[2doodsmom]

Well, after just showing off my babies the last few days now I need some help. The back of our house is almost all glass doors and windows overlooking a terrace that is at the same level as the house. Geoge has started to THROW himself against the doors when he sees us inside the house. He doesn't necesarily want to come in, he's just really glad to see us. I'm terrified he's going to break the glass and hurt himself badly. Gracie is starting to try it too. You'd think it would be unpleasant enough that they'd stop, and of course we tell them "No!" through the glass and make sure we never let them in until they sit. We've even been spraying them with bitter apple when they do it, but we have to open the door to do that which sends the wrong message, I think, and they just run from the bitter apple bottle and run right back like it's a game! But I'm worried this is more than just a nuisance (and a lot of really dirty windows) - He weighs nearly 50 pounds and he runs hard and jumps at the glass.

Any ideas?

 

[2doodsmom]

Thanks for the input, Jac. I feel a little stuck on this one. I hate the idea of shocking them, too. But we have had amazing success with our underground fence. I wouldn't let the doodles wear the collars until I had shocked myself with it a few times. And they were over 35 lbs. It's uncomfortable, for sure, but better than them getting out. We have 20 acres and a pond that makes fencing near the house a real problem and in our rural area dogs that run free can be shot. (Sheep)

The pad thing won't work because it would need to cover the entire back of the house. But it makes me think of one of those remote controls that will deliver the same sort of buzz they get from the fence. It's amazing how they only got shocked a couple of times before they knew exactly where to avoid. Maybe I'll look into that. I'm sure it wouldn't take more than once or twice to get the idea across.

I was hoping someone would say, Oh, no, don't worry. They won't break the door. But I know I'm dreaming. When they're excited I believe they really could and I can't even imagine the disaster that would be for us all.

I'm also hoping this is just one of those things that they outgrow really fast. It can't be comfortable to hit the door so hard. !?

 

[2doodsmom]

These are good ideas. We tried taping cardboard to the bottom half of the main door where this occurs. It is helping a little, but they just seem really unpredictable at this age (6 months).

Taking stock, I would say that they have slowly begun behaving as if the entire outside terrace belongs to them. They have eaten a wicker chair, an extension cord, a garden hose, more that a little kindling, an entire rose bush and a window sill (outside). I don't really mean they've eaten them, but shredded is more like it. They are getting lots of chewing opportunities with stuff that's okay to chew, and they are never unsupervised in the house, but the terrace and yard have become their own territory. We have an underground fence which I think we're going to reconfigure so the doodles have less access to the windows and terrace. I'm hoping this is just a phase, because today I got really mad and yelled at them. I also think we're going to start taking some long walks together, but phew, I'm irritated with them right now.

 

[2doodsmom]

Hello in London! How old is Bella? How much does she weigh? I have put a lot of thought to this because I really believe my guys could come through the glass.

I tried cardboard over the bottom half of the glass and that seemed to slow it down a little, but I ended up redoing our fence so that the doodles only have access in one area. It still has glass doors there, so I'm still working with them constantly. I have started to require that they are calm and still before they are allowed into the house. They're getting the idea that jumping won't have any benefit. But I also feel that this is still a bit of a time bomb. This is not one of those things you want them the learn the "hard way," because the consequences are too extreme. So I have also bought a remote training collar. But I haven't tried it yet. I keep hoping I won't have to.

The only other alternative I can see, is never to allow them outside without me, just as they are never unattended inside (unless they're in the crate).

 

[2doodsmom]

Bella's a totally cutie. Madge, too. My doods are both chocolate, so I'm partial. I got caught up on Bella's woes. You are obviously doing everything possible and more with her health care. This window thing is troubling, though.

I have had a bit of luck with a doormat that was by happenstance near one of the doors. It's kind of a nasty plastic mat a lot like artificial turf only much coarser. We've got a lot of mud up here in the pacific northwest and this type of mat will really dig the mud out of the treads on your shoes....Anyway, the doods HATE to stand on it. It's also the only thing I've found they won't chew on. It slows them down a little at the door so they don't keep their momentum going. You might try something like that on the back of the chair for a while. And it makes a lovely design statement for your interior!

I checked out your blog and I love your Dear Store Manager letters. I'm going to send the link to my husband. He's "Mister Customer Service." He used to be a shop owner and can't believe how bad service has become since he retired. He might have some stories to send you.