4 year old west highland terrier

[emmadavey]

I have a westie that chews everything that come's through the letter box, I have tried to distract the dog with different thing's on numerous occasions, but he is obsessed! that the letterbox is his and that is that!!!

Would appreciate your help, thanks

[sammy snake]

Get one of those cage type things that fits over your letter box and collects your mail. He won't be happy but he won't be able to get at anything to chew!!

[persianlady]

I was going to suggest the cage thing as well. besides tearing up your post have you considered the damage he could do to the postmans or other persons fingers if they happen to push their hand in too far? Isay this because in my work I often have to do a letter drop to let people know if engineering work is being done locally. I have had some narrow escapes. Its not too bad if the dog is a barker then you have some warning. Its the silent ones who pounce. They frighten me half to death sometimes.

[alfieblue]

Oh, I am very interested in this posting!

My pup has suddendly started to steal the post - he never jumps up, he just waits until it falls on the floor and then steals it!!! He is a little tealeaf and will leg it off with anything lying around!!

I don't really want to fit a wire thing on the door, would rather try and sort it.

He's very placid - but such a thief!!! He would never jump up and get posties fingers - he just waits - besides he cant reach the letter box! However, I need to get it sorted.

I'm sure i have read or seen on the tv a way that you can stop this behaviour - i know it takes patience but am prepared for that. Seem to remember that someone had to post stuff thru the door (oh dear - that will be the kids!!!) and you had to use something to distract the dog each time - something noisy??? It took a while but i seem to remember it works!

At the moment i have to make sure pup is no where near the door all morning cos have no idea when postie will arrive!!! Not easy!!

lankeela - have you any advice on this??

Many thanks for any help.

[alfieblue]

Can anyone help with this?

[lankeela]

Sorry - I've got a cage fitted, not because they steal the post, but because they go ballistic if the postie touches the door and one of them grabs the post out of anger that he has missed the postman's fingers, but I have now put a box up outside as mine bark when the letter box flaps, and sealed the letter box so no-one can put leaflets, free papers etc through, as we get them delivered at all times of the day and night. Sure oyu could teach them, but beware of the aversion therapy (making aloud noise or dropping something when something comes through the letterbox), as you could make the dog nervous of visitors or jumpy when the postie comes. You have to really think things like
this through, as you could end up with a worse behaviour that was not there before.

[alfieblue]

Thank u lankeela - I understand what you are saying. You are right - one prob could lead to another. Will get wire boxes fitted - its the same with us, all sorts of things come through the letterbox - dont want pup to get paranoid. he is such a sweet pea but such a tealeaf!!!! Ho Hum!!! I would say he is welcome to take the bills!! But shouldn't really!!! Thank you v much for advice.

[LoftyLottie]

Ha, ha. My two dogs fight over the post in the morning, but they only like catalogues and packages wth sellophane covering them. They tear off the outer sellophane and then just leave what's inside! Very weird.

One of the dogs can hear the postvan coming about two minutes before it arrives (we live in a very rural area so no posties on foot) and waits patiently looking out of the window every day. We can't seem to make her understand that there's no post on a Sunday and the poor thing sits looking most of the morning.

Anyway, they are barred from the hallway until the postman has been. I sort the post and give them the sellephone wrapped advertising, catalogues etc. to argue over.

I must admit if I left them in the hallway they would have the postlady's fingers.

[alfieblue]

Oh yes! loftielottie!!! Our spaniel is now not allowed in the hallway!! We have a baby gate up. He has a look out post at the front window! He knows who is coming and going - such a nosy little thing!! If he doesnt like the look of someone then he lets us know big time!!!

Lol!!! He;s worked out who the neighbours are and wen they leave for work etc, he knows when they leave in the morn and when they return!!

However i have to admit = hes a bit of a woos! If we had intruders and they advanced at him with a banana or a vacuum cleaner - then he would run a mile!!!! Def.not giving my address out!!!!! Bless him - he tries his best!!!

[LoftyLottie]

My yorkie hangs on the end of the vacuum hose, he just loves it, even on full suction. He's a pain in the neck and I have to shut him away when I use the cleaner!

[LoftyLottie]

That's probably why most of his teeth are now gone or loose - they've been hoovered up!!

[leelapops]

Hi emma, I agree that lankeela's idea is probably best; prevention is sometimes the only way. Fortunately, we have a door after our front door, then a room we don't use, then our living room, so Jack can't get to the post. I think he would leave it even if he could get to it, but the postie would get a terrible shock at his manic barking!

Speaking of manic barking, he has gone dreadfully quiet...
:/ I am off to investigate...

Lots of luck with your Westie, emma, I know what hard work they can be!
x

[LoftyLottie]

They really are often the naughtiest dogs out and very difficult to handle sometimes. They are a delight and lovable but you see so many old people with them. I think they get them because they look small and sweet and easy to manage - they must get a shock! They would be better of with a large labrador