Most of my blogs are not very serious but we have a problem at our house and Mom is sending out a request of help. You all know that we are three pug rescues, who did not go to foster homes to be properly trained but came straight from cruella deville puppy mill. So with that being said, we came with some issues. Sam and I have worked out our problems and are doing very well, but Aunt Turd still has some things going on in her little head. Mom and Dad just live with the idea that she is always going to be afraid of most things and they just make sure that she feels safe BUT lately she has had problems with anyone coming to our house! (Turdie has lived here for almost one year) She has gotten more and more agressive towards the grandmonsters and their parents. It started with Macey one day and Mom thought she was trying to nip at her dress she had on, but then she also tried to nip at Kenna also. Mom put Turdie in her room and she went to bed. But the problem just keeps on growing. Last night most of the grandmonsters stopped by after football practice and their parents and Turdie tried to eat and bite them. Mom put her in her room again, but everytime someone would walk by she would try to break out and bite them. NO ONE has ever been anything but kind and loving to her including the monsters so Mom is very very upset. As soon as everyone left Turd calmed down and stayed on moms lap. Mom even noticed that when Dad comes home at night for a little bit Turd gets barky toward him in a mean way then she settles down. Dad is very firm about if she would ever bite someone she can't live with us, and Mom is super upset cos she is worried that could happen. Aunt Turdie is 6 years old and had always lived in a tiny little cage having lots of puppies. Mom said she doesn't understand why she is doing this behavior now instead of when she first came to our house. Turd also has ellogated pallet and collasped trachea but cannot have surgury cos the vet said she wouldn't survive. We just make sure she stays cool, and she really handled the summer very well. But when she gets all barky and mean then she can't breathe either. Has anyone else dealt with this?
Stella Rose and MOm
It might be time to call the dog whisperer. I think one year is reasonable to become fairly secure but sometimes dogs never get over trauma and their personalities just are the kind that are going to be aggressive. Certainly not a good thing. I'd keep her locked up whenever someone comes over. Like in a crate where she has her own space away from others and can be safe as will your company. I once had a dog like that. He was a dachsund/chihuaha mix. His type made him prone to being mean but I loved him to the end. He lived to be 15 but we had to be very careful with him around kids, other dogs, and even us if we bumped him wrong.
ReplyDeleteMy two rescues are actually the better behaved compared to Sequoia who we have had since she was 8 weeks old. It could just be her personality coming through now. I hate to say it but keeping her in the room so she stays calm and out of other ways maybe the only solution if training with a specialist doesn't work. Keeping her calm I know is super important since Tuni had the same issue when getting excited. I just send many hugs and am sorry I am not more helpful I hope all works out for the best.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Jenn
I am thinking 'tina' is right. Watch some episodes of the dog whisperer. Maybe she is insecure and needs you to be super alpha? I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteI do understand. My dogs don't like visitors. I have one that is bipolar, I think.
I think calling in a trainer is a good idea. Clearly she has some issues from her past that she needs help getting through. :( It's tough, I know.
ReplyDeleteFor the boys -
KZK
Very tough situation. I guess we would echo peoples suggestion of a professional trainer. Best of luck mates,
ReplyDeleteRA, Isis & Nanük
Oh we are so sorry to read that and worse we have no answer. I hope someone in Blogville might. If not why not post the blog on Facebook and ask us all to share and maybe some pug people maybe able to help. We are keeping our paws crossed.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
You can always contact http://petblogsunited.blogspot.com/ and ask them to post your question asking for help. I am sure they would.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
Thanks for all your suggestions mom has gotten hold of SERPA rescue also to see if they have some ideas for her. Will keep you posted.
Deletestella rose
DON'T call the Dog Whisperer. He's very famous but espouses a lot of very dangerous ideas. (To the humans and the dogs.) But DO seek out a doggie behaviorist in your area. We have one that works with our rescue, and she's super pawsome!
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, can you work on some positive reinforcement training with Trudie? My buddy Pink has problems with dogs coming up to her, so our behaviorist has her work with calm doggies in small segments. She'll sloooowly be walked up to where a calm doggie is waiting, getting treats whenever she's good and giving her a moment to stop and calm down when she gets worked up. You could have someone practice coming into your house, you give Trudie some treats in the half-second she's good, then the person leaves. Then they come back for a little bit longer, and a little longer, and so on! Try this with a grown-up friend who likes dogs, not one of the grandmonsters.
That is a very good suggestion...I am anxious to see what the rescue has to say also.
DeleteThank you
Stellas mom
We don't have any suggestions, but we can offer moral support. We are sure you will find some help to find out what is going on and how to correct it. Perhaps she doesn't like her name? :)
ReplyDeleteIm no training expert but basically any time a dog is upset or afraid I think counter conditioning is the way to go. Practice having someone just know at the door or approach the house and give Trudie treats. Continue like that for a while pretty soon she should see the door bell or any visitor as the source of treats
ReplyDeleteurban hounds
We have to agree with avoiding the Dog Whisperer. We prefer all positive training methods like those by Dr. Patricia McConnell and Pat Miller. They both have a lot of great books. We are sending you an email with an e-book about modifying dog aggression. It gives you tips on recognizing what her triggers and what to do about it.
ReplyDeleteYou can get it from The Whole Dog Journal. It's a great resource for any dog owner.
If you can find a positive trainer (not necessarily one from a pet supply store) and can afford it, it's wonderful to have someone who can come to your house and show you what to do. If you can't afford it or can't find one in your area, read a lot of books on positive training and dog behavior. Honestly, it's usually more about training the humans instead of the dog. There are certainly things your dog can change and do better, but if the humans aren't changing also, it won't work. That means all the grandkids and adults. That is going to be harder than training Turd!
In the meantime, to keep the peace, it is probably better to keep her in a crate or a secure place when someone comes over. Some place where she feels safe and where the kids are not allowed to go. Don't treat her like she's a dangerous dog. Treat her like she needs a private, safe place to be from chaotic children.
Good luck.
I wish I had some suggestions- but I think its great everyone is trying to help.
ReplyDeletelove
tweedles
Some very excellent ideas. We'll keep our paws crossed for Turd.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Lily Belle & Muffin