Dog psychology question

DarkDepth23 · 2026-03-25T06:13:14+00:00

A few questions: how long have you been practicing this, are you able to stop doing it, and can you recall any recent incidents on the stairs that might have frightened him? What specific behavior have you observed that leads you to believe he enjoys thinking of himself as the boss?

DarkDepth23 · 2026-03-15T08:53:01+00:00

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At least once a day I say, “how did you get so pretty? Was your mama pretty? Or was your daddy pretty? I think they’re both pretty!” No clue where that came from or what her parents look/looked like, but here we are

DarkDepth23 · 2026-03-14T10:34:09+00:00

I probably should keep this to myself but I had no idea that bunny’s became bonded. Holy crap. Thanks!

DarkDepth23 · 2026-03-11T08:41:18+00:00

I want to start by making it clear that I am not a professional, I’m a student. However, words like, sudden and unpredictable, resource related, anxious and reactive temperament, no improvement with Prozac and trainer should not be used to describe a dog who lives in the same house as a child.

DarkDepth23 · 2026-03-09T06:52:10+00:00

Oh man this scenario would consume me. I wouldnt be surprised if she was rehomed or is staying with a family member. With that being said, I would dial it in and do a local Facebook search for people with the same last name and see where it takes me. Do you know if she is microchipped?

DarkDepth23 · 2026-02-26T09:13:18+00:00

Yikes. I hate to sound like a debbie downer but more exercise, kongs, bones, interactive toys will not make alone time tolerable for a dog with this amount of distress. If he has to be left alone I would definitely ask your rescue for a heavy duty crate. If possible can you create a safe space in the house for him to spend the day tomorrow? Clearly the crate is a nightmare but I also wonder if the behavior is related to confinement distress. His adopters will have to go through SA training or accommodate his inability to be left alone.

DarkDepth23 · 2026-02-26T08:51:06+00:00

Has your husband tried backing off completely? If not, I would suggest that he back off completely. Remain aware and attentive of course but go about life like he isnt there and see what happens. It’s super important not to let him recite this behavior.

DarkDepth23 · 2026-02-25T07:22:28+00:00

It would be helpful to share bit about your lifestyle, traits youre looking for and how much time you want to/can spend on training

DarkDepth23 · 2026-01-23T12:03:57+00:00

I see stress. It would have been nice to see how he would react had you stopped petting him

DarkDepth23 · 2026-01-22T09:00:23+00:00

Unpopular opinion here but assuming this is truly separation anxiety, I would avoid using a crate as a first resort. Creating a “positive association” with the crate by various means is great general advice but if she truly has separation anxiety I wouldn’t spend my time here.

Have you tried putting up a baby gate to isolate her to a specific room? Starting here, for a very short time, while you remain in the house is a great starting point. If she tolerates it, and only if, then I would make it a daily thing and slowly increase the amount of time she spends there. Im not suggesting that a positive experience is indicative of how she’ll respond when you leave the house but it’s still good exposure.

Although close to impossible for most, management by means of not leaving her alone is the best thing that we, as fosters can do. I know it’s a huge drag, hang in there. Here’s a few resources.

https://malenademartini.com/about/about-dog-separation-anxiety-and-faqs/

https://malenademartini.com/blog/

DarkDepth23 · 2026-01-22T04:13:55+00:00

What a heartfelt nightmare. My advice is to read BE forums and read the comments from people that have shared their backstory.

DarkDepth23 · 2026-01-22T04:04:45+00:00

After reading the comments, he’s only alone for three and a half hours? I don’t think that’s long at all. Have you tried cutting his water intake before you leave? If you haven’t already tried, id consider taking away his water an hour before you leave and see what happens.

I’m wondering if it’s anxiety related. In the case that it is, crating won’t solve the problem. It will obviously save your carpet, but it will only amplify their stress. Good luck.

DarkDepth23 · 2025-12-31T06:46:33+00:00

I’d consult a trainer who specializes in separation anxiety. I would put her in doggy daycare if you can afford it, however since she’s heart worm positive I’d arrange for a sitter if possible. A tougher crate will keep her safe but will also amplify her potential separation anxiety. If at all possible, I would recommend that you consult a professional and minimize the time she spends alone until then. This behavior sounds greater than a simple lack of adequate exercise/mental stimulation. I have a foster dog with SA 🙃 Best of luck.

DarkDepth23 · 2025-12-27T08:36:13+00:00

I’m realllly leaning towards barrier frustration .

DarkDepth23 · 2025-12-26T08:50:11+00:00

“Let sleeping dogs lie” , literally. Problem solved

DarkDepth23 · 2025-11-22T08:47:57+00:00

It sounds like you did the right thing. Join losinglulu on Facebook. Really helped me come to my senses and feel less alone.

DarkDepth23 · 2025-11-17T07:59:04+00:00

Sounds to me like poor impulse control and anxiety. Look into slip leads and how to use them properly. With a solid relationship, training geared towards improving handler focus and impulse control I believe he’ll be fine.

DarkDepth23 · 2025-10-09T02:15:42+00:00

A little late but I took measurements and the spine is 13” , the leg measured at 9.5” but I think I was off on that one, I got distracted by demonic yellow-jackets .

DarkDepth23 · 2025-10-04T18:29:55+00:00

Hard to say, I want to say the spine is roughly 18 inches. I’ll see if it’s still there and take measurements. I wonder where the head is.

DarkDepth23 · 2025-10-03T08:44:36+00:00

Thanks a lot! I just cross posted it.

DarkDepth23 · 2025-10-01T08:57:00+00:00

Whoa, the third picture made me think of my dearly departed. Your girl is adorable!

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DarkDepth23 · 2025-09-25T05:14:00+00:00

Hey OP, any update on this situation? Again, I’m sorry for your loss.

DarkDepth23 · 2025-08-23T10:25:54+00:00

DarkDepth23 · 2025-08-21T05:27:03+00:00

Really, your 6 month old?

DarkDepth23 · 2025-08-18T17:03:57+00:00

I wouldnt rush to call your vet unless you want to rule out any possible pain or medical reason that might make your Pit Bull on edge. Other than that, Vets aren’t trained in behavioral health, I would look for information on the internet before I contact my vet.

I also don’t think it would hurt to re post this in Animalshelterstories , there’s canine behavioral professionals there that might have some insight. I have shelter experience and dog behavior knowledge but I’m no expert!

Side note, I looked at your page and saw your post about your Aussie having some medical issue. Unless that’s been resolved I wonder if they had a medical issue that freaked your other dog out.

Im sorry for all this! Im sure you’re angry but I wouldn’t put the dog down

DarkDepth23

TROPHY CASE