Hey guys, first post on this forum and I'm really hoping you can help me.
I've got a miniature fox terrier cross that I rescued from the pound. I'm not entirely sure of his age but he is definitely a full-grown adult. I've had him for a while now and I really do love him... But he has one behavioural problem that I simply have not been able to sort out no matter what I try:
He cries. A lot.
When he decides he wants attention, he will sit at the door and just cry until he gets it. The worst part, really, is the inconsistency: Some days he'll be an angel, some days - like today - he simply won't tolerate being left alone.
I've tried all sorts of things to get it under control. I've tried ignoring him when he cries and praising him when he stops, but it didn't lessen the behaviour. I've tried telling him firmly "NO" when he cries. I've tried teaching him commands designed to limit the behaviour - like "Bed", which he knows means I want him to get into bed and lie down - but he does not listen to the commands unless I go outside and tell them to his face, and the moment I return inside he is back at the door. I made sure he always has food and water and his bed is clean and warm. He is an outdoor dog, but he receives plenty of company during the day and is scarcely left alone for more than an hour.
He doesn't have any problem sleeping at night, thankfully. He never cries at nighttime and is happy to go to bed and sleep when it gets dark.
I will be the first to admit that I do not know much about dog training, at least not at how to correct unwanted behaviour. I can train him commands easily enough, but when it comes to targeting this particular behaviour I am at a complete loss about how to proceed.
I love everything about this dog apart from his crying. If I can fix that, then he'll be perfect, because in all other respects he is an absolute saint. I know that you guys will probably point out a million mistakes that I've made, but I don't claim to be an expert at this and I am ready and willing to admit to anything I've done wrong and learn from the advice you guys have to offer.
If you need to know anything else before you can help, just ask.
Cheers,
Barmy
I've got a miniature fox terrier cross that I rescued from the pound. I'm not entirely sure of his age but he is definitely a full-grown adult. I've had him for a while now and I really do love him... But he has one behavioural problem that I simply have not been able to sort out no matter what I try:
He cries. A lot.
When he decides he wants attention, he will sit at the door and just cry until he gets it. The worst part, really, is the inconsistency: Some days he'll be an angel, some days - like today - he simply won't tolerate being left alone.
I've tried all sorts of things to get it under control. I've tried ignoring him when he cries and praising him when he stops, but it didn't lessen the behaviour. I've tried telling him firmly "NO" when he cries. I've tried teaching him commands designed to limit the behaviour - like "Bed", which he knows means I want him to get into bed and lie down - but he does not listen to the commands unless I go outside and tell them to his face, and the moment I return inside he is back at the door. I made sure he always has food and water and his bed is clean and warm. He is an outdoor dog, but he receives plenty of company during the day and is scarcely left alone for more than an hour.
He doesn't have any problem sleeping at night, thankfully. He never cries at nighttime and is happy to go to bed and sleep when it gets dark.
I will be the first to admit that I do not know much about dog training, at least not at how to correct unwanted behaviour. I can train him commands easily enough, but when it comes to targeting this particular behaviour I am at a complete loss about how to proceed.
I love everything about this dog apart from his crying. If I can fix that, then he'll be perfect, because in all other respects he is an absolute saint. I know that you guys will probably point out a million mistakes that I've made, but I don't claim to be an expert at this and I am ready and willing to admit to anything I've done wrong and learn from the advice you guys have to offer.
If you need to know anything else before you can help, just ask.
Cheers,
Barmy