HELP!  I have 2 staffie's - the eldest is Gem who is a bitch and is 18 months old.  The other is Jupe who is 5 months old.  I have no problems with Gem she is fully trained.  Jupe is proving other wise.  He is still soiling in the house.  Even though he goes out for the last toilet before bed time when I come down stairs in the morning, he has done a wee and poo.  He has also got into a habit of pulling the carpet back, the lino up, chewing wires (luckily no physical harm has been done to him), you name it.  The thing is my husband and I are coming to the end of our tether.  He gets told off and know he has done bad because he goes into his bed without being told to.  I am reluctant to try a cage and really don't know what else to do.  Any suggestions would be helpful!

Why are you reluctant to try a cage when it could stop all destructive behaviour, potentially save your dogs life (from dying from a blockage or electrocution) and assist in house training?  Having a cage will enhance your life and that of the dog and improve your relationship as you will not always be cross with him.

Dogs do NOT know they have done something "wrong", they have no concept of what is right or wrong as they are amoral!  They know by the sound of your voice and your body language that they are in trouble but they very rarely know why. Dogs will do what is in their best interests but they need help to avoid confusion.

I would strongly suggest getting a cage for all your benefits.

HTH

Some staffys are destructive in the house unfortunately . I know of lots that do it .
A cage would be your best option while you arent there ( introduce it gradually though ).

And as previously mentioned it is your tone of voice, expression and body language not the fact that he "knows" he has been naughty

All dogs are different and even with the same breed, will take longer to house train, and so on :)

I agree with the advice about getting a cage, but do take care to introduce it slowly and carefully, so that the dog sees it as a "den" and not a punishment.

Tohme is right, the dog will not understand he has done anything wrong, but will be reacting to your body language and tone of voice. If you really find it hard to cope, do get a crate to help out. If you dont want to, then try to confine him to an area which you can treat with chew deterrent such as Bitter Apple, clove oil or Vicks. Do provide stuffed Kongs and chew toys. Make sure all valuable items are totally out of reach, and so on.

I got up at night to housetrain my pup, as i felt it was a small price to pay and in the end, better for all of us. We gradually took it to 5.50am, then 6.05, then 6.15 and so on, until the times were normal getting up times.

Lindsay

Hi i would get a cage. Ive got 6 staffies and they all sleep in them at night. Its very rare they ever soil in them and it keeps them out of harms way. Ive got one stafford that would chew for england. the cage gives me peice of mind.All the best Gwen Hasweth staffs.