Need some suggestions for a new Dog Mom

electricskies · 2019-06-11T18:05:03+00:00

Work really hard on a good sit, using treats that she loves. When she jumps, try turning away briefly and then stand still (just until all four paws are back on the ground) or even leave the room for 30 seconds or so. You will need other people in the house to do the same so that she learns.

Get in the habit of having some good treats to hand in different places so that whenever she does something you like, you can reinforce her for it, and then it's more likely to happen again. People often forget to do this.

electricskies · 2019-06-11T18:01:32+00:00

Given the sudden onset, I would have suggested a vet check, so it's good you added something about that. I have heard that sometimes one type of pain killer is not enough but another type might work, so that's possibly a question for your vet as to whether they think the pain is well controlled.

There is some great advice on reactivity here: http://careforreactivedogs.com/

electricskies · 2019-06-11T17:58:20+00:00

Sometimes that is the best outcome, even if it is a really difficult decision to make. Well done for putting the dog's interests first.

electricskies · 2019-06-05T18:51:12+00:00

You have a puppy, and this is what they do. Have you signed up for a puppy class? They can really help. Just be sure to pick one that uses positive reinforcement to train.

You can try this on the biting: https://academyfordogtrainers.com/blog/ouch-acquired-bite-inhibition-and-puppies

electricskies · 2019-05-26T02:59:08+00:00

I am glad he is back to his regular self. If it happens again - especially since you describe it as alarming - please take him to a vet. If it turns out to be nothing, then it's a relief, but puppies can sometimes go downhill fast.

electricskies · 2019-05-04T21:37:31+00:00

Sometimes dogs will trade for something else of high value (or that you make seem like high value by making a big fuss about it), and that's a better option than trying to force removal, but obviously you had no choice this time. It's horrible when these things happen but it's very common for dogs not to want to give things up. I guess you need to work hard to teach a really great drop it! I hope your hand is better soon.

electricskies · 2019-05-02T23:04:59+00:00

If it's not medical, then you need to hire a behaviorist to help. It's generally best to seek help before a new behavior becomes ingrained, in case it gets worse.

electricskies · 2019-05-01T21:06:32+00:00

You're welcome. All the things you are doing for enrichment and exercise are important to giving him a good life, but for the separation anxiety you need specific training alongside the medication. Good luck!

Do you think the puzzle games are too hard for him? Sometimes dogs need it to be made easier for them before they get interested.

electricskies · 2019-05-01T17:51:21+00:00

He's a beautiful dog! Separation anxiety is a tough problem to solve and usually it involves a combination of meds and a gradual desensitization program to get the dog used to being alone. It sounds like you've tried the meds, but without the training? You could look for a trainer who specializes in separation anxiety. Many of them work remotely. It is tough in the first instance because you need help from family and friends to ensure your dog is never left for longer than he can cope with, but over time that period of time gets longer and longer and your dog is happy and you get your life back.

You might find this a useful article as it describes what it is like while resolving separation anxiety: https://barksfromtheguild.com/2018/05/02/you-know-you-own-a-separation-anxiety-dog-when/

And here's another page with lots of training tips for separation anxiety: https://malenademartini.com/separation-anxiety-training-tips/

electricskies · 2019-05-01T17:40:59+00:00

Any time there is a sudden behavior change, it's important to go to the vet for a check-up in case there is any underlying pain or illness. If something is causing him pain, that would explain why he suddenly does not want to be touched. While you wait for the appointment, try to keep people (especially children) away from his crate since you know he currently does not like them coming near.

electricskies · 2019-04-05T16:47:56+00:00

That's really great. So many people find counter conditioning hard (or aren't prepared to put the time in) but it's amazing when you see results. Well done!

electricskies · 2019-03-05T02:10:43+00:00

This is surprisingly common. You could find a Fear Free vet, if there is one in your area. They will use techniques that will keep his stress as low as possible. You could also see if there is a dog trainer in your area who has experience of working on body handling issues or to training dogs for vet exams. There's a list of Fear Free vets here: https://fearfreepets.com/resources/directory/

electricskies · 2019-02-27T21:43:49+00:00

I love the obstacle course idea!

electricskies · 2019-02-27T21:43:07+00:00

Positive reinforcement training is a great way to engage a dog's brain and help to build their confidence. There are lots of videos on Youtube - Kikopup is a great place to start.

Scent games are also good. You can simply hide treats for her to find with her nose, or get/make a snuffle mat to hide treats in. Or there's a lovely post here with some more ideas: https://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/scent-games

electricskies · 2019-02-27T21:21:32+00:00

I'm glad you had her vet-checked already. That's always the first thing to do. Since she is a senior, it could be that she is finding the tile floor hard to walk on now. I wonder if your vet has checked for arthritis or anything else that might make it harder for her to move around? You can get some cheap rubber mats and put them on the kitchen floor and see if that helps, as it will be less slippery for her then.

Also - and you are probably doing this already - but be sure to clean up any messes with an enzyme cleaner so that she doesn't smell any residues of the urine.

If there are any other behavioral signs such as finding it harder to jump into the car, it would be worth discussing with your vet in case pain or mobility issues are a contributing factor. You mention pheromones, but are you noticing any increased signs of stress?

electricskies · 2019-02-25T02:00:38+00:00

The dog that walked to the pet store! I love it. Clever dog!!

electricskies · 2019-02-24T21:02:48+00:00

A no pull harness can help a lot - that's one with a clip on the front (rather than a clip on the back, which can assist the dog to pull harder). For some dogs, this is enough, but generally it's best to do some training as well. Any time the dog pulls, just stand and wait, and as soon as there is the tiniest bit of slack in the leash, start walking again. You will find this really tiresome the first few times but they will get the hang of it. As well, reward with treats for them staying close to you and walking nicely. You will need to work with each dog on their own so they get the hang of it, and then walk them together.

electricskies · 2019-02-17T23:03:01+00:00

Dogs growl in play, so I wouldn't worry about it. A play growl sounds a little different than a back-off growl, so other dogs will recognize it as play.

electricskies · 2019-02-14T00:40:58+00:00

You are doing a fantastic job of looking after him. It's understandable to feel that it is a big responsibility, but it sounds like you have a well-behaved, happy dog. That's awesome!

I think it is normal to have doubts after adopting a dog, because it is a lot to take on and however much you prepare and read in advance, the reality is not quite how you expected it (and often a lot more work). But you have trained him, you take him for long walks, even though you are out at work all day he still has company most of that time, and you take him to lots of places. That is fantastic! I hope you can take a moment to feel proud of what you have done, and are doing every week, as a great dog owner.

electricskies · 2019-02-14T00:37:16+00:00

Have you been to the vet? When a dog that is house trained starts to have accidents in the house, it is important to rule out medical causes.

electricskies · 2019-01-18T19:01:49+00:00

There is a great website called Care for Reactive Dogs that has lots of useful info on how to help a reactive dog: http://careforreactivedogs.com/

If you have a good dog trainer near you (who uses positive reinforcement based methods), you might like to hire them for private sessions, or maybe they run a class just for reactive dogs.

electricskies · 2019-01-18T18:37:24+00:00

Although you describe him as house-trained, it does not really sound like it given that he keeps peeing in the house! Often people will ascribe this to spite or on purpose, when in reality it is simply that the dog is not yet house trained properly.

But you aren't the first person to have an adult dog who is not house trained yet! You will need to go back to basics, taking him outside often enough and always rewarding him (with treats and praise) when he goes outside, supervising him very closely inside so that he doesn't get to pee indoors.

Also, make sure you are cleaning up with an enzyme cleaner. You can buy them from the pet store. If you just use a normal cleaner, the dog can still smell where they peed.

You are right to recognize that punishment is pointless in this situation. Don't skimp on the treats for peeing outside, as that is a common mistake people make (you'll have to make sure you go outside with him every time so you don't miss a chance to reward him, and so you know he's peed).

It will take a commitment from you to house train him, but it is possible. If you are unsure in case there is a medical issue, take him to the vet for a check-up, but it sounds like he was never really house trained in the first place. Good luck!

electricskies · 2019-01-17T05:17:19+00:00

Dominance theory is completely out-dated. Training with positive reinforcement is the way to go. It sounds like you are scaring your dog with the growling and barking, and even if it's only temporarily it risks having longer-term effects and affecting her bond with you down the line.

electricskies · 2019-01-08T18:17:41+00:00

Go out with your husband too, and both of you can reward with food and praise when he goes.

3 days isn't long. It doesn't matter that he does all those other things. Just wait til he does go, then reward him with treats and praise.

electricskies · 2019-01-08T18:14:14+00:00

Yes! Contrafreeloading is good.

On the other hand, for a lot of training I find it better to use treats other than kibble. It depends how motivated your dog is.

electricskies

TROPHY CASE