.

[Pam Thomas]

I'll second that Amen. Good Luck.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Every dog I've ever had shreds paper. I actually give toilet paper rolls and cardboard boxes as toys now.
I learned, at my old age, not to sweat the small stuff. If I can't beat them at their own game, I join them. So have at it dog. Shred on. I bring boxes home and let my dog shred to his hearts content in the garage. My other dogs, I fought a loosing battle and I was always angry at them. For me, it wasn't worth it anymore. I smile now.
I get to bend over and see how long I last in a stretch, I make my own game.
I did though, remove shelves from one lower cupboard and place all trash cans inside so he does not get into dangerous kitchen garbage. Other trash cans now sit up on the desk.
Heather, soon when the baby starts crawling your parents are going to have to baby proof the house and the cans will be UP and cupboards locked. A dog is just that--- about the age of a two year old and everything goes it it's mouth!
PS- Amen to Jane's advice! I'm sorry you are going through this!!! As for paper, let it go. You can't change a dog from being a dog. It's nature. You have enough to deal with. Let it go

[Heather & Brinkley]

Yes, I understand.  This is how it is at my house and I'm pretty easy going about it.  But since it's not my house I can't really push it.  I'm sure things will calm down and they'll be happy to baby proof; but for now, the tension can be cut with a knife and it's just not worth me pushing.  My husband is going to come pick Brinkley up tonight and keep him for the week to give everyone a break.

[Adina P]

I have no advice, but I'm really pissed on your behalf.  Sorry you have to deal with all this right now.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think we all share your feelings, Adina.