GraciebytheBay Posted June 10, 2012 Share Posted June 10, 2012 We got our shi-zhu/poodle mix last September. While he has always been hyper when he plays, he was wonderful until about April. Our dog witnessed our neighbor's dog being attacked and killed by the dog behind us. Shortly after that, he began showing signs of aggression such as nipping when the kids next door stuck their hands through the fence and snapping if we tried to move him off the bed. One day my dh tried to get a candy wrapper out of his mouth so he wouldn't choke (I know, probably not the best idea!), and he bit him on the hand. Two weeks ago, we went on vacation, and our dog (Darcy) was attacked by a dog while dh had him out for a walk. We noticed when we got home that Darcy was more nervous and touchy than usual. For example, someone dropped a peanut butter lid and bent down to pick it up, and he charged at them. Then yesterday, the dog went outside sick to his stomach and laid down in the grass. Ds14 went out to pet him and the dog jumped all over him trying to bite him. He did get his finger. Had he been a bigger dog, ds would have been quite injured, I'm sure. There was no warning growl or anything, which is weird. Our local Humane Society tells me that with proper training, there is a good chance he can get over this. I feel desperate, and I don't know that I want to spend the many weeks/months it may take just to see if he can behave! Dh and the kids think this is the route to go because "He is so wonderful 95% of the time." I am getting so jumpy and am so nervous worrying that one of us is going to do the wrong thing to provoke him that I wouldn't mind someone else taking him off our hands to train him and live happily ever after! Obviously something has to be done. Those of you who are dog people and especially those who have rehabilitated a dog's behavior with training, what do you think? Also, for the time being, what do I do with him? I know that sounds weird, but should he be out among us in the house as is usual? Should we crate him part of the day? He's sort of used to sleeping in it (unhappily so), but I will admit to being lax about this lately. He's dd12's baby and she has been letting him sleep on her bed - not after yesterday, though. It really scared me... I guess I am in a mild panic and am not sure what to do next. Everything I read says to try training. I guess that's what I do next? I am exhausted from thinking about this. Thank you for any help you can give. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GraciebytheBay Posted June 10, 2012 Author Share Posted June 10, 2012 I just read my own post and realize that the title should really say "My dog IS aggressive." Sigh - that is so hard to say. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted June 10, 2012 Share Posted June 10, 2012 Hugs. first, a vet visit to rule out physical problems like pain, thyroid issues, etc. Second, a referral to a veterinary behaviorist. They are usually assosicated wtih veterinary schools. You need one, ASAP. Do not get a regu;lar trainer. Oh, and the dog should be on a leash until this is resolved, even inside. Don't do ANYTHING to provoke a bite. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vettechmomof2 Posted June 10, 2012 Share Posted June 10, 2012 First thing is first is vet visit and speak with them about this. second off he should have a leash attached to him at all times right now so that if something does happen someone can get ahold of him without having to physically touch him. no sofa or bed time. He should have his own bed, on the floor or in his crate right now and if he is there do not bother him. it also sounds like he has really experienced some bad dog attacks so getting in with a good trainer can be very helpful. a good group class of other experienced dog people could help as well to show him that not all dogs will attack him. as well as remind you how to work with him through certain situations. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellers Posted June 10, 2012 Share Posted June 10, 2012 Hugs. Oh, and the dog should be on a leash until this is resolved, even inside. :iagree: My little Shih Tzu started getting aggressive at about a year old. She tried to take over as pack leader so I put a leash on her and had it on her at all times (except at night). Her attitude completely turned around and she's a great dog. Given what your dog has been through, I'm not sure how effect being on a leash will be but it's worth a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle in AL Posted June 10, 2012 Share Posted June 10, 2012 first, a vet visit to rule out physical problems like pain, thyroid issues, etc. Second, a referral to a veterinary behaviorist. They are usually assosicated wtih veterinary schools. You need one, ASAP. Do not get a regu;lar trainer. Oh, and the dog should be on a leash until this is resolved, even inside. Don't do ANYTHING to provoke a bite. I agree with the above. If the dog is still a pup it is even more significant of a problem, the earlier aggressions shows, the harder it is to treat. We have a dog with the same issues, except for that he was not a witness to any agression and has had less biting incidents than yours. He was seen by 2 trainers, a vetinary behavior specialist and nothing worked. We still have him 10 yrs later (dh refuses to do anything else) and I was bitten a month ago pretty severely (4stitches in hand and got cellulitis). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kricau Posted June 10, 2012 Share Posted June 10, 2012 (edited) Ummm...did the other dog bite him??? Have you thought of rabbi's ??? We also have a Shi-Tzu. And she is a bit on the wild side. But if she ever bit one of the kids, that would be the end of it! Edited June 10, 2012 by kricau spell check Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GraciebytheBay Posted June 10, 2012 Author Share Posted June 10, 2012 So when I keep him on a leash inside, do I take him from place to place with me? Does this help establish that I am the pack leader or is it strictly for control? He is usually fine, but I can see how it would be useful when he isn't "fine". Any tips on how to keep him from howling while in the crate? When we go to bed, do you recommend crating in a room where there are no people or can he be in my daughter's room? Kricau, he was bitten by the other dog, but the dog was definitely up to date on shots. Darcy was seen by a vet and cleared. I know what you mean about biting one of the kids being the last straw. I feel like that, but I also know we haven't tried training of any kind and while I am sick over this, my family wants to try that. Michelle, he is 2 years old but was completely non-aggressive for the seven months we had him (until April). I am sorry that you were bitten so severely...that is terrible. :( That terrifies me. I don't want to live with a dog I can't trust. I will contact a behaviorist a.s.a.p. In the meantime, thank you for keeping up this thread with me. I am kind of freaking out. Btw, my dd12 is hysterical thinking that getting rid of him is even an option. I would like to be able to tell her that there are people out there who will take on a dog like this if it comes down to that. Maybe a rescue agency? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie Posted June 10, 2012 Share Posted June 10, 2012 It sounds like maybe your dog might be anxious, and that's making him aggressive. You might want to try a thundershirt for dogs to see if something like this would help. We have used one with our dog when he was bothered by thunder and 4th of July fireworks. http://www.thundershirt.com/HowItWorks/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle in AL Posted June 10, 2012 Share Posted June 10, 2012 Michelle, he is 2 years old I would think he's have more hope. Our dog was 16 weeks old when he became aggressive. Like others said, you'll have to become the pack leader, and will probably have to always keep him in training. One method is "nothing in life is free." The dog is kept on a leash for the first portion and must obey in order to eat, go outside, play. For example, have him sit and run him through a few commands prior to eating. It takes a lot of work, but I do think dogs can overcome fear aggression. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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