Calling Jenny T....

Re: Calling Jenny T....

Jenny T — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:22:30 GMT

Okay, lots of different stuff here.

1. Remember if recommending neutering that it is not the answer to all a dog's problems, it will only affect sex related behaviours. So if an animal has a problem, think if removing testosterone is likely to have an influence. I would not recommend neutering for this issue.

2. A spaniel is a dog that has been bred for generations to retrieve and carry objects. In order for the dog to want to do this it must REALLY enjoy it. These breed specific traits are vitally important to the dog's mood-state (ie what keeps it happy in life). Retrieving types often like to have something in their mouth, we altered their genes to make them this way. It is perfectly normal and should be encouraged (with suitable objects of course).

Your post does describe an under-stimulated, under-exercised dog. In these circumstances a dog is very likely to put even more importance on those things in it's life which it enjoys. In your chap's case- "his" shoes. So from his point of view "his" shoes may be desperately important to him. He can't understand why people keep taking them off him, or putting them out of reach. If you knew you were about to lose your most prized possession, might you either a) guard it fiercely or b) be fearful it was about to be taken? Might this describe this dog's behaviour?

I hope you can see where I am coming from with this. To fix the problem-

Let him have lots of his own toys and encourage him to play with them. I'd put a few soft ones in the smelliest shoes you can find for a few days first so that hopefully he will accept these as substitute shoes.
Move all shoes away into cupboards where he can't get to them. Don't even let him see shoes not on feet anymore.
This is the most important piece of advice here- Seriously increase his exercise and stimulation. As a working bred dog he needs to be well exercised. I would suggest at least 1.5 - 2 hours per day off lead. Could he do some agility work, or anything that will give him something to think about? Tell your in-laws to do this every day for a week and I can pretty much guarantee an improvement in the dog's behaviour.
Don't try and take his toys off him. You will just teach him to bite you. If he has something he shouldn't, find a toy he really likes and encourage him to come and play with that instead. Only when he has relinquished the forbidden object should you quietly remove it. As time goes on and he starts to trust you are not going to take away his toys all the time, you will be able to introduce a "drop it" command and then reward. However, don't try this yet, the dog seems way to aroused for training this at the moment.

3. Not sure about the phobias, but I strongly suspect they are also related to lack of exercise. Working dogs especially can go a bit "mad" if not adequately stimulated. They can also get really frustrated and this can often show as sudden, unexpected aggression.

Re: Calling Jenny T....

Anonymous — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:17:03 GMT

[quote user="MissVetNurse"]

[quote user="Katy"]

We used to look after an entire male Springer. He was quite aggressive when my OH told him off. We receommended that his owners get him neutered. We also told them that he should be disciplined properly when he did anything wrong.

My 1yo lab Diesel picks up things in his mouth when he greets you. Slippers, his nylabone, a ball. I think it's quite cute! He always looks really proud of himself too! He also does this when he is playing and will run off with the item, making you chase him. I probably shouldn't be encouraging this naughty behaviour, but it is one of his quirks as a rescue dog!

I'd be interested to see what Jenny's answer is!

[/quote]

I have a feeling she might recommend neutering - but they're extremely reluctant to do this apparently its "cruel" lol dont get me started on that one though.

I have read/heard that neutering is only recommended when inter dog aggression is the problem? but not sure?

Thanks Katy

[/quote]

once the balls have dropped and they have had them for a period of time, it really doesn't make that much difference when you neuter them. best to get it done early if you're worried about issues later on.

Re: Calling Jenny T....

Claire Cameron — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:51:40 GMT

[quote user="Katy"]

I'd be interested to see what Jenny's answer is!

[/quote]

I have a feeling she might recommend neutering - but they're extremely reluctant to do this apparently its "cruel" lol dont get me started on that one though.

I have read/heard that neutering is only recommended when inter dog aggression is the problem? but not sure?

Thanks Katy

Re: Calling Jenny T....

Katy — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:43:41 GMT

I'd be interested to see what Jenny's answer is!