Min Pin Behaviour Issues - am I training correctly?

First to note, the breed is a Terrier so you need to adjust your thoughts and ideas to comprehend the idea. Miniature Pinschers are not TOY dogs.

As Terriers they have a high prey drive as well as an abundance of energy that daily walks will never suffice. Whether your other one was content with this or not, the true Miniature Pinscher is going to have a lot of energy built up especially when confined for 9 hours a day. They require a securely fenced yard to run not walk in to expel this pent up energy. Failing to do so creates a dog that can and will be extremely destructive.

Crate training is a must with this breed. Start now and keep working on it. I have crate trained Miniature Pinscher much older than this many times so they are capable of learning. As for house training, Miniature Pinschers are one of the top 5 most difficult breeds to house train primarily as hardly any that own them truly understand the breed and why it is this way. First, short coat so cold and damp or wet weather effects them near immediately they get outside. Secondly and more importantly, this was originally a feral breed. It was never a house pet and had very little interaction or direction from humans. They lived in barns and survived off the mice and rats they caught. In turn there is a natural independent streak in this breed that prevents much of the everyday training people expect from other breeds. Terriers are the only breeds created by man for the sole purpose of killing other animals and thus there inherited traits are very strong even today. If you can get a Miniature Pinscher 85% house trained than he is house trained. At this point you need to establish a routine ie: when to feed and when to take outside and stick to it. Like all things including people, they are routine oriented. Find a routine and stick to it. The needy attitude comes from having pent up time with no one around. Soon as you get home (If the yard has now been made secure) let him out and play with him. He needs to exert the energy this will help also in training as a tired Miniature Pinscher has a far greater attention span than one that is geared up and wanting to go. Once he has exerted the energy which can be anywhere from an hour to 3 or 4 sometimes, than train with a treat reward. Miniature Pinschers like many breeds will do just about anything for a treat.

As for toys, do they squeak? Simply put like most terriers, if they make a noise they are more attracted to them on the whole.

There is one word that is truly need to be understood when owning one of these dogs, Patience. If you do not have patience or limited patience you should never own a Miniature Pinscher or for that matter any terrier. These dogs are high energy and can be very destructive if not given ample time to exert the energy that they possess. In addition, they are never a breed for a first time owner or one with but a little knowledge of dogs in general. This breed comes in 2 types, "mini pins or min pin" which we use to describe the undersize ones more prone to being yappy then there are the true Miniature Pinschers. These are not yappy but can be extremely overprotective and will bark at anything they deem a threat. They will bolt after any small fast moving animal as this is an instinctive reaction and are prone to getting into trouble primarily as they do not see themselves a as small dog therefore will on occasion attack larger breeds if feel threatened.

Nine hours a day is a very long time for one dog to be all alone, especially a dog that has been abandoned before - more than once. Could he have a friend? Or be left at a doggy day care while you're working?

I don't understand if he's going potty in the laundry room or the basement? He has to go somewhere during the day. Get a litter box (no lid) and put a scented potty pad in it. Give him safe chewies to work on while he's all alone and one of those rolling kibble dispensers.

Don't begrudge him his neediness. He knows how fickle people can be and he's still learning that you will come home, eventually. Go to obedience classes with him; it will give you a shared activity and will help him feel more confident in you. Don't compare him to your other dog, they may be the same breed but they are not the same.

I highly recommend that you go back to basics with this pup. Pretend that he is an 8 week old pup that you've just brought home. If possible, it either one of you can go home at lunch to let him out or get a neighbour to do it. Given his background, I don't think he's ready to be on his own for so many hours per day.

I strongly suggest that you crate train him. It's not cruel but does provide him a safe haven to go to, and while crated, pups are unlikely to soil their crate. Then when he does go outside and does his business successfully, lots of praise and treats!

You didn't say how he's doing at night or where he sleeps. Ideally, he would sleep in his crate in your bedroom. To help keep him feel safe and connected to you.

It he doesn't want to play with you, it could be because he does not feel connected to do you yet. He needs to feel safe before he can do that.

Your evenings should be more than walks. They should be training time too! This is where you and your pup will bond the most.

Hope this helps

He is 'needy' for several reasons. He ended up in a shelter which can be a very stressful situation for most dogs. And you are leaving him alone for 9 hours a day. Often, dogs enjoy the company of us humans and/or another animal. He is bored and he is lonely. The destructive behavior, jumping, not responding to obedience and pottying is all signs of a mind that is unbalanced. Min Pins can be very energetic and boredom can set in quickly.

I don't think you want to bring another animal into the house with the problems you have going on now so I am going to suggest doggie day care. It is a wonderful for your 'only dog' to socialize, learn obedience, exercise and just have fun.

Think about it. Often, it is a wonderful solution.

I'm afraid that locking a dog in solitary confinement for 9 hours a day, 5 days a week is not going to produce anything other than what you are describing.

A dog is a social animal. One of its basic needs is social contact. Your dog is being deprived of this need hence the desperation for contact when it does see you. No wonder it can't focus on basic obedience commands or potty training. It is craving company.

I don't think you will see any improvement in your dog's behaviour unless it has more social contact.

Hi. I had a similar problem with a dog destroying things while I was at work. She too had a doggie door. I too adopted her from a shelter. One day I pretty much decided that I have to take her back to the pound, but that evening I had a vet appointment for her. I told my concern to the vet. He said that I needed to put her in a dog cage while I was at work. It is dangerous for a dog like that to not be in a dog cage. I asked if that wasn't cruel. He said no. Dogs like to have their own den and it keeps a dog out of harmful trouble. The dog can hold the body functions for up to 10 hours if need be. And if the dog did have an accident, do not scold the dog. The last thing a dog wants to do is soil its "den". So I immediatley went to a store to get a dog cage and kept her in the cage while I was at work. She did not soil the cage. She became the best dog I ever did own. She just had separation anxiety because she loved me so much. I am so grateful that I did not return her. Another thing about your dog... try placing puppy pads instead of newspaper. Those work really well for potty training. This issue may take time and patience. The love and devotion returned is totally worth it.

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://tr.im/Vj6Qt

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Are you walking him before you go to work? He seems to have pent up frustration and energy - leading to destroying things. Does he have educational toys to keep his mind busy while he is alone? Kong, seek and squeak toys, etc.?

Sounds to me like he is still getting adjusted to his new life. He will be needy as he is nervous and unsure about all the changes, Are you ensuring good behavior before showing him love and affection? Is he the leader of the house, or have the humans established they are the leaders?

Edit: Maybe you are being impatient. Has he been to a vet since you got him? Seems he is depressed if not interested in toys and such. I would suggest a training class, agility.. something to help him bond with his new family. A few visits a week to an off leash park to socialize him. Keep trying and keep your chin up.. He has had a pretty upside down life so far.

Honestly, an untrained dog can be a real pain - a risk to himself, his owner and to other people and animals. Owning an undisciplined dog may result to:

- Destruction to your home

- Social isolation

- Accidents

- Injuries

- Legal claims against you

- Stress to all concerned

- The dog being unwanted

Canines that always get their own way will believe that life revolves around them and for that reason they must be important. Since dogs are looking for controlling different resources than humans, their bid for power usually goes undetected until it’s too late. Obedience and house training your dog and ensuring he’s not raised to a top position inside the home will keep your relationship with him well-balanced in your favor, as it must be for satisfaction all round.

If you want a free copy of my dog training ebook "how to housetrain any dog" just send me an email at dogtraining@goodtips.info

I'll send you immediately the ebook (100% free) and some tips on how to live better with your dog.

Miniature Pinscher Behavior