Houdini strikes again

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

This problem is less about obedience and more about retraining the dog to look at life completely differently. Its a tough job to do, but it can be done. Obedience training has a role though, to be sure.

 

[Duker17]

I made an appt with the vet for Friday, to have Chase get a full blood panel done, as well as yearly shots, heartworm test, and a few other tests I can't remember at the moment. I'm not sure whether to hope something might show up in one of these tests or not. If there is something, I am sure it could only be part of the problem - maybe why he is always underweight. I've also started researching a few trainers, but how do I know who will actually be able to help him? How do I find someone that really understands why he is this way and how to fix his behaviors? Many of the trainers have testimonials, but none of them have necessarily jumped out at me as being a good match. I am in the Kansas City area, so I'm sure there must be someone close that has experience with this type of dog, perhaps I'm just not looking in the right place.

I don't think Chase was ever abused, but he acts like he has been. He socializes well with other dogs, gets along great with the cats inside (but only inside, outside he chases them). His fear comes out only around other people. If we are alone, he acts like a perfectly normal dog. He has learned to tolerate DH, but I feel like a girl two teenage boys are fighting over. They are definitely jealous of each other. He has never shown any aggression, but he's also never been pushed very far.

I really really really do not want to euthanize. Would taking him for long walks morning and evening perhaps help to curb his boredom/escaping? He has no interest in treats or toys, and doesn't have an "I'll do whatever it takes to please you" type of attitude so I'm not sure what I could do with him that would be more engaging. I've taken him out and walked him in the fields around our house, but he does not pay attention off-leash so I can't let him loose to "hunt". Plus, I think everyone in a 3 mile radius has chickens and lets them free range, so I don't want to risk him killing theirs as well.

I get home from work around 5 and spend basically every evening out with the animals, so I have plenty of time to try any suggestions!

 

[schellie69]

I have a dog who had separation problems and was also a fearful dog. I used submissive training and obedience training it worked. He does so much better there are still people who he does not do well around but I can control him where before he would just bite. He does not like young blond men, at all and he hates flip flops. I know why he has these issues and I have worked with him but it takes time and patience and no reward for the fear behavior like saying "oh its okay and petting the dog" that just reinforces the behavior. Jamie the dog trainer seems to know what she is talking about. I would also use some submissive training. It sounds like your dog has things just the way he wants them. I would really start working changing the way you react to his behavior. That sometimes is the key. Good Luck I hope you find something that works for both you and your dog.

 

[TheSitcomGirls]

Exercise and more exercise......some dogs need much more than others. My dogs run for an hour in the AM...and they sleep most of the rest of the day. If you can't let your dog run....how about a treadmill? Or maybe a neighborhood kid with a bike or a set of roller blades?

 

[The Wolf Queen]

I read your first post on here but no one elses. If your talking about a chainlink dog kennel/run you could try what I did to my chickens coops that are CL runs. I got a few 2x4s (I think thats the size) & nailed & wired on a few peices of that treated flatboard on top as a roof & used bailing wire to tie the 2x4s to the run. There would be a small space between the top of the run & the roof but if he can get anything through it would be his nose & thats it. My other thought is put him in the wire crate your talking about then get one or 2 peices of chain & 2 clips (dont know the name but the ones that come 1 or 2 sided & you pull down the spring to open & close it) & use one measure of chain & 1 clip & wrap it around the mid top of the kennel & door and use the clip to hold the chain in place & do the same with the other chain & clip on the mid bottom of the door. Get what im sayin?

 

[Hoss1975]

Positive reinforcement,structure,and follow through are the keys to training,it sounds like he also needs to be more social,it takes baby steps but get him used to people,have a friend watch him while you are unavailable,take him to the park to socialize with other dogs and people.You will eventually have to push him a little and see how reacts to people and other animals.Does he have a favorite toy?If so that will be better than any food treat you could give him.

 

[tweetyflights]

Put something in there to possibly help occupy him. they sell many interactive toys at stores. WALK, WALK WALK!!!!! That one of the most important thing a dog NEEDS!

Or just get the dog whisperer.

 

[Jamie_Dog_Trainer]

In a case with this much severe fear the only way you are going to see results is to take control of the dog 100%.

First thing you need to do is take away his option of where he is. To do that you put a well fitting collar, and a strong leash. You put on a good pair of jeans and a good belt. Attach the leash to your belt, make it just long enough that he can walk behind you but not too long where he can run. Do this ALL the time when you are around him. When you go to the bathroom Chase comes with you, when you are doing dishes he is there, when you go get your mail he's at your side. The tough thing is you have to pretend he's not there. Seriously ignore ALL his behaviors, don't talk to him, dont' ask him to move, don't tell him its ok, especially don't touch him. Just lead him.

If you stop to talk to someone and he has a fearful reaction-- too bad. Do whatever you need to maintain where you want to be even if you need to drag him. Just ignore him. When you have people over, he gets to deal with it, no longer hiding behind the couch.

You are taking away his option of running and he's gonna find some creative ways of "bailing" on you. As hard as it is, just keep him there. Do this for weeks. The goal is for him to learn that he goes with you on YOUR terms and that your terms aren't that bad. The reason you ignore him to this degree is so that you don't accidently reinforce a fear. On that note is another thing I would like you to think about, the more you coax him, or give him any attention when he is so afraid the more he gets to decide to not listen to you -- In essence he is deciding not to trust your judgement. When you don't give him any purposeful interaction you take away the option of him deciding not to listen or obey you. Its better you don't give a command when he's not going to give in at this point anyway.

 

[redhen]

I'd find him a new home or put him down..only because you mentioned its gotten to the point that you have to keep him TIED DOWN in a wire crate now??....
Is he in the crate all day long because of your birds? Nah....thats no life for a dog. You have to know that?? I hope..
Please put him down..i know i'd want to die...

 

[dutchhollow]

First, please don't tie a dog that climbs in a run, or anywhere near any fence for that matter, eventually they will hang themselves. I don't even put jumpers (dogs that hop up and down near a fence, in a run with a collar on).
The easiest fix is to put a livestock panel over your run, wire or zip tie it down, quick and easy.
I own 6 gsp's, and have trained hundreds, and this is not typical. Now, I only purchase from breeders, or breed my own from mentally stable parents. No hunting dog can function with this kind of temperment, especially if they are being trained and trialed at the highest levels, they just can't do it. Mine are in the yard with chickens and ducks, and they each retrieve in training, competing and hunting, probably thousands of birds a year.
Now there are poorly bred ones out there, and you admit this is the case. Which brings me to buyer education, but that is a whole nother thread!!!
Cover your run, excercise your dog (train off leash control, and an ecollar and someone that knows how to use it would be great, with very 'soft' dogs (and most dogs aren't really 'soft' they are manipulative) as you never have to physically yank or correct them) Don't baby the dog when he is acting fearfull of strangers, as Jamie said make him deal with it. As he isn't a fear biter, this isn't a case where I would say give up and euthenize, contain and train.