[ais_rose]

I would like to add she is not vicious, she is communicating about things she finds threatening. She has no other way of telling you than with barking or nipping to keep these things away from her. She needs gradual introduction to these things starting at a distance she can cope with,without reacting, associated with positive things (food, toys etc). I think you can overcome a lot of these things with a good trainer and lots of time, hard work and patience. Good luck

Thank you

Should I deal with her fear-related behaviour separately from her over excitement?

I've heard conflicting advice on how to handle it. Someone recommended that when she gets over excited and starts jumping up and biting (especially when she sees/is on the lead, or sees a sponge/cloth), I should put her in her crate to try and get her to calm down. But then someone else told me that then she will see the crate as a punishment?

 

[ShibaPup]

Here are some websites smokeybear told me to look at when I was looking for some training help http://www.apdt.co.uk/dog-owners/local-dog-trainers/west-midlands
http://www.apbc.org.uk/help/regions/westmidlands
http://capbt.org/user_show.php?A=8

If she's insured - have a read of the policy T&Cs, they might cover behaviourist referrals/costs if they belong to certain organisations.

 

[kimthecat]

Daisy definitely associates treats (a tube of Primula in particular) with positiveness - I use it to distract her at the vets and it's helped.

That's good and it shows it works. Her behaviour must seem overwhelming at the moment but given the right advice and more time she will improve. Shes just a scared dog and certainly not vicious .

 

[ais_rose]

Be prepared to learn how to growl...

Oh dear.

Like I said, I'm very new to recognising dog behaviours and communication and such (I've grown up with dogs, but I think being a primary owner is a bit different, if that makes sense?), but surely making loud noises will only make the dog bark more? For example, I heard that shouting to your dog to them is the equivalent of you barking at them?

 

[ais_rose]

Here are some websites smokeybear told me to look at when I was looking for some training help http://www.apdt.co.uk/dog-owners/local-dog-trainers/west-midlands
http://www.apbc.org.uk/help/regions/westmidlands
http://capbt.org/user_show.php?A=8

If she's insured - have a read of the policy T&Cs, they might cover behaviourist referrals/costs if they belong to certain organisations.

Thank you

I didn't know that about insurers, I'll definitely check my policy!

 

[ais_rose]

That's good and it shows it works. Her behaviour must seem overwhelming at the moment but given the right advice and more time she will improve. Shes just a scared dog and certainly not vicious .

I have cried a few times when she's bitten me, or when she simply won't stop barking, mostly because I wish I could understand and communicate with her to stop the barking. And then I feel awful because she looks so concerned and worried when I cry, and then I can't explain that I'm crying because I feel like a terrible owner, not because I'm angry with her.

I love my parents to bits and they have been fantastic at helping me with her. My mum, bless her heart, slept on the couch a couple of nights this past week when Daisy's recovery was rocky (she was spayed and the incision fell apart slightly so she had to have skin sutures on Tuesday) so I could catch up on sleep. But I'll admit than when they say she's got a vicious streak, it does make me really anxious, and there's been a couple of times when mum's mentioned rehoming her when I was really upset.

I would only rehome her if it was really the last possible resort. I love her completely and I will do everything to work with her, because this isn't her fault. And I know that because of these behaviours, she might not have a happy ending if she was rehomed. I fully believe that if I get some help from a qualified professional and put in the time and hard work, we can improve her behaviour, especially while she has the "elasticity" of being a puppy. She really is fantastic at her weekly training, even when Poppy was brutally attacked by another dog a couple of weeks ago (which was an ordeal in itself ) and she graduated from the basic level very quickly, the trainer said her recall is "beautiful". You can really see in her face that pleasing us and being praised makes her so happy.

(I'm also aware that my anxiety and feelings of being a terrible owner probably aren't helping either, I'm trying to work on that.)

 

[diefenbaker]

Oh dear.

Like I said, I'm very new to recognising dog behaviours and communication and such (I've grown up with dogs, but I think being a primary owner is a bit different, if that makes sense?), but surely making loud noises will only make the dog bark more? For example, I heard that shouting to your dog to them is the equivalent of you barking at them?

I only posted that as an example of what I could find on the company. I would describe it as "strange" at best. Notice the dog ask the weatherman for asylum.

Personally when I did have a crate it was never used for punishment and I don't think this is the correct way to use it. I had a blanket over it and the dog used it as a den. The door was rarely closed.

 

[ais_rose]

I only posted that as an example of what I could find on the company. I would describe it as "strange" at best. Notice the dog ask the weatherman for asylum.

It's just so...odd.

 

[Guest]

I would describe it as "strange" at best.

I'd say you're being generous.
The weatherman does sum it up nicely when he said "well the way you just yelled at him I'd be on the floor too."
Ugh... I thought this type of training was on the way out

 

[ais_rose]

I'd say you're being generous.
The weatherman does sum it up nicely when he said "well the way you just yelled at him I'd be on the floor too."
Ugh... I thought this type of training was on the way out

I cry if someone so much as raises their voice at me. I can't imagine being that size with someone shouting at me

I'm so glad I asked on here, I won't be touching that company with a barge pole!

 

[DaisyBluebell]

What a bloody idiot (silly bloody interviewer was just as stupid). I'm no dog trainer but look at that dogs ears what does that say to any of us who have had dogs n know their body language ! If he is head of the company I dread to think what some of the franchisees are like!

ais_rose have you thought of trying a Thunder Shirt on her? Google it if you have not heard of them (I think someting like an Equafleece may work as well)

 

[ais_rose]

What a bloody idiot (silly bloody interviewer was just as stupid). I'm no dog trainer but look at that dogs ears what does that say to any of us who have had dogs n know their body language ! If he us head of the company I dread to think what some if the franchisees are like!

ais_rose have you thought of trying a Thunder Shirt on her? Google it if you have not heard of them (I think someting like an Equafleece may work as well)

I'm not an expert at reading dog's body language, but those ears say it all

I just googled it, it might be worth a shot, although I'm not sure what it'll be like trying to get her into one? My vet mentioned collars that give off a pheromone (I think?) that can calm anxious dogs, too. I'll definitely look more into thunder shirts, though, thanks

 

[diefenbaker]

I'd say you're being generous.
The weatherman does sum it up nicely when he said "well the way you just yelled at him I'd be on the floor too."

It's 10 years ago and not in the UK. But, the website spiel suggests that the method is essentially the same. "Our training leverages the same communication methods, voice tone and body language, that dogs follow as part of their instinctual mentality."

 

[diefenbaker]

My vet mentioned collars that give off a pheromone (I think?) that can calm anxious dogs, too.

Adaptil

 

[ais_rose]

Adaptil

That's the one, thank you!

I've used the Adaptil tablets before for fireworks. Not for Daisy, she actually doesn't mind fireworks at all, but for our older dog Poppy who is terrified of them. They didn't seem to work for Poppy at all, but I did read that the tablets work best with diffusers/adaptil collars.

 

[lullabydream]

Late to the party, but I would like to say there are very few vicious dogs.

Even those who cause physical harm to others, that are highlighted in the media there are signs in what is happening in their lives prior and this could be months and months prior that the dogs end up doing the unthinkable and being basically out of control....

Poppy definitely is fearful and I think vets to many animals just have a weird smell anyway that makes it feel uncomfortable for them even when nothing bad has happened. It really does sound like an environment issue and she's not the only dog to behave this way there.

You should be proud of yourself of what you are achieving at training, how she's toilet trained and how well you have bonded. All dogs give owners difficulties at times...it's only natural, you have a great take on how you want to train that being with rewards so that's brilliant for both of you.

I am sure you will overcome all these difficulties or at the very least be able to manage them. Good luck on finding a behaviourist.

 

[DaisyBluebell]

There is also Adaptil spray, I used it on the blanket we picked Emma up in. My sister uses the plug in on firework night for her dogs. Lots of suggestions coming your way to think about now

 

[ais_rose]

Late to the party, but I would like to say there are very few vicious dogs.

Even those who cause physical harm to others, that are highlighted in the media there are signs in what is happening in their lives prior and this could be months and months prior that the dogs end up doing the unthinkable and being basically out of control....

Poppy definitely is fearful and I think vets to many animals just have a weird smell anyway that makes it feel uncomfortable for them even when nothing bad has happened. It really does sound like an environment issue and she's not the only dog to behave this way there.

You should be proud of yourself of what you are achieving at training, how she's toilet trained and how well you have bonded. All dogs give owners difficulties at times...it's only natural, you have a great take on how you want to train that being with rewards so that's brilliant for both of you.

I am sure you will overcome all these difficulties or at the very least be able to manage them. Good luck on finding a behaviourist.

Thank you so much

 

[ais_rose]

There is also Adaptil spray, I used it on the blanket we picked Emma up in. My sister uses the plug in on firework night for her dogs. Lots of suggestions coming your way to think about now

I'll definitely look into adaptil spray and diffusers It's such a relief - when you feel like you're at a brick wall and then people give you suggestions and it reminds you that there is hope, if that makes sense?

 

[kittih]

There is also zylkene a natural calmative based on a milk protein which works for some dogs. Worth giving it a try but it does take several days or more before any benefits are seen.