Puppy Help!!

Re: Puppy Help!!

gobbolino — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:47:50 GMT

I absolutely hope that you can sort her out but if you read my post from the other day ('Still feel terrible') you can read the battles I had in a similar situation, I too got a behaviourist and tried my absolute best with a 10 month old jack russel. please don't feel you've 'failed' if you've tried, but please don't rehome her if she has agression issues..... I learnt the hard way that sometimes you only have 1 choice......obviously it is individual dependent on the animal and i hope to god Nellie can be sorted but don't feel bad if she can't . No one knows what it is to live with a dog like this unless you've been there and it depends on the circumstances as to whether the situation can be coped with ( ie your parents may not have the resources ....) Its so sad :( xx

Re: Puppy Help!!

Kerry Brennand DipAVN (Surgical) RVN A1 MBVNA — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 22:01:34 GMT

Firstly huge admiration to you and your parents for helping this gorgeous staffie.....it must be such a scary/confusing world for the staffie........I know it must be soooooo hard and frustrating for you all......but please dont give up really hope the behaviourist can offer lts of help........keep up the good work and keep us posted

Re: Puppy Help!!

Katie Mansfield — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:35:39 GMT

I remember reading somewhere that often dogs are on "best behaviour" for a couple of weeks then problems start to appear; often the very problem that they were re-homed for in the first place. (My reading matter cynically said this is why a lot of re-homing centres give 2 week probation trials so on contacting the new owner says everything is fine and they feel too embarrassed after that to contact the centre and say, well actually....!!)

I don't think it is a case of "best behaviour" for 2 weeks. I think it's more likely a case that the animal is stressed at having been placed somewhere new and doesn't feel safe to exhibit the original behaviour, if you get what I mean. Two weeks may be coincidental, but certainly I've seen this with two of our rescues. Firstly, Angel (gotta love some people - we didn't name him, Devil would've been more appropriate!!) a bouncy Lab who was re-homed for stealing food, jumping up and barking all the time. he didn't so any of that for about 2 weeks - in fact it made us jump the first time he did bark!!! Then, more recently, Konni, our collie, who apparently barked a lot "for attention". Again, didn't hear her bark for about 2 weeks - now she won't stop!!

I think what I'm trying to say is I completely understand and sympathise that puppy was settled for a couple of weeks and now the problems have "re-surfaced". It's nothing to do with anything you or your mum have done, it's just one of those things with dogs. Best wishes for when the behaviourist comes and I hope everything goes well

K x

Re: Puppy Help!!

Alana Dent — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 19:29:15 GMT

Thanks for the advice guys! (And sorry for my slow reply!) The behaviourist is arranging an appointment as we speak. I will try all the ideas - start from the start. We tried to crate train her. She barked all night again and would not settle. She sleeps with Diesel now, and she did start off settled. Something has changed - who knows what to keep her getting up at 5am! The crate, nightlight and behaviourist are on the way!!

Thanks again guys! Hopefully she catches back up with herself. She was doing so well, and i love her! Damn rental properties!!

Re: Puppy Help!!

loopylou711 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:05:30 GMT

[quote user="Alana Dent"]She wakes at 5am and barks constantly till someone gets up[/quote]

Try a deaf cat who has the loudest miaow ever and have work up 5 am every day for the last 3 years!

I don't really have anything to add other than be patient! Deaf animals can be so rewarding and really do rock!!

Re: Puppy Help!!

Muddypaws — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:06:57 GMT

Try here too!

http://thedeafdognetwork.webs.com/

Re: Puppy Help!!

Katie Mansfield — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:23:39 GMT

[quote user="Lor12"]I would try to provide two bowls of water if possible [/quote]

Very good idea didn't think of that before as we have a bowl in every room downstairs including the hall and two huge ones in the garden due to large menagery. I just take it for granted other people do the same thing! If there's a lot of choice of water bowls there'll be less need to compete over it.

My Beagle loves her crate even now and she's 5. Her previous owner used one for her as a puppy so she was quite happy to use it when we got her. she actually chooses to go in it for a bit of peace! Our forever barking rescue collie, on the other hand, hates it and barks even more. We have no idea of her background or age and I highly doubt she was socialised to one as a puppy. Crates are expensive to buy so would it be possible to lend one from work? That way if it works you could get your own, or if not you haven't laid out for something you won't use.

Good luck with it all,

K x

Re: Puppy Help!!

Lor12 — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:12:18 GMT

I agree with the others: a chat with a good behaviourist if def the way forward with her.

It is a common trait of dogs with hearing difficulties to be noisy, they are often less secure as others due to their hearing & have no concept of the noise they make so insecurity could be contributing to the excessive noise etc.

I would try to leave a baby light plugged in o/n to see if that helps at all & also something like a snugglesafe heatpad might be useful in keeping her warm & restful through the night. Also feeding a high carb meal at teatime might be useful.

With the toilet side I think the only thing is to go back to basic puppy training, she may not of had any proper training when young so put her outside every hour if need be until she fully understands the concept & if she cant be trusted not to destroy things then I would start crate training her so she can be put in there when left alone. You might also find she responds well to a crate as some dogs get a feeling of security when in them.

I would try to provide two bowls of water if possible & if someone is around all the time with them, whenever your other dog goes for a drink distract Nellie with a toy or treat to take the attention off your other dog.

Dont know if any of this is useful but its a few things to try if you havent already. BTW she looks adorable

Re: Puppy Help!!

Katie Mansfield — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:11:29 GMT

[quote user="Alana Dent"] They are carrying out some of his advice - but progress is slow.[/quote]

As is often the case with behaviour cases, and esp as the pup is deaf. Don't worry - that's quite normal in my opinion. I think we expect a lot cos after having watched behaviourists on TV shows seemingly fix a problem in next to no time we don't realise how long it can actually take.

TBH I would hang in there until the behaviourist can actually visit. If you start anything else you may unwittingly cause another unwanted behaviour. Soz to come across unhelpful, but I really think that's the best way to go. Let us know how you get on.

K x

Re: Puppy Help!!

Alana Dent — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:00:10 GMT

Staffie rescue have had a behaviourist talking to my mum. He has worked with them for years. They are carrying out some of his advice - but progress is slow. Just looking for any help between now and getting him in for the home visit to assess. :)

Re: Puppy Help!!

Caro Laithwaite VN — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:58:50 GMT

And while it may sound mean if that isnt going to happen then pts before new home as she is already on 2nd home and will soon be on 5/6/7 home. If your folks can not cope how will the next and next and next etc

Re: Puppy Help!!

Caro Laithwaite VN — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:57:29 GMT

Would suggest a proper behaviourist as a cheap help could go looking at some of the dalmatian forums often born deaf and l am sure that there will be sections there where people discuss things but to be honest hand in pocket time and first class behaviourist.