My dog just went crazy, what should I do?

[Haviris]

Doesn't sound like she freaked to me, sounds like she thinks she's the boss and she was being possessive aggressive, the guinea was hers. It's not good that she's killing chickens, and that should have been delt w/ long ago (she's playing w/ them like live toys, she doesn't think they are puppies).

Firstly I'd separate her from the chickens and start putting some serious training into her (not on your own, w/ a pro.). Right now she's in charge because you've allowed her to be, YOU need to take over (and that goes for all the people in your family).

This sounds like it has been going on for a long time and finally escalated. It'd be a very good idea to start working w/ a trainer, and the rest of your family should also attend, this will save you in the future when you raise your next puppy. This problem is a whole lot easier to prevent then to fix after the fact.

I'd forever feel guilty for putting down a dog for a problem I let happen, but I guess many just see them as "just dogs" you can always get another one (and possibly ruin it to if you didn't learn from the first). However if the problem is already to severe (and this one doesn't sound like it is, just a dog that needs some leadership from her owners) it may have to come to that. With any luck you will learn from this and do better next time (and just live w the guilt).

I hope that doesn't sound to mean, it isn't ment to be, I hope you can get this worked out, I'm sure w/ some guidance she will be an awsome dog!

 

[RabbitMage]

That's a tough situation. I just wanted to second (or third or fifth) the recommendation for a canine BEHAVIORIST to get involved if you're serious about saving this dog, and issue you a caution.

A lot of trainers and behaviorists have serious issues with Cesar Milan's training methods, and they have good reason. There's an abundance of websites out there if you go looking. Trying to pin/alpha roll a dominant dog is DANGEROUS, especially one this large. Don't.

 

[Cetawin]

Well I see several things out of place.

First, Pyrs do not mature until they are 2 years old...that being said, the food aggression should have been stopped before she was a year old. This is food aggression...you tried to take the prize away period.

Secondly, Pyrs are there to guard the livestock..they should NEVER i repeat NEVER put their mouths on their charges. They herd them, the protect them but they do not "nouth" them.

Third, and most important...she is in charge you are not! She knows it and his pushing her dominance around. You cannot fix her alone, you need a professional without doubt.

Meanwhile, watch yourself and your family because she CANNOT be trusted until this is fixed, do not let her around the birds at all.

Understand that a Pyr will kill a coyote, dog, attack bears and mountain lions in defense of their charges...you or your children stand no chance against her if she decides to attack. BE CAREFUL!!!

It is important that they are trained properly as LGD and that they know their place in the pack and know their jobs. I have a male 1/2 Pyr 1/2 Lab and at a weight less than him, I still run the household. I broke him quickly of the food bowl snarling and anyone can take his food away now...he has no issue. He will be a year old next week.

Do get some professional help for her because she is worth it but be cautious right now...and show NO FEAR of her again...if you do, you may lose the ability to have control when you are alone with her...no matter what a trainer does.

Good luck with her and I hope it all works out for the best of all concerned.

 

[chickerdoodle]

Quote:
I have been an animal behaviorist for almost twenty years and have dealt with various types of aggression. Please, never do this--you can get badly bitten or with a large dog like a GP you could be seriously hurt. This was an old technique that has been out of favor for over 15 years for this very reason. I know the poster wanted to help you but this is too serious of a problem for someone who is not an experienced professional. Cesar Milan's methods for aggressive dogs is also very dangerous and can actually cause the dog to become more dangerous. It works for a short time and is great for television ratings. Educated, experienced professionals know that the pure dominance approach does not work as well as establishing respect and giving clear guidance. Special collars are only tools and used incorrectly can be damaging (I never use electric collars). The dominance theory caused more wolves to attack their keepers and further study has shown respect and correct body language will keep a pack peaceful.
This dog needs a lot of work to understand what she can and cannot do. It would be best to ask your veterinarian and/or local animal control for a recommendation for a professional behaviorist.

 

[StupidBird]

Just my lousy two cents worth:
also have a vet check. Had a foundling puppy suddenly start going berserk at about a year old. Took it to the vet and it went nuts, they had to muzzle and restrain it. I cried because I knew immediately I'd have it put down. The vet, after the exam, told me several things: 1) it developed cataracts and was going blind. 2) the breed was similar to dingo and was known for agreesiveness.

Well, afterwards I also found out that the *bleep* neighborhood kids were severely teasing the dog through our windows while we were at work, pounding on the walls and windows, screaming, etc. WE moved.

And I was a clueless idiot about training a dog. *sigh* I did better later in life and was the proud companion of a wonderful, intelligent, gentle (I can't say enough) doberman that had more invitations than anyone else in the family.

 

[joebryant]

Quote:
If this were a smaller dog that you could defend yourself from, I'd say try to deal with it. This is a dog that's much bigger than you, and you should not gamble on your very life or spend your life being afraid of your own dog. If she would do that to YOU, imagine what she might do to a stranger who crosses her. Don't wait to see what "might" happen; have her put down.

 

[MsMelvin]

PLEASE Get your parents involved! Period! This dog is the boss in her own mind! At 110 pounds, probably more than you, this is serious. Do NOT challenge her physically!!! She will get worse unless corrected, by an adult, nothing personal (you and brother are going to need help).

Please show your folks some of the posts from the dog people on the thread, especially behavioral specialists / trainers. If you love and want to keep her you must act quickly!

We're all sure she is a good girl that got confused. She needs to get back on track...the whole family can work together to help her understand what is good dog behavior and what will not be tolerated; ever.

 

[Wifezilla]

I would have the dog put down, but I do understand if you don't take that route....just be prepared for potential consequences.

 

[bwebb7]

This is called "Resource Guarding".
It can be corrected but you need help! Get a behavoirist and do what THEY tell you.
In the meantime, if the dog is ever off leash and tries to jump on you-be a tree! Stand still and hold your palms out. When she loses interest start walking if she goes to jump on you,-be a tree- she'll lose interest.

Play biting-Yelp very loud and scare the bejeeezez out of her. Her littermates would have done this and they learn that way.
Good Luck
but know if you cannot commit fully to rehabing this dog you will need to euthanize

Let me also throw out there to have her thyroid checked

 

[MomtoSyd&Emma]

I am a dog freak, I always have rescues, so I know nothing of their background, and this behaviour would NOT be tolerated around here. I am terrified to think what that dog can do to a child. You said no small kids are around, but there is always that one time that someone might stop over and out pops cujo the GP instead of cujo the SB.

Really, please do something about this dog, if you wont have her put down to protect yourself and others, than that is like keeping a loaded gun sitting on the floor, its going to go off and someone will be seriously wounded or killed. Sorry if I sound harsh, but my oldest dd was attacked by a family members german shep/border collie mix when she was 2 just because she walked by him. She never touched him or even looked at him, she walked by, he lunged and grabbed her by the head, causing her to have plastic surgery. This dog had never had any aggression at all and then WHAM he attacked.