Re: Carpet digging

In Reply to: Carpet digging
Posted by:  Jenn
Posted on:  January 27, 2001 at 15:57:22

: Hi,
: My 7 month male JRT has recently started to dig circles into my carpet. I have had him since 8 weeks and never had to crate him when I left the house. I actually have to retreive pieces of rug caught between his teeth. Funny thing is he never digs when we're outdoors. I hate crating him,but I don't want him destroying the apartment. Is he just bored ?

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Jenn:

At seven months your Russell is still a baby, and this is the time to establish behaviours and training that will influence the rest of his life.

Crate training now is the very best approach to keeping your dog safe while you are away. Please review the Is Crating Cruel? FAQ and the , Crating FAQ for a great discussion on this subject.

It also sounds like you have a bored Russell. We cannot stress enough the enormous exercise needs of this breed. Otherwise they exhibit the kind of destructive behaviour you are starting to see. At seven months it is just starting, and we see the most dogs in Rescue at 1 to 1.5 years after they mature with this bad training. Exercise, exercise - keep him busy and worn out and you will have a happy Russell.