colin is a boxer x lab and is 8 months old now, we have had him from 12 weeks and everything has been great. up untill a few months ago. his training was great but seems as soon as i got preg hes changed he pulles like a steam train on the lead so much so that hes literaly on his hind legs at some points and not botherd hes chokng himself, hes running after the cats (not nasty) but just wants to play and pins the oldest cat down. hes jumping up hes torn up the carpet and underlay if i go upstairs just for a wee, ive had to shut the livingroom door when i go upstairs as he jumps the child safety gate and is chewing up my 3 year olds toys. when hes calm hes great but its becoming a nightmear to take him for his walks and the cats have now decided its better to toilet upstairs on clothes or carpets even our bed.
we have him booked it for the snip tomorrow hopefully this may calm him down but its also part of the adoption agreement from many tears rescue.
am i doing something wrong?

Has his routine maybe changed since you have been pregnant and he is less stimulated- fewer walks or the same one all the time? Less play? Less time given to training?

Just some ideas; maybe he is being a teenager too though and you need to go back to basics with his training until his behaviour is settled again?

Hopefully some of the experts will be along to help you soon!!

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He is likely becoming a teenage tearaway, most go through it to some degree,
hormones kick in the dependant eager to please little pups on the way out and the stroppy teenagers on the way in. They do push at boundaries and see what they can get away with, ones that recalled before perfectly when you let them off suddenly go deaf and stick to paws up at you and try to do their own thing. It likely would have happened if you were not pregnant, only difference is you wouldnt likely be so tired and going through the changes you are too at the moment which is making it harder for you.

Does he spend all the time with you when you are there? If so it can make them over dependant and they can get anxious when they do have to be left.
If he has got contant access, start to wean him off, to learn to amuse himself and rest on his own, by several times a day give him wind down time when you are in, and then build up the time he is alone. Leave him with something to keep him busy a Kong, see link for the various types and filling see section how to Kong Dog & Cat Toys & Dog Treats - Pet Toys, Dog Chew Toys | KONG Company Treat balls and toys you fill with kibble are good too Treat Balls | Buster Cubes | Buster Balls Stag bars are good too to keep them chewing and busy Pure Dog | Stagbar antler dog chews | natural dog treats | organic dog snacks | hypoallergenic dog chews | long-lasting dog chews | teeth cleaning dog chews | low fat dog treats Just give him his own space in the kitchen with his bed take him in and give him something like one of the suggestions above. Leave with no fuss, and when you do return let him out ignore him for a minute or two and then give him attention. It will establish a routine too when he has to be left, and if its part of his routine will help when you have had the baby and to him it will be an every day occurance that he has to amuse himself.

If he is jumping a baby gate try a dog control gate much taller and robust then the baby gate get a tall enough one that should solve the problem.
Will the cats not use a litter tray upstairs? just for now, know its not the greatest solution maybe and being pregnant you have to watch how you handle changing it, but must be better then what they are doing now, even if its a temporary stop gap solution?

AS futile as it may seem at times, he will need his training upped now more then ever, even if you can only do 2 or 3 10/15 minute sessions a day putting him through the various, sits, waits, stays, downs etc etc, mixed with a bit of play, that at least should also get him to focus and if he chases a thrown ball about should tire him physically and mentally.

Any chance you could take him to training, or even the OH? With a trainer to help and the lessons practiced through the week at home that should help and you would get hands on support too. Welcome to APDT - Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK should find a class in you area.

A head collar may help. It works like a horses halter, and gives you better control to lead him and and stop him jumping around plus it helps break eye contact if he focuses on something its easier to break the focus. They do have to be fitted correctly and introduced properly, but used correctly they can really help. It would be something a trainer could help you with too.

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thanks so much for the advice nothing has changed we still give him 2 so called little walks and a big hour walk a day i have to put him in his creat when i go out with toys ect but even just if im out 10 mins to nip to the shop i get back and hes had a go at his bars there blood somtimes he gets that stressed we got him a new bed and within 30 mins of him being in the creat hed riped the bottom out of it. hes ok if he knows im downstairs with him but as soon as i leave he goes stupid. i can go out as long as theres an adult with him after about 30 mins he calms down. but if i go to bed he wont stay downstairs and goes balistic with my oh until he gets let up then he charges around after the cats for 10 mins befor settling. the litter tray we have put upstairs but colin just jumps into it and digs it all over the landing. i know its prob my hormones but i just end up crying, (stupid i know) sorry

Personally I would assume Colin is now Kevin. As dogs approach maturity they have an adolescent phase where they test boundaries and push limits (same as human teens). All you can do is go back to basic training and try to keep in mind that it will pass.

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Colin (Kevin) is running you ragged here (and he will know that) and therefore will probably continue to do it because it still gets attention....which results in you getting upset and low which is definitely not ideal for you in your current situation. You're going to really have to get to grips to get some of these issues so he is a calmer, better behaved boy....for your sake. I appreciate you're probably trying very hard to do this but if it's not working - then I'd perhaps see if there's other avenues of help local to you...a behaviourist or similar?

To me it sounds a bit excessive behaviour even for an adolescent??? Maybe the neutering will help though.

I sympathise with you as we had a rescue bitch once which couldn't be left at all without causing mass damage and destruction and stress to my older well behaved dog. He didn't take to her at all and it made him ill (he was quite a stressy dog with gastro probs) so the pup had to go back to the rescue after a good while of trying.

I hope you have a happier outcome.

thank you so much everyone for all the help your giving me. hes back from the vets now and is fast asleep on the settee at my feet. hes a fantastic dog he realy is and we love him to bits. i will take everything on board and try everythink i can to get him to behave will keep you informed how were doing and def going to look at the halter thingy for the head and was thinking of the chest harness together. all the vet nurses have fallen in love with him and when he behaves hes the most loving fantastic dog you could wish for if i can get the issues sorted (and im feeling pos at the min) we will have a fantastic dog. im thinking of maybe looking into agility aswell but that in the future. thanks again everyone you have made me more positive i can and will do this for all our sake xxxxx