Desperately Animal Behavior Advice for Couple Caring for 9 year old German Shep. Dog Multiple Issues

[mattfulleroc]

I need immediate advice for an elderly couple caring for a 9 year old German Shep. neutered dog. Several events have effected the dog and the loving and willing caregivers have sought the advice of several animal behaviorists without success. I was asked if I could possibly offer advice but this is way out of my zone of knowledge or experience. The course of events and history of dog are:

* Rescued as adult est. Age 8..believed to have been caged most of his life
* bonded well overcame anxiety and abuse issues, does well with other animals
* owner lost job forced to work away from home dog displaced to New home in country with man's parents..dog does well adjusting initially..bonds with other dog and caregivers
* dog has accident while running in neighbors field...shocked by electric fence
*afraid to go outside trembles cries terrified from incident forward
*companion dog dies...dog wanders aimlessly throughout house, whines quite often..appetite not changed..sleep not change
*dog shows sign of agression toward stranger (New symptom) afraid he might overpower them while on leash.

They are concerned and live in a rural isolated part.of Illinois. They have seen two animal behavior specialists...the dog shows no signs of improvement after a year..and thousands of dollars...

I am at a loss on this one...Opie.ions would be greatly appreciated. Owners are willing to continue seeking help but need to try to understand the best course of treatment..asked about another dog for companionship...dog gets along very well with mini pig and rabbits

Willing to take dog to obedience/

Opinions and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Matt

 

[scratch'n'peck]

The poor dog almost sounds like it has post traumatic stress disoreder (but that is a human diagnosis applied to a dog, so it isn't all that helpful.) If they have already seen 2 behavior specialists they may want to try a low dose of an anti depressant prescribed by a vet and once that starts taking the edge off the poor dog's anxiety, they can start using the techniques suggested by the behaviorists. They may have more success with the techniques if the dog doesn't feel quite so overwhelmed. If the behavioral techniques have an added effect then they can decide whether they would like to reduce or end the dosage of antidepressant.

 

[watchdogps]

I'd be curious to know if these werre real behaviorists. There are a lot of people who call themselves that and are not. If you can get me names, I can check them out. If I can find them I will be able to figure out what was probably suggested and if I can come up with someone better I will send you names. PM me the names if you can

 

[mattfulleroc]

Hello,

I am afraid I am hopeless at the Internet! I somehow managed to not finished subscibing to the post and am just now seeing your reply...I will get the info and send you a pm...My email is [email protected]

I think they actually live near you....They are in Rockton, IL.. I believe Rockton is about 90 minutes from Chicago (I live in San Diego but grew up in Indiana...both the owner of the dog and I will be in Ohio next month for Ohio's state rabbit convention....

Sincerely, matt

 

[watchdogps]

Cool. I am about 6 hrs from Chicago, but I do have friends there who can give me some really good names of dog trainers/behaviorists to work with