My boy will be coming home tomorrow. We have discussed this and discussed this and have decided to try at least six months of behavior therapy.
My vet does not feel completely confident that this is going to really work but I feel that we must at least try, for his sake.
I think that Toby has been happy in my home. He seems to be adjusting and as all of you know he is a wonderful loving boy much of the time. Again, I need to say that what happened was not a "nip". It was a violent unprovoked attack by a dog that clearly was NOT the Toby that I know and love.
We have wracked our brains to come up with some sort of common denominator but cannot think of a single thing. This is the third occasion and nothing is similar. Each episode has been worse.
My mom is coming into town on Wednesday and I am a wreck. She loves the furkids and this will be her first time around Toby. She lives up in New York and has not been down since he came to live with us. I simply do not trust that something will not set him off.
Does anyone know anything about cloth muzzles? I have heard that they are not hard on the animal at all and that they can still eat and drink. I know absolutely nothing about them so please excuse my ignorance.
I am open to all and any suggestions.
Thanks everyone. I will let you all know if anything changes.
I have to applaud the love and dedication it took to make this decision. I know everyone on this board hopes that it will be successful. What Toby is going through sounds a lot like a neurological problem, but if there is even a chance that it isn't you are giving him every opportunity.
I'm sure others here will help you out with information about muzzles.
Pulling for Toby from Iowa!
Bless you Terri.....I cannot imagine what you have been through this last week - its a wonder you are still sane. I pray that this will help Toby. I have never used a muzzle - but there are those that do for many type occaisions and I think it is a must with Toby. Talk to the behavorist tomorrow regarding your moms visit - ask for pointers as to how to handle a stranger coming into his family and what they recommend that you do. (Not that your mom is a stranger - but to Toby, she will be). I am sending massive rays and multi prayers that all goes well with her visit and the coming days. Please keep us updated and know how much we appreciate that you have kept us in the loop so far.
Be strong.....
I'm happy to hear that you are going to try something different with Toby, AND that he is coming home. You must miss him so much. I was thinking that a muzzle just might work on him, and a muzzle doesn't have to be cruel, there must be some soft ones out there. I've never used one but wouldn't hesitate to if I wasn't sure what my dog would do. Thanks for the update. Will keep you guys in my prayers, I'm sure this past week has been an emotional roller coaster ride. Take care, and let us know when Toby comes home.
Oh Terri. I so hope that this behaviorist can help and that there isn't something neuro wrong with Toby. I do seem to recall a brain tumor was found to be the cause of some freak behavioral changes in another member's dog some years ago. I hope that this is not the case with Toby.
You are a very brave woman and I know this last week has to be one of the hardest you've faced. We'll be thinking of you and praying for you all as you test these waters.
As for the muzzle - I've only used one on Rudy when I clip his nails - otherwise he bites rather viciously at the clippers. He tries to scratch the thing off his face if I set him free with it on. I think he is just bothered by it and associates it with nail trims though. It does not seem to be terribly uncomfortable to wear.
I applaud your decision with Toby. Lots of :pray: that his Behaviorist will be able to help him. In the meantime, I think a soft muzzle is an excellent idea! My groomer uses a soft muzzle on Dolly when she does her anals because this procedure is NOT on the Doll's top ten of FUN things to do, if ya get my drift? Here's a link I found of what they look like. More more info, just Google soft muzzles and see what you come up with. http://www.americanpetpro.com/Groom%20Your%20Pets.htm
Prayers :pray: :pray: for you and Toby, that all be turn out good. If you are living in the Virginia area there is an exceptional dog behavioralist there, that has done wonders with Brook's Charlie--he was close to being ---and she now has the most loving little dog. He was so bad that she was scared of him. You might also want to crate him for a little while your mom is there. Many people that work all day have to crate their dogs and it does not hurt them.
Petco and Petsmart have soft cloth one's. Do a search and read up on them also the book "The dog listener" is supposed to be good.
That is great news Terri! We will keep you guys in our thoughts and prayers. I know that this has been so hard for you! :pray:
Terri,
We're behind you 100 percent! I know this has been so hard for you to deal with, and I also know that every decision you have made thus far has everything to do with Toby's best interest. I don't think there's another person on this planet who could love this little guy more than you. You are a remarkable woman. Rays and prayers to you and Toby. I bet he'll be very happy to see you tomorrow, and you to see him. I'll be praying that the sessions work for him.
Sincerely,
Beth & Chilie
Terri
You are doing the right thing - exploring all your options. You are all in our prayers. We are behind you all the way.
We use a soft muzzle on our senior doxie Laifu (the one with food aggression issues and who has attacked all of us one time or another in his 13 years) and it doesn't hurt him at all. It is definately a humane way to control Toby and make sure you are doing your best to take care of visitors and others.
Take care and pls keep us posted on Toby's progress.
Terri,
We are sending TONS of HHHHHHHHHH's & PPPPPPPPPPP's for you and Toby. We are all praying that the behaviorist can help you solve the problem so you can all live in peace and quiet and safety. You are a fantastic mom for this boy.
Merion & ZZ's
I was afraid to open this up. I'm so glad you are trying another avenue for Toby. It is such a hard decision to make, especially with what just happened to your friend. Sending rays from IL this will work.
Terry I am sure you will do what is right for you, family and Toby.
We are here for you
roberta
I am glad that you have chosen this option and given Toby another chance. I know it was a difficult decision to make, but if it works then it was worth it.
A soft muzzle won't hurt Toby and will keep him from biting so it will make everyone more comfortable. Please keep us updated on Toby's progress with the behaviourist.