My partner who has recently moved in with me has a Utonagan and I don't know how to deal with the problems the dog is causing.  Firstly, I have in the past had to replace my bed, two expensive rugs, my suitcase with all my summer clothes in it, my coat, just to name a few due to when it is left alone it gets stressed and urinates all over the place.  I know it sounds extreme having to replace my bed but it had wet so much I tried cleaning it but couldn't get rid of the smell.  Yesterday my partner went out to the library which is a few minutes from our house, it was closed so he turned back so was probably out for about 10 minutes at the most.  The dog had jumped the stair gate which is meant to keep him downstairs and had gotten in to my bedroom and urinated on my powder blue, brand new, carpet.  He was also barking and howling when he returned.  My partner was extremely angry with the dog and disciplined him and thinks if he does this often enough the dog will stop it.  He's had the dog now for 2.5 years (the dog is 10 years old).  My question is firstly, I can't have the dog barking when we are out as I have  neighbours at either side of me so can anyone suggest a solution to this, perhaps an anti-bark collar (if they work?).  Secondly, I have a massive kitchen with an extension at the end of it with a huge window looking into my back garden.  I would be happier if the dog was locked in the kitchen/extension but my partner is adamant that the dog needs to be able to see out the front (I have net curtains at the front and it's quite high so I don't see how he is really going to see out front, he also barks at the post man and has bitten my partners post man at his previous address.  Do you think it would do the dog any harm to be locked in the kitchen/extension?  I would appreciate any comments as I don't think I could cope with this behaviour continuing.
Yvonne

Letting the dog see out will aggravate the problem.  Get a big crate for the dog, when you are out you can put a blanket over the top.  You have to start at the basics with this old boy I'm afraid (and the dog too lol).  Your partner (and his dog) are in your house, they have to go by your rules!  Until the dog can be trusted you have to minimise the access he has, as a very dominant breed he is viewing it as his house and you can't let that happen until he can be trusted to behave with manners.

Hi Yvonne,

As Granitegirl mentioned, using a crate will help contain the dog until he has learnt the rules of the house. There are plenty of threads about crate training on here if it isn't somethign you are used to. If your partner doesn't like the crate idea, I don't think it would do the dog any harm to be put in the kitchen/extention. However, it may do your kitchen harm is he decides to chew it to pieces... worth a thought.

It sounds like you and your partner need to sit down and make some rules for this dog. It is your house and you shouldn't have to be dealing with all this destruction, I can only imagine how frustrated you are. Due to his age, the dog will have some ingrained habits which you slowly need to break. Disciplining him for behaviour that you did not witness will never work, the dog will only associate discipline with an act done right at that moment. I strongly suggest you get him a nice big crate and something juicy like a bone to distract him with when you go out. He will learn to associate his crate with treats (a nice bone etc) and relative relaxation... most people treat a crate like the dogs bedroom/den! I would go out and buy him some fun new toys as well, something to distract him with when you go out. My girl loves a ball filled with dry food, so she can roll it around getting all the bits out.

As for anti-barking collars... I am looking forward to seeing what other people write... I cant imagine many people will advocate them. They are unreliable and don't address why the dog is barkig in the first place.

I am sure many others will contribute.. so will leave it at that for now! Best of luck and make sure you stand up to those boys!

I'm one of the first to usually offer up a crate for containment with a throw over to prevent barking, no see, no bark, for short periods, but not with a fully grown Utonagan the dog will most probably not stop until he has got out of the crate, some dogs are renowned escape artists, he is 10 set in his ways and may even hurt himself trying to get out of the crate, he will certainly have a good go at turning it over, they are quite strong and flexible dogs.

Secondly, I have a massive kitchen with an extension at the end of it with a huge window looking into my back garden.  I would be happier if the dog was locked in the kitchen/extension but my partner is adamant that the dog needs to be able

Ignore your partner, excellent idea, I've never heard of a dog that needs to look out of the front, he will also find little to bark at, or................ a good solid outdoor kennel should keep him well enough contained.

No-one should have their home destroyed by a dog, the dog can be free and be a happy camper when you are at home and be a house dog, when you are not he needs a kennel or a dog proofed area, don't allow your partner to say otherwise, a dog does not rule the home you do, and you need to take control of the situation.

That way you will all be happy. :-)

As for anti-barking collars... I am looking forward to seeing what other people write... I cant imagine many people will advocate them. 

Your right, absolute no, no, I would never advocate such a thing. Utonagan's are not great at being left alone some breeds are just not happy and become destructive as in this case, only some sort of containment will stop it.  And not being able to see anything to bark at is a start, as this also becomes a form of entertainment for a dog alone the phrase enjoying listening to ones own voice is very appropriate here.

TV, Radio, Kongs, Knuckle bones and a room, kennel with no-one passing will be a lot more helpful than an anti barking collar and your dog will not have to go through pain, squirts or high pitched noises, to settle.

Thanks for the comments so far, I was beginning to feel like I was being unreasonable as I know this is a transitional period for my partner and his dog as they have only recently moved in but I feel rules should be set and we should start as we mean to carry on.  My partner treats his dog like his child and a spoilt one at that and forgets he is a dog.  My new house has a massive shed around the back, one half is a shed and the other half looks like a kennel.  It has a side door entrance and at the front it has big wooden slats like something you would have ivy on.  I believe it was once used for breeding dogs.  I'd be ecstatic if my partner agreed he could be in there when we were out but I don't in a million years think he would agree.  He'd be ok if he had the run of the garden I believe but he allows the dog to wet and mess and doesn't clear it up, I so far have had to do this.  I purchased a Citronella Anti-bark collar at my lunch break which my partner has agreed to try.  I was advised it is 88% effective so here's hoping. I've also bought repellant gel for in my garden to stop him using as a toilet area.  I'm about 25 yards away from a loch and beach area and huge grassy area so there is no reason I can see for letting the dog do the toilet in my garden.  I'm probably coming across as being so negative but the dog really is being allowed to rule over myself and my kids needs.

I just read the post about the anti-bark collar and that perhaps most being will be against them.  I don't believe my partner will allow the dog to use a crate with a blanket over it so I think the anti-bark collar is an option.  I read reviews that some dogs love the smell and actually bark to release the spray so I can't imagine it would hurt the dog in any way.  He is a lovely natured dog and absolutely beautiful, it's just he can't stand being left alone which is an impossibility.  The collar would only be on for short periods, I work full-time and my partner works part-time.

Obviusly no one can stop you using the collar, however if you are going to use it please try it when you are home with him first. I have heard so many stories regarding collars that go off when not triggered, so the dog gets punished for being quiet. I would describe the collar as a 'quick fix' which doesn't address the real problem... which is that your partner hasn't set any boundaries for the dog. He may think that this is the kindest way to treat his 'baby' but it isn't. The dog sounds confused and frustrated. Is it possible to try relocating the dog to your kitchen before you try and use the collar?

I would prefer if he was in the kitchen, it's fully tiled in case me does the toilet and it's huge and he's got his bed I bought him and everything in there.  It's just my partner feeling he needs to see out of the window that is making this an issue and for him to see out the window he needs out of the kitchen.  He then can open my livingroom door and he jumps the stair gate and can open the bedroom doors.

I'm afraid, Vonnie, if he were my partner he'd be left in absolutely no doubt where he and his dog could go if he didn't work with you to rectify what is a completely unreasonable situation.

M.

Maybe your partner will agree to a trial run? He sounds like he is being very unreasonable, esp seeing as though it is your stuff that is getting ruined!! I don't know where he got the idea that the dog needs to see outside, but surely it is more cruel to use a spray collar than keep him safely in the kitchen! Good luck :-P

It might be worth trying the DAP diffusors/collars to send out calming vibes to the dog, who, understandably is somewhat unsettled. Some dogs it doesn't work with, but worth trying.

http://www.medicanimal.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=dap&gclid=CPO7m5ad0ZUCFQOeFQodbU6big

> the dog really is being allowed to rule over myself and my kids needs.

Yes, he is. :( There is absolutely NO WAY this dog should be allowed to use the house as his toilet, especially where children and their health is concerned.

> I'm about 25 yards away from a loch and beach area and huge grassy area so there is no reason I can see for letting the dog do the toilet in my garden

Errr... sorry, I can't agree there. Far better to allow the dog to relieve himself in the garden where you can pick up and clean, rather than on a beach or grassy area where his 'offerings' may cause inconvenience to others.

My son takes him to the beach and does clear up after him.  It's not a sunbathing beach, it's rocky.  I use my garden as an extension to my house for bbq's and sitting out in, I don't want it used as a toilet

I tried to purchase the DAP item as well at lunch time but the shop didn't stock it.  I will try anything and intend to go to major pet centre in Glasgow to purchase.

Doing the toilet in the garden would only be a temporary thing! Seriously!  My dogs view the garden as an extension to the house also so no longer even like to go to the toilet in there.  The dog needs to get it into his head that toileting in the house is a no-go, period.

What breed of dog is it?!

Firstly I think keeping the dog locked in the kitchen is a good idea, together with the above points about crate training him.

As to going to the toilet in the house and barking, it seems that the dog has a lot of energy to burn, especially in jumping the stair gate. Giving the dog a tiring walk before leaving the house may help in solving the problems but I feel that his problems are more ingrained than that.

He needs to trust that his owners will return.

Using an anti barking collar when your out of the house is surely ineffective. As you will not know if he is barking. He also seems rather distressed, so surely the collar will only deepen his insecurities. 

Tiring the dog out completely then crating him while your out should be tried first to see if it has any affect.

Firstly, I agree with what everyone has said.  This is your house, and your partner and the dog, MUST have respect for it.

Do you have time, before you go out, to take the dog for a long walk.  I am not saying you personally, but someone.  It will tire him out slightly, and therefor, he will be less destructive.

Also, leaving a tv or radio on may help. 

I do not think you are being unreasonable, not wanting the things you have worked hard for destroyed by a dog.  You were nice enough to let your partner move in, with the dog.  When it comes down to it, you didnt have to do that.  So your partner sounds like he needs to have some sense put in.  These are your things, and therefor, you have a right to be angry/frustrated/annoyed/etc.

I honestly can say, I havent heard of the breed you have mentioned, but these are things I would do with any dog, regardless of the breed. 

HTH

Hi Vonnie,

I believe that this breed of dog has an exceptionally strong pack instinct and will, therefore, want to be wherever his owner is. In order to be left alone for any length of time without being destructive is going to take a bit of thought and patience. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that the dog is in a new environment and so on.

The main thing, however, is that he needs very clear leadership and boundaries.This does not mean punishment and I don't believe that your partner's attempts at "discipline" will do anything more than make the problem much worse. The dog is clearly very insecure and "spoilt" ie lacking in appropriate guidance and leadership and, forgive me, it doesn't really sound as though your partner has much in the way of dog sense. His insistence on letting the dog see from the front window seems to be his way of trying to deal with his dog's separation anxiety.

It sounds as though the dog may go into panic mode the minute it loses sight of its master but needs to see all of you as part of his pack. You might take over feeding, grooming and walking duties for a while, just to increase your bond with the dog. Exercise is obviously good, but again, this is a bright breed and he needs to work his brain. The destructiveness is also likely to be boredom. Your partner needs to be doing scent work and obedience with the dog, teaching him tricks, ie fetching named objects and so on, for rewards. Anything that tires him out mentally. A five mile walk, even every day, will not be enough, and may be teaching his body to require ever greater degrees of exercise. So I would advise enrolling with a good obedience class.

I don't know what resources you have available but my best advice would be to get the help of a good behaviourist who will show both you and your partner how to help the dog settle and how he should live with you. I believe, from what you have said that the biggest obstacle is going to be your partner, who thinks that he, and only he, knows what is best for the dog. Somehow he has to be shown that he is misguided. An expert may well be the best and most tactful way of doing this.

Please don't go for the hang 'em and flog brigade. It won't help. Your dog (I hope you think of him as yours too) is not aggressive he's just misguided. Try your local APDT. Other forumites may have the names of good people your way. You never know, you, because you sound very sensible, may be the person that brings out the very best in the dog.

One more thing, I know you have strong feelings about the garden but urine, even dog urine, is sterile. The rest is easily picked up daily with a little shovel or bag. You get used to it very quickly. Teaching the dog to go at a certain place in the garden could be a big step forward too.

I hope this helps and good luck.

I just goggled Utonagan and the dog is exactly what the goggle said needs a strong pack leader. Needs a pack and can become destructive if left alone - excuse me - that dog, at 10 may be untrainable if he is true to type! which he appears to be.
Sorry but what idiot would buy such a beautiful dog bred for a purpose and then seek to make it a lap dog?
Vonnie is dead right leave it out in the garden, with a carefully considered idea of what it will need to have to be occupied whilst left alone. The poor thing is going out of his trolly with boredom, shut in a house must be its worse nightmare.
I think personally carting it at this late age may border on cruel. 

(Stands back to get shot at)

No shots from me, sometimes people need to be directed a little more forcefully than just 'maybe you should...' The idiot comment might have been a bit mean though. :-P I earlier suggested crate training purely because I feel that the dog may do its self some damage rampaging through the house. A dog that is so panicked by being left alone could surely jump through a window?  I now realise that he may do just as much damage to himself in a crate, so appreciate whoever pointed that out. As suggested before, maybe a kennel/run (or the area in the shed mentioned by the poster) would be much more suitable and safe. I am pretty sure we all agree that there is no quick fix for this problem, this intelligent dog needs training, exercise and structure to his life.

I have noticed that some of the threads can get a bit heated, so why don't we all try and help this person out with positive suggestions, rather than start a slanging match? I am not saying this has happened yet, I just think the poster needs all the good advice and support she can get :-)

At the end of the day this is a breed that is not good at being left alone, he becomes stressed, so becomes destructive. I wouldn't necessarily say as stated that it is being made into a lap dog, it is no different to owning a huskey, malamute, or even a GSD it may have all 3 of these in it's bloodline anyway :-) He obviously has plenty of exercise the OP has already stated that she has a Loch and beach area a few yards from her house, fab area for a Utonagan to live, no doubt he enjoys the freedom and lifestyle he has here.

Behaviourists and training classes aren't going to solve this problem, the dog does not appreciate being left alone, a behaviourist can not change that, descensitising with sepertion anxiety training also will not help too much in this case the partner has only had the dog for 2.5 years the previous 7.5 it may well have been in a kennel or with other dogs, seperation anxiety therapy is too late or IMO not needed for this 10 year old to learn from, from puppyhood he would probably just lounge around now and not be bothered when left for periods, but this is a new home, new owner and the breed is very relevant.

Safe containment (Kennel or the kitchen extension) will solve all these problems he has without the need for him to go into training programmes, after all he is 10 years old he may well only have 3-5 years left.

(I would not leave him in the garden when out, this breed can easily scale a fence or wall, he will wish to get out to find his owner)

Being contained, I would be happy knowing he was safe and my home was also safe, and Vonnie and her partner can then enjoy this dog for being the character that he is, and the dog I'm sure will love all his walks around the Loch and beach just being a dog and running free.

Sorry the idiot bit was directed against the partner that bought such a dog Im so sorry it read differently.

I knew what you meant, but you how sensitive some people can be!

Thanks again for all the replies, I really do appreciate it.  Just an update - I mentioned to my partner about the dog seeing out of the window as possibly aggravating the dogs stress but he disagreed.  I do believe it does but he says he's had the dog for 2.5 years and knows his dog better than anyone.  I also mentioned about him being put in a crate with a bone and maybe a few toys but he said an absolute no.  He said he'd probably manage to get out of a crate.  I have noticed the dog does eventually settle into new ways of doing things and believe he would eventually do the same with a crate but since he's not willing to consider it that's not an option.

lilys sernity - He is a Utonagan, absolutely beautiful and looks like a wolf.    He does have a lot of energy to burn as he's such a big dog.  One thing I can say is that my partner does walk the dog regularly and is quite often up monroes as we live near the Arrochar Alps and he's been through the Cairngorms and most of the West Highland Way, he takes him fishing and camping with him and in general is never far from him, apart from when he would be at work and this is part-time so the dog isn't left for any length of time, 3 hours at the most ever.  My son also takes the dog out in the morning and after school.  I do walk the dog sometimes but I work full-time which is about 40 minute drive from where I live and I have young kids so I really do not have time to walk a dog and would never choose to have my own dog as I realise I don't have the time needed to spend on a dog or would want to do this. 

freelancerukuk - My partner absolutely adores his dog but your right, he has no sense whatsoever regarding the dog but believes he has all the sense in the world.  When my partner is around the dog does everything I ask him to do, when my partner returns the dog doesn't listen to a word I say, mainly because my partner says leave him, he'll only do as I say so I don't push the situation to get the dog to do as I want.  If my partner could only see how good and obedient the dog is with me he'd be gobsmacked.  This even comes down to taking him walks.  He runs ahead of my partner and won't come back if another dog is around.  When my partner isn't with me and I am in control of the dog he doesn't run ahead, he's great.  My partner wouldn't believe me though if I told him this.  He thinks he knows the dog so well. 

The dog does go into panic mode the second he can't see him, he paces back and forwards and whines until you tell him to stop it and make him lie down. 

As for obedience training or taking the dog to see a behaviourist - my partner thinks the dog is too old to learn anything and honestly thinks the dog is so clever and can't see he's not.  The only thing the dog can really do is give a paw.  Showing my partner that he is misguided about this would be like trying to get blood out of a stone. 

I do try to think of the dog as mines but the obstacles that my partner puts in my way are making me resent the dog and although I do like him and try my best I am increasingly finding I can't even look at him without feeling anger towards him.  I know it's not the dogs fault and that it's my partners but as he won't listen my frustration is starting to be overwhelming. 

I know also what your saying about letting the dog use the garden but my kids play in the garden and my mum and I have both trodden on dog dirt and trailed into house.  If there wasn't an alternative place for the dog to do the toilet then obviously I'd need to relent here but since I'm 25 yards at the most from the most perfect area then I won't relent on this.  If the dog uses my back garden as a toilet I simply couldn't use it.  I also won't clean up after him as it's not been through my laziness that the dog has messed the garden it's been my partners.  This may seem a bit silly and as if I'm being stubborn but I asked two things of my partner when he moved in, 1 - don't allow the dog upstairs and 2 - don't let him do the toilet round the back.  I did say he could use round the front if there was a good reason why he couldn't be taken out but definitely not round the back. 

Whistler - I think in the main the dog is untrainable but this is mainly due to the fact that my partner can't see the potential in the dog and thinks the dog is set in his ways because of his age.  I have proven this wrong when I can see how good the dog is with me on walks when it's just me an him.  Also when my partner isn't in the house the dog does exactly as he's told.  This all changes when my partner is around and the dog only listens to him.  The dog is definitely not bored either as I said before my partner does spend a lot of time with him and does take him lots of places.  The other day he was only left for 10 minutes and urinated on my new carpet. 

Stormy - I'd love if my partner would consider the kennel - maybe if I cross my fingers and toes this might happen!  I do agree that there isn't any quick fix so I appreciate everyone's input, positive or negative but would prefer positive suggestions.

A further update from answering everyones comments - yesterday my partner had an appointment he had to attend and he himself decided to lock the kitchen door (so maybe there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel and he does really see I'm talking sense).  The dog started scratching it straight away so he about turned and disciplined the dog.  He left and when he came back the kitchen door was all scratched and the wall paper was ripped.  I honestly don't care about the door or wallpaper being scratched as I think through time the dog will get used to being in the kitchen and will stop the scratching.  My main concern is that he can't urinate all over the house and destroy my home and also I loose the nice feeling I have about my home.  I'd hate to end up hating living there as it's in the ideal location, my house is fantastic and I've been so happy there until the problems with the dog occurred. 

Sounds to me like your partner might be coming round a bit! If you are OK with the damage to the kitchen then this sounds like a good compromise. Atleast then it won't be your whole home getting trashed! I really don'y envy your situation at all and I think you are being far more tolerant and patient than I ever could be. Keep plugging away at that OH of yours, hopefully one day soon you will all find the right mix for a happy home :-)

Hi Vonnie,

you sound almost at the end of your tether - I suspect really more to do with your partner's lack of respect for your feelings and intuitions about the dog than the dog itself.  And TBH, if he were my partner he'd have been in an alpha roll by this stage ;)

I know folks with a Utonagan :)  He is 5 years old, been with them since a puppy, and shares their home with three other dogs.  They take him virtually everywhere with them (as they do all the dogs) including work as they have their own office based business.  Therein lies the eutopia of their situation - his strong pack instinct is fulfilled by maximum contact with the entire family, canine and human, and the company of the other dogs when his owners do have to leave for a while.  Clearly it's not best practical to suggest that you get out there and buy a few more dogs for company relax, wasn't going to suggest it!  But if this dog's time alone is kept to a minimum then that's a great start. 

Personally  I would never suggest crating a dog of this age, innate instincts and size - it is going to drive him crazy and probably cause him to injure himself trying to escape.  If he can be contained in your kitchen area and you're able to handle cleaning up any mess and ignoring any destructive traits for a bit then that's IMO the best option.  Perhaps best for now to lean heavily on your partner to accept that the dog must be left there, securely enclosed and with something to occupy his mind by way of a giant food filled kong for eg.  If you have blinds in the kitchen so he can't see out I'd pull them down too and leave a radio on for him - IME it's best to leave on a station which is predominantly a chat show type as not all dogs like music :)

It sounds as though this dog respects YOU very much (but strangely not your partner....) and it could well be that despite you currently resenting him you actually have a new found friend who will be the most loyal you ever know :)  The fact that he is mindful of your position on walks and obets your commands when your partner is not around could so easily be put to your mutual advantage in resolving some of these issues.  When you are along with the dog, give him some time for training but as games - teach him to sit, down, lie flat, roll over, turn his giving a paw into a "high 5", get him to follow treats in your hands around your legs, then reverse, then add in one of his other commands - have him thinking.  Mental exercises are far more tiring than physical with large energetic breeds / crosses which were designed to travel for hundreds of miles so have endless physical stamina :)

I think you could turn this situation around very well - you're clearly an intelligent, caring and confident lady who knows what she wants and how best to get it.  Turn your charms on the dog - he sounds like he'll fall for them hook line and sinker :) and turn your frustration on your partner so he knows who's going to be calling the shots from now on ;)

very best wishes,
Teri

I'm not sure you'll solve this without either getting rid of your partner and keeping the dog or giving both of them their marching orders!

This is probably not constructive advice but if your partner is unable to compromise and give some things ago with his dog you will resent him and your relationship may fail. You have to decide whats important and what you want - 1. A messed up home and a dog that does as he likes and a partner that puts his dog before you BUT a relationship with someone you obviously love or 2. A house that is intact and clean and how you had it before BUT your on your own.

You have had to make adjustments with having the dog come live with you so really only fair your partner should make some adjustments with his dog.

Sorry gone off advice for training the dog but until your partner agrees to it theres no point telling you how you could do things to improve the situation.

I think a good conversation with your partner is needed and how the situation is making you feel.

Vonnie,

I'm going to stick my neck out here and say that I disagree with those who say this dog is too old to be trained. He's the type of dog that is wired up for work and he needs to use his brain. His repsonsiveness to your clearer leadership, as opposed to your partner's, is evidence of this. He may never scale the obedience heights but he will love to work and be rewarded for that good work. Whatever form it takes.  Looking for hidden treats in the garden is a great scent exercise, half an hour of this gives a good brain workout. It will also give the dog purpose to his life and make him feel more secure. Finally, mental work, as others here say, will tire him out far more than physical exercise. A tired dog is a happy dog.

I feel so sorry for you and this dog. I too cannot quite understand why your partner has gone for such a high maintenance breed and then does not want or seem able, to help the dog reach his full potential. All I will say is that if your partner could be persuaded to involve the dog in some kind of training it would do wonders for the self esteem of both. The notion that the dog is too clever to train is simply nonsense. The cleverer the dog the higher the requirement to work and train.

There are forumites, like Husky gal, who are likely to have much greater knowledge about this type of dog. I'm hoping she will contribute to this thread and she may have better ideas thatn the rest of us.

Hi Vonnie
No experience of this type of dog, but my Swedish Lapphund was also destructive when left alone. We tried a crate - he managed to force his way though the bars - still have no idea how he managed it, he would also scrape the walls and doors and bark when left. We found, after much trial and error, that the only way he would settle was if he was allowed to lie at the door my OH left by. Provided he could be at the door, no problem, lock him in another room and we would arrive home to chaos and chewed facings! We used to leave him in the hall with all the other doors in the house shut except for the one through to the kitchen so he could move around if he wanted to, but my mum who lived next door would go through and find him in the hall by the door. He didn't even want to lie in her house, he just wanted to be at the door OH went out :-) He would go out for a walk with my Dad then come back in to lie at the door.

I don't know if this would help you or if it is even possible in your house but it certainly worked for us - no fuss except a 'be good, back soon' as we left, then lots of fuss when we came back.
All of the other issues involve training your partner not the dog - and after 23 years of marriage I still haven't managed that particular feat :-D (although he does put the toilet seat down now but it took me 21 years to manage this!). Let me know if you find a good method.

If you have no success then I would personally put the dog in the kennel - better that gets damaged than your house and also less for him to injure himself with, alternatively, if he is good in the car and your partner works part time - could the dog go with him and stay in the car?

ETA if you are buying the DAP collar or diffuser get them cheaper online as they are double the price in the shops!

Vonnie,

you may know this already but there is Utonagan society. Google that phrase and it will come up. They have a forum and topics and so on. This may be the best source of help for you and you may even discover other owners close by!

I've contacted the Utonagan society and the woman knows the dog and knew it came with problems which my partner is supposed to be focusing on.  She seems to think the dog believes he is above myself and my kids and the only person above the dog is my partner.  Seemingly the dog did this with previous owners and that is why at 7.5 years he was up for rehoming.  He seemingly gets so attached to his owner that he feels he needs to protect him 24/7.  When he leaves the house or the dog can't see him he gets stressed as he isn't in a position to protect him.  He follows him from room to room and never gives him a minutes peace.  He sort of does the same to me when my partner goes out to which I put him out of the way so he can't do this.  Him following my partner around does get to him at times but overall I think he laps up how the dog is obsessed by him and completely devoted.  In the 2.3 years I have been with my partner we have had only one night on our own without the dog.  He used to sleep in the same room as us which really got to me so now we have progressed to him not being in the same room.  This happened when I lived in a flat and the dog lay outside the door taking big breaths through the bottom of the door as if needing to smell my partner but overall worked well.  Now he is downstairs in my new house and he settled quite well into this also, a few whines initially but that soon stopped. 

I think the problem is my partner also sees the dog as second in line and not where he should be and that is as part of the family but still realising he needs to obey myself and my kids as well as his master and that we come before him in order of priority.

Yvonne

Hi again Vonnie

you mentioned earlier in the thread

>I have proven this wrong when I can see how good the dog is with me on walks when it's just me an him.  Also when my partner isn't in the house the dog does exactly as he's told.  This all changes when my partner is around and the dog only listens to him

If the dog, as the lady from the Utonagan Society thinks, "believed itself to be above" everyone, including you, IMO it would not cooperate with you as it does.  Equally I think the dog is overly-needy towards your partner, i.e. not looking up to him respectfully but seeking him out as some form of comfort blanket (perhaps not best analogy, brain dead today!)  Basically suffering from separation anxiety specifically from your partner - however this does not necessarily equate to the dog not being able to form a fabulous and, TBH, more healthy relationship with you :)

I'm no expert on this type of dog by any means but simply taking out of your own remarks what I have it seems that the dog mainly needs guidance re what are acceptable behaviours and not, and his emotional security boosted so that your partner's absences are not so traumatic for him.

Certainly your partner's lack of cooperation with you here IMO is not helping.  He perhaps thinks he knows this dog very well whereas in reality he may be totally off the mark as far as it's needs etc are concerned.

Obsession never works well for man or beast - it is unhealthy and traumatic for all involved.  FWIW I think you have made definite break-throughs with this dog and, if you are willing (which no-one could blame you if you're not!) you could make a significant impact on it being a happier and more fulfilled family pet :)

I wish you well here as it seems there are greater issues of a personal nature which need to be addressed.
regards, Teri

Vonnie,
Sorry the society cannot offer you more help.

I think you know that the biggest problem is your partner's attitude and changing that will be the key to changing anything else. As it is your partner is reinforcing and perpetuating everything that is wrong with your dog's behaviour. Although, from the little I know about the breed the baseline ingredients for separation anxiety and nervousness are already there, you clearly have some evidence from your own interventions that your dog will accept and adapt to change, provided he has clear and consistent direction and boundaries. At the moment everything is very inconsistent. Having said that you've a mountain to climb, this is not a breed for beginners and this dog has had 10 years of behaving badly.

The society makes much of the fact that these dogs need very strong leadership/guidance or they will call the shots, your partner must know this. Although they were not bred to work, being developed solely as a trainable companion breed, they are developed from dogs with a very strong working instinct . It sounds like yours could have a goodly dose of German Shepherd in him. Therein, I think, lies the clue to how to deal with him.

I won't post again as I don't think I can offer more advice. I think an ultimatum to your partner may be in order!

Very best of luck. 

Thanks for feedback.  I believe your right and it's up to me to try and deal with.  He's an aries man through and through so think I may have a difficult path ahead of me.

Yvonne

Teri,

I agree with you wholeheartedly that this dog will have a much more healthy relationship with Vonnie.

Some breeds including this one need a one to one master, they are loyal to one person as protector.  Once we get the dog contained in the kennel or kitchen the destruction problem is solved, however as many have pointed out the dog needs a new master, the one he has now is too soft and too weak and the dog is walking all over him, I also agree with your comfort blanket analogy Teri, very apt. :-D

From my own experience my brothers two GSD's who are also a breed that prefers one master and are renowned for that are as much my dogs still as my brothers.

They live with my brother and his wife and children and are their dogs, but as pups I would have them dropped off at my home for training and caring for whilst my brother worked (before he married) I cared for, fed and trained those two dogs for 2 years, until my brother married and they then were in permanent residence at their home.  Years on, they only visit perhaps once a month now and believe me as close as they are to my brother and his family, they still obey me and will come to me first, sometimes my brother shows disdain that they will still choose to follow me even in his own home. :-D (Little secret it is all to do with showing an air of authority, of matching eye contact and them knowing they get away with nothing and I am in control)

Now, for you Vonnie living in the same residence together it will be very easy for you to take over as this dogs master, as suggested play, and do training games on walks etc, spend time alone and make sure that you feed him.  When you give a command to this dog make sure that your partner does not over-ride it, stand firm with firm eye contact, (dogs learn very quickly whom they can twist around their little finger and who they need to behave for) In other words take control, he lives with you, start to think of him as your dog now and be the head bitch in the home with your partner too. :-D

Depending on the dogs background (he may only be used to a male owner) he may change allegiances or at the very least learn to respect you and do as you wish.

I'm so pleased that you are intouch with the Utonagan society, as the same problems are not always dealt with in the same way, breed is very relavant as to how to help, and what you can expect to get from an adult of some breeds is different to others.  This breed needs a firm leader, I would also invest in a whistle and get yourself a book on whistle training to help instigate you into the role of  the head hauncho. :-)