Porky has been having some agression issues lately. Totally out of the blue for his normally sweet self. Today was really bad!!!! I really could use some ideas and suggestions. He has started becoming overproctective of me to the point of freaking out if another dog comes near me. Today we were sitting in the vet's office waiting for the vet to get there. Another dog came in, plodded right over to Porky. Porky gave a warning bark/growl and I asked the lady to please move her dog away. She did so and I stood up to calm Porky down. (BAD IDEA!!!) :doah: He started getting more upset so I told him "NO!" Then I did soemthing really stupid, which was trying to put my hand around his nose to calm him. I've done this before and never had any problems. Today, I was lucky enough to grab mid-snap and got my finger bit really hard!!
I'm not understanding where this aggression is coming from as Porky used to be really sweet and playful with other people/dogs, etc...
He gets a 2 hour walk every day. 1 hour in the morning, 1 hour at night. This major behavior change is just recent. He has bitten once before we moved here and it was also a protective agression issue then. I thought I was doing better at controlling that, but apparently not!! We absolutely cannot have a dog that acts like this, and its killing me to think about our options here. We have done behavior training, to no avail, and try to avoid scary situations for him.
We've been lucky that the bites have been minor so far. I'm just afraid of what next. Its honestly like something just snaps in his little brain. I really don't know what else to do. :confused:
I am sorry you are having to deal with this, he's about 4 or 5 now isn't he? Has he been out around other dogs/people a lot? I think a class would be good for him, hopefully you can find a trainer who understands this problem and can help you work with him in a controlled environment. When he bit before was it toward a person or a dog?
He is 5 now and the very first incident happend at 4 1/2 years old. He has been around other people and dogs a lot!! As a puppy he was very social and loved playing with other dogs (including great danes!!) and other people. He has always gravitated more towards women and been timid around men. All his bites have been people. :doah: None of them broke the skin until today on my finger.
The first was a neighbor who reached around Porky as I was holding (Porky) to pat me on the shoudler. Porky took that as a direct threat and went for it. He pinched the man's hand, but did not break skin.
The second happened a few weeks ago to my uncle. My uncle came in to my grandma's house and Porky went up to greet him. As soon as he bent down to pet him, Porky "snapped" and grabbed his hand. Again, it did not break the skin, but it did leave a mark for a little while.
Biting is totally unacceptable and Porky is immediately told "NO BITE!" in a firm voice and then he is placed in his kennel until he calms down. He has had obedience classes and has done very well in them. We have even had a liscensed behaviorist work with him, but are still seeing problems. That's why I need help. Where we live have a 2 bite rule for bites that break the skin, so we REALLY need to fix this so we don't have to put him down. Just thinking about that has me in tears!!!!! Since this one happened in the vet's office it was reported, even though it wasn't a stranger or another dog he bit.
Hi Amorette!
I'm so sorry to read about all this, after things have started looking up in so many areas. Sorry too for this rushed reply, but what is the situation with Porky's allergies and meds? It's been a few weeks since the move, but has there been a lot of activity that he's not used to. Even positive activity, i.e. family in and out, may be more than his stress levels can handle on top of the move. What does the vet say about it? If it's stress, there are the things like Rescue Remedy or the pheromone plug-ins.
Hope this settles down; we know how much this worries you.
If I were you I'd look for another behaviorist that can help. Especially if your are considering having to put him down otherwise. You may never be able to trust him 100% even with training but it can help a lot and you would have to manage him differently to avoid situations where he can bite. But a good behaviorist is your best bet, your last one may not have understood his issues well...worth another try anyway. I don't understand why they (who, the vet clinic?) reported the bite, it didn't sound like that major of a bite and a lot of people get bit in vets offices by their own dogs, the dogs are nervous and freaked out in there! Did they say why they did that? Where I live, the dog would have to wear a muzzle and be on leash while in public but they don't require them to be put down for bites like Porky did. That just sucks.
I agree with what DeeDee said and also Munchfarm in regard to the recent move and stress levels. Just to toss out an idea what about looking into a consultation with Andrea Newborg (of Jethro's Anipal Sanctuary). She has been trained and is certified in communication with animals. See below what I copied below from her website. According to her site, one reading is $25.00.
Andrea Newborg has been trained and certified in Animal Communication by Sheila Trecartin. She resides in Diamondhead, Mississippi and is a volunteer for Gulf Coast Dachshund Rescue. She is also mom to her own pack, collectively known as the AniPals, including both dogs and cats- all rescues.
Schedule A Reading
Andrea is available for readings via email, or at special events.
After clicking on the 'buy it now' button, please email a photo of the pet you'd like to be read.
Please make sure that the pet is the only one in the photo, because sometimes a stronger personality of an animal not in focus can take over the reading.
Provide the name, age and sex of the pet and ask any specific questions as you'd like insight to and I'll do my best to put what's been left unsaid into words.
Her website is: Andrea@AndreaTalksToAnimals.com
Has anything changed health-wise with Porky? Sometimes an escalation of aggression is a way dogs will cover up a weakness. Or, perhaps Porky has detected a health change with you? He may feel it is his duty to protect you if he thinks you are not capable of defending yourself.
I do think a lot of it is the stress. I'm going to try a new "action plan" giving to us by a behaviorist here that I called this afternoon. She wants me to have Porky's kennel sitting next to me at all times. Then when someone knocks on the door or anything that happens that is frightening to him, he can quickly crawl in his "safe zone" and not be bothered. Then I'll close the door and let him observe the people for a while. Once he is calm, and the people are seated he can get out and greet them. Everytime he has bitten a person, they have been standing over him and she thinks he is intimidated by that. Also, if he still acts distressed after watching the people interact for a while, I am supposed to pick up his kennel and walk away from the room. She said he is biting out of fear each time it sounds like and the only reason I got bit today was because I got my hand in the way. He really seemed to respond well to her when she met him at the vet clinic, so we will see how it works out. :xfinger: :pray:
Also, I talked to the police officer who came after he was called (by the vet), this afternoon and he said he didn't understand why the call was made as Porky was clearly stressed and the bite was minor. He said he was not worried about the 2 bite rule and hadn't even filed it as a dangerous bite. Thank goodness.
So....we're going to get busy with some serious training and see how things go. We're going to try to keep Porky in a calm quiet place for most of the next few days where he can relax and destress. He was so freaked out tonight when we came home he wouldn't even eat or potty. It took an hour to get him to come to me when I called him. The behaviorist said she thinks he is on "stress overload" and just needs to chill for a few days.
Thank you to everyone for your helpful ideas!!!
David~ I had thought of the health change thing too. The only thing I can think of is his allergies have been really bugging him at night this last week. Also, I'm questioning a thyroid issue as he has gained some weight pretty quickly and his coat is getting more itchy and dried out than usual.
We are so relieved here in Greenacres to see that matters are on a positive track for you and Porky.....we were saying our prayers and sending those doxie rays to you. We'll keep them coming for Porky so he can de-stress. Thank goodness for a police officer who recognized the fact that Porky was stressed and he didn't file a report! Hugs to you all!!
The police officer said he has dachshunds at home so he understood the personality and the fear biting since he has dealt with it in his dogs. Thanks for your prayers Dee. They really helped!! :heart:
I'm so glad the policeman was understanding. I'll go along with stress for Porky. Not only has he made a big move recently, but with his allergies, certainly that can't make him feel his best. I hope we hear more good news about our Porkster behaving himself like a good little wiener.
Thyroid problems are not uncommon among dachshunds. Rudy-angel had an underactive thyroid. No matter what I did, I couldn't get him to lose weight. At one point, he was a hefty 18.2 pounds. Once we got the right diagnosis and got him on Thyroxine, the weight nearly fell away. Eventually Rudy settled in betwee 12.5 - 13 pounds, which was consistent with his frame. Zora, whose dimensions are almost identical to Rudy also sits in the 12.5 to 13 pound range.
I have to say personally when I am not getting enough sleep my arthritis and every other cranky body right really goes bonkers. That would also sort of follow along with his allergies really getting bad, so he feels worse, gets less rest, and becomes more cranky and even intimidated.
One other question, especially since you have recently moved. I know many of those electronic pest repeller things say they are safe around dogs. I am not sure I buy that. So if you have put any of those in, or if there might be something like that plugged in in your home that might be causing problems. Maybe someone left something plugged in. Is anything electronic in the house really new. Am thinking about things that might make a noise we can't hear but still be enough to really upset him.
I don't remember from your previous posts, has he been put on any new medication? I know my sister gives Zena claratin. Back when I was trying to find an allergy med that worked for me I tried zyrtec and claratin, both 24 hour pills. The zyrtec totally zombied me out. Compared to how I felt on that, benadryl is an upper! BUT I had the opposite effect from claratin. It wired me up so bad that in the few days I took it the best i did was maybe 2 hours of sleep a nite. So if he is on a new allergy med, that might cause problems. Actually other meds can do strange things too.
Whoa slow down back up please have Porky's Thyroid tested a problem with his Thyroid can make him aggressive since you moved is this a new vet ?. I would be plenty upset if the vet called in the police if my own dog bit me Porky did not bite the other lady just you right ? During the Thyroid testing any time you have him out around anyone I would have a muzzle on him until you can figure out what is going on with him.The reason I suggest a muzzle is that way he cannot bite anyone and be put to sleep for biting anyone just until you can figure out what is going on.Porky knows you are upset not the thing to be right now muzzle him for his own safety. I would be telling that vet where to go if you get my drift especially since the skin was not broken. You also might Google NILF Dog Training start it with Porky get back control over him showing him you are in control and are the boss.NILF is a way to show the dog who is boss with no punishment, or yelling. Some times little dogs get to thinking they are the boss because the owner feels sorry for the little dog if the dog has been sick allot like Porky has. Plus he has been though BIG changes with the move Plus I'm sure the family has been under stress with the move finding a place to live ,Jobs, everything is different.Maybe you have temporarily lost control of Porky any dog will take over as boss position if you show any signs of not being boss.Do the NILF Dog Training be his boss. Papbouv
I agree with Papbouv, I just can't believe any vet clinic would report to the police if a dog bit his owner in the clinic, unless of course it is bad enough for stitches or such. I have never heard of that before, I would look for a new vet if I were you if Porky was to even nip a little in the future they would be likely to report it again and it could go downhill fast from there.
I'm adding my relief to all of the others in reading the update! :thumb: First of all, I agree wholeheartedly that it is absurd for the vet's office to have filed a report on the incident. Truthfully, I'm not sure if I would patronize that office anymore if they don't seem to be able to understand the stress factors of any animal in a veterinary office. :idiot: (Sorry, little vent there......) Thanks and kudos to the police officer who recognized that it was ridiculous to call him and didn't make an official report!! :hello2:
Excellent advice from the new behaviorist! You're right too about the stress of allergies; I'm more touchy whenever mine are flaring, and unlike poor little Porky I understand what's going on that I feel so yucky. Definitely get the thyroid question checked out ASAP; the sudden added weight and hair symptoms are a strong clue that something is out of sync.
Prayers and rays to Porky and all of the puppers and hoomans in need! :pray: :heart:
:hm:
1) Check on Porky's rap sheet with the cops just to be sure he's got a clean record. :police:
2) Reassert your position with Pork-meister. HE is not in charge!
Some of Cesar's tch-tching and a small step in his direction will do that. :bowdown: :nono:
3) If he needs legal assistance, Dr. Melvin Belli Leaky is available for consultation. :read2: Pupperonis are accepted in lieu of payment! :feedme:
Auntie Karen :2funny:
Hey There Mr.Porky! What's going on? All of us in Illinois are sending rays to our little buddy!
Patches & Buddy said I should be a shamed of myself for not adding Rays & Hugs to all.
Sounds like you're getting things under control. So I just send some extra warm southern comfort rays for the Porkster. Here's hoping all goes well.
Darcel
I know my dogs have gotten our hands a few times too.
One thing is that "know it all" hubby drops treats to the dogs instead of making them take them nice. So when they go for treats they think might be there they will snap at your hands and sometimes make contact. I have told him not to do this and make them take them nice but he won't listen. He is afraid of getting bitten. He is a real wimp!!!!!! So if they go to grab for them he drops them in front of them. It also makes it more likely to have a fight between the dogs because he is encouraging them to compete for it. I hold the treat in my hand so they have to take it nice and don't give them to them until they are.
I have gotten in the middle and put my hand in their mouth when they have gotten into fights but that is my own fault not theirs.
Sometimes it is a matter of having to watch for signs before they react and being ready to act yourself.
I don't give mine treats next to each other because if one drops it is a free for all. I also watch the toys and if Zena is getting too protective about one I take them away since Zack can't defend himself like he used too. She only gets to play with them when he is not near her.
Be sure and check out the other issues too. Allergies, thyroid and stress can cause big problems too.
Good Luck to you and Porky!!!!!!
Merion & the ZZ's
I'm not blaming Porky at all for this bite. I feel it was mostly my fault. I gave him all the clues that I thought "danger" when the other dog in the vet's office began approaching. Thinking back on it, I scooped him up as soon as they walked in the door. Not realizing that was actually telling him "Look out! This might be something to be scared of." He has issues with other dogs because he has been attacked before, so I should have known better than to play into his fear. Then as I was holding him and the dog kept walking closer, I now realize I was tensing up. (Didn't notice it at the time) So, Porky gave his warning bark and then I stood up. Futher signalling to him to be afraid. Then he really started going crazy. The only reason I got bit was because I tried to prevent Porky from "air snapping" at the other dog. Had I not stuck my hand there, no one would have gotten bitten. So, I blame me, not Porky for that one.
The vet called the police about the bite because it did break the skin and looked much worse than it actually was. I bled a lot, so they thought it was a bite that would require me to see a doctor. They have since apologized to me and have also made sure that nothing goes onto a police record for this case. I'm not upset with them at all for what they did. They were simply looking out for everyone involved. The police officer was very understanding and Porky was sweet to him the whole time.
I've been working on some intensive training that has been difficult, but is showing great progress so far!! We went on our walk today and walked past 3 BIG men without a second glance. We also went by a stroller and a very nasty kitty without incident as well. :apls: He did start to get a little nervous when we walked past a group of dogs, but once he saw me continue calmly without reacting, he was fine. For the time being, Porky is not allowed to sit on the furniture. His behaviorist was saying he was thinking he was "top dog" when he got to sit up there. So far with these changes he is doing great. The behaviorist doesn't believe its his thyroid causing problems, she thinks its all the stress.
Would still check his Thyroid you really cannot tell just by looking at a dog need a blood test for it,does he act like he is cold ? does he shiver that can be a sign of Thyroid too how is his coat if thin might be a sign of a Thyroid problem too.Aggression is also a sign.Glad he is doing better yes Patches sleeps in bed with me has growled at me twice when I got into bed she found her butt in the crate so fast she did not know what happened no more growling at Mom. I'm a follower of NILF dog training do not let them get away with them being boss only room for one boss that is me.Good luck with Porky being calm will really help him Rays & Hugs to you both.
Following up on Porky's behaviour lately? Hoping that with your diligence, that he is improving !!!
Followup to an earlier post..... if you are interested in having Andrea "talk" to him, by all means get a reading done. Before she and I became friends, she did readings on Rudy and Brandy, and I was amazed at what she told me - she knew nothing about my dogs.
I know her website is being worked on, so if you decide to do it and can't get in touch with her - let me know.
Let us know how Porky is getting along !