Severe Behavioural Problems

[Bella44]

I recently rescued a dog who was on death row at the local pound, to go with my other 2 rescue dogs. Hes a terrier cross and Ive since discovered he has been allowed to live practically wild, in a yard, with practically no socialisation. He is 2 yrs old and not yet neutered. He was in shocking condition, flea infested, stick fast fleas and worm infested, with malnutrition, obviously. Weve managed to sort out all of these, but are left with huge behavioural problems. Climbs all over furniture, poos and wees indoors, and tries constantly to scavenge from bins, despite 3 small regular meals a day (hes on a protein build up diet, to improve his health so can be neutered) But worse than all of this, he goes berserk when ever visitors come to the house, barking growling and lunging! Even baring his teeth and growling once. He also exhibits this behaviour sometimes with my dad, when my dad stands up and moves about. Its getting to the stage where he has to be shut away when visitors come, which I really dont like doing! Taking him for a walk is a total nightmare, he barks at every person, every adult, child and other dog. Once a dog came up to us who wasnt on the lead (great owner eh?) and he just went absolutely bezerk, it was all I could do to hold him back, he just went crazy. On the good side, he gets on well with my other 2 dogs, both of whom are very laid back thank god, and hes good when hes asleep!!!!!!!, apart from that Ive really got my work cut out, any advice anyone??

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

TO take it a bit at a time, he was badly neglected and his health was affected, this is the first thing to fix because the major issue is the fact that he is undesexed. If you can do that, then much of the other behaviours should fall into place. Once he realises he's going to be fed regularly, hopefully the bin raiding will stop.

He needs toilet training - I'm about to post that but it is usually best when the dog is desexed because male dogs generally have a very strong desire to mark territory. Pls note that it does take a little time for the testosterone to get out of a dog's system after desexing.

He also has "on lead aggression", I managed to train that out of one of my terriers when he was 5 or so, in two weeks, using a method I saw on "it's me or the dog".

As for dogs getting on the furniture and other bad behaviour - try looking at this website - it's fantastic, easy to read with sound advice - www.canineconcepts.co.uk.

As someone who does follow ups for adopted rescue dogs, it's the best website I've found.

Terriers are very smart and quick learners normally and I'm sure you'll get there.

Here's the housetraining method:

HOUSETRAINING TIPS

Ok - first thing to do is decide on the command (I call it “do wees”) you will repeat over and over. You have to really focus on the dog for about 2-3 days to be successful. You have a pocketful of special treats on hand all the time for the first 2-3 days.

Walk the dog several times a day and every time the dog wees, you get very excited and keep saying “Good boy/girl, do wees, do wees” – give the dog treats every time.

First thing in the morning, last thing at night and every time you see the dog eat or drink (both precursors to weeing) whisk the dog into the garden and repeat the command “do wees”. Get very excited and present treats every time dog goes.

The dog’s aim in life is to please you. If the dog should have an accident inside the house – say NOTHING at all. The dog soon gets the idea that when he/she goes outside you are really, really pleased and he/she gets rewarded.

NB: Please note that the smell of urine must be properly removed for any housetraining to be successful. There are products on the market such as “Urine Off” but they are very expensive. A mix of white vinegar and water is a much cheaper alternative and should work for tiles and other surfaces although you should always take care with wood etc. For carpet/rugs, I use either a mixture of Napisan/water or bicarb of soda and water. I completely soak the stain using a dab on technique with a cloth. When it is very wet, I use an old towel to soak up the excess moisture. Again, be careful on any expensive carpet/rug, I have never had any problems but I cannot guarantee any method here.

Edited September 5, 2009 by dogmad

[Bella44]

Wow dogmad, thank you so much for all your great advice. Will def check that website out. You are absolutely right he does need a lot of time to get over his past experiences, and I think neutering will certainly help a lot, after the 2 months for hormones to subside. He is a gorgeous dog and in our house, we never give up on a dog, no matter what we have to deal with. Luckily I have no children . So am able to take on dogs that no one else would, mind you I might have bitten off more than I can chew this time. Still, I have heaps and heaps of patience, and am dedicated enough to train continuously. I just wish I could figure out if he is protecting himself, or me??

[huski]

Wow dogmad, thank you so much for all your great advice. Will def check that website out. You are absolutely right he does need a lot of time to get over his past experiences, and I think neutering will certainly help a lot, after the 2 months for hormones to subside. He is a gorgeous dog and in our house, we never give up on a dog, no matter what we have to deal with. Luckily I have no children . So am able to take on dogs that no one else would, mind you I might have bitten off more than I can chew this time. Still, I have heaps and heaps of patience, and am dedicated enough to train continuously. I just wish I could figure out if he is protecting himself, or me??

He wouldn't be protecting you, but the behaviour could be fear driven.

Have you thought about having a one on one session with a reputable behaviourist? They will be able to assess your dog and give you a training program suitable for him.

I see you are in WA, I think most DOLers over there recommend Kathy Kopellis McLeod.

Edited September 5, 2009 by huski

[Bella44]

Thank you huski, I am trying to locate a behaviourist in perth, as he needs help ASAP, so this behaviour doesnt become a habit, mind you hes already been doing it for a few weeks, and Kathy has certainly been recommended to me, so I will be contacting her. I think he is beyond my capabilities without professional help and a very firm game plan to work from every day

[Mym]

It has taken months for us with our dog, but Friday night we had three new people come to the house and he sat to meet them, no barking, nipping or agro. He then got to sit for them in order to get rewarded and then he plonked down on the floor and slept. It may not sound like a big deal but believe me - we used to have the hound from hell attacking the door to get the intruder.

Fear aggression and dominance seem to be our boys big issues - it is a long road but it is coming together. I felt so overwhelmed by him, we then came across Cesar Milan, and for our boy it has made a world of difference. Control Unleashed by Leslie McDevitt too if you can get hold of it.

Good Luck!

[alpha bet]

It takes about three months for a dog to get comfortable in a new home. During this time you allow him some leeway however you still block behaviour that you dont want.

One very good sign is that he gets on well with your other dogs..... this shows that he has great potential to improve. Dont get over worried if he does develop a few little spats with your other dogs that will just be part of his settling in.

Working with a trainer will make all the difference. You will have a sounding board for your frustrations and someone to help guide and encourage you.

[Tonymc]

Bella, its not a major issue that he is not desexed.Desexing will not magically cure all the other behaviours!!!!!

I would consult a good trainer to have a look at the dog.

A good trainer can certainly cut to the chase and problems can be dealt with effectively.

Keep in mind as well that what you think is the case with this dog may not be so. Tony