Please give me advice about our aggressive dog
Discussion
deadtom said:
227bhp said:
She probably can't understand English.
I have made this joke many times, apparently it stops being funny after a while
Age comes into it too if it's relevant? Like humans they can mellow with age, but I guess also they could get more grumpy although i'm not sure about that.
My O/Hs cat was a feisty thing, I think she came from a feral background. Always out hunting and bringing in animals, she wouldn't sit on her lap and was wary of me too. Now she comes and lies next to me on the sofa sometimes, she sits on her lap, doesn't even bother going out much any more.
deadtom said:
How much should we expect to pay for a behaviourist to help?
If it's more than a couple of hundred then it would mean borrowing and going further into debt, which is possible, but I am trying to be objective about the point at which the negative effects on our quality of life become too severe.
I paid about £150 for a session or two where we talked through the issues and agreed how we'd approach it going forwards. And then on an ongoing basis after that.If it's more than a couple of hundred then it would mean borrowing and going further into debt, which is possible, but I am trying to be objective about the point at which the negative effects on our quality of life become too severe.
You need someone who can understand better what the dog is doing - from what you've said it could be unfixable (i.e. that "side" will always be there) or something you can work through with time. Another vote for a behaviourist from me.
It's not going to be cheap but don't abandon the dog. It's already been abandoned twice.
moorx said:
keirik said:
Yes she needs a behaviourist.
But if you can't afford it and the rescue can't help then sign her over. Just because you don't want/can't spend money is no reason to kill a dog.
I agree with your last statement, but sign her over to who?But if you can't afford it and the rescue can't help then sign her over. Just because you don't want/can't spend money is no reason to kill a dog.
Behavioural modification is usually difficult, prolonged and expensive, especially in dogs where damage is so severe.
It reflects poorly on a rehoming charity when they rehome dogs without proper behavioural assessment.
deadtom said:
How much should we expect to pay for a behaviourist to help?
If it's more than a couple of hundred then it would mean borrowing and going further into debt, which is possible, but I am trying to be objective about the point at which the negative effects on our quality of life become too severe.
We have a two year old rescue, who has issues with socialisation and general puppy-like behaviour.If it's more than a couple of hundred then it would mean borrowing and going further into debt, which is possible, but I am trying to be objective about the point at which the negative effects on our quality of life become too severe.
We have a (good) behaviourist who is very helpful. We paid about £50 for an initial (2 hour) consultation then it's £30ish for a 1.5 hour session every couple of weeks.
So, it's about £60 a month ongoing. We've been going for around 6 months, but with big gaps in between (behaviourist is popular, we've been on holiday, etc)
It's worth it - a good behaviourist can help you with a 2 year old dog. If they're telling you to just buy their book or that they can't help; they're not a good behaviourist.
Be aware that the dog likely won't change in a few weeks - it takes time and patience.
Where are you based?
Muzzer79 said:
We have a two year old rescue, who has issues with socialisation and general puppy-like behaviour.
We have a (good) behaviourist who is very helpful. We paid about £50 for an initial (2 hour) consultation then it's £30ish for a 1.5 hour session every couple of weeks.
So, it's about £60 a month ongoing. We've been going for around 6 months, but with big gaps in between (behaviourist is popular, we've been on holiday, etc)
It's worth it - a good behaviourist can help you with a 2 year old dog. If they're telling you to just buy their book or that they can't help; they're not a good behaviourist.
Be aware that the dog likely won't change in a few weeks - it takes time and patience.
Where are you based?
It sounds like you have found a good behaviourist there, and very reasonably priced. has your dog made noticeable improvements in that time? We have a (good) behaviourist who is very helpful. We paid about £50 for an initial (2 hour) consultation then it's £30ish for a 1.5 hour session every couple of weeks.
So, it's about £60 a month ongoing. We've been going for around 6 months, but with big gaps in between (behaviourist is popular, we've been on holiday, etc)
It's worth it - a good behaviourist can help you with a 2 year old dog. If they're telling you to just buy their book or that they can't help; they're not a good behaviourist.
Be aware that the dog likely won't change in a few weeks - it takes time and patience.
Where are you based?
I am just about on the Leicestershire side of the Leicestershire / Warwickshire border, not far from Nuneaton, however we only just moved here so we don't know anyone or many of the places around here to get recommendations.
Thanks for the replies everyone.
Ed/L152 said:
It reflects poorly on a rehoming charity when they rehome dogs without proper behavioural assessment.
Aye, although I freely admit we were somewhat naive taking on a rescue as a first dog, we do feel like the rescue centre somewhat downplayed her issues and just wanted to see another dog rehomed, though of course it is also possible that the previous owners downplayed her issues when taking her back to the rescueJakg said:
It's not going to be cheap but don't abandon the dog. It's already been abandoned twice.
deadtom said:
But what if a stubborn refusal to give her up results in a life of either being indoors / confined to our tiny garden, or muzzled and on a lead everywhere? That's no life for a young dog, especially one as energetic and intelligent as a collie
If you work with a behaviourist and they suggest that euthanasia is the best option - it can happen - then that's not abandoning, that's acting in the dogs best interest.Giving up because it's too expensive and giving it back - that's abandonment.
I missed the opening line of "collie cross". My dog is also half collie... guess how I know about behaviourists.
Jakg said:
If you work with a behaviourist and they suggest that euthanasia is the best option - it can happen - then that's not abandoning, that's acting in the dogs best interest.
Giving up because it's too expensive and giving it back - that's abandonment.
No, that's also in the dog's best interest. What do you think happens if someone keeps a dog they can't afford (for whatever reason)?Giving up because it's too expensive and giving it back - that's abandonment.
Jakg said:
I missed the opening line of "collie cross". My dog is also half collie... guess how I know about behaviourists.
I too have a Collie X. Wonderful dog. Many years ago I had a Collie X that wasn't though, and emotion kept me from making a rational decision, which in the longterm was the wrong result for the dog.The agression is fear based from the sounds of it, and you will absolutely need professional help which may make it manageable.
It will be difficult and you need to decide if you can afford it and if you can commit to it wholeheartedly as it wont just be the dog who needs to learn how to behave and react, but also you and your family.
If you cant do it then the kindest thing to do is to get the pooch to a decent rescue who will spend the time to analyze and work with the behaviour.
There are bits you can do at home, such as feeding the dog in difference places whilst you are with them. Walking the dog in unknown places so a territory isnt established. Crate train so that they have somewhere safe to retreat when they feel threatened.
It will be difficult and you need to decide if you can afford it and if you can commit to it wholeheartedly as it wont just be the dog who needs to learn how to behave and react, but also you and your family.
If you cant do it then the kindest thing to do is to get the pooch to a decent rescue who will spend the time to analyze and work with the behaviour.
There are bits you can do at home, such as feeding the dog in difference places whilst you are with them. Walking the dog in unknown places so a territory isnt established. Crate train so that they have somewhere safe to retreat when they feel threatened.
deadtom said:
Muzzer79 said:
We have a two year old rescue, who has issues with socialisation and general puppy-like behaviour.
We have a (good) behaviourist who is very helpful. We paid about £50 for an initial (2 hour) consultation then it's £30ish for a 1.5 hour session every couple of weeks.
So, it's about £60 a month ongoing. We've been going for around 6 months, but with big gaps in between (behaviourist is popular, we've been on holiday, etc)
It's worth it - a good behaviourist can help you with a 2 year old dog. If they're telling you to just buy their book or that they can't help; they're not a good behaviourist.
Be aware that the dog likely won't change in a few weeks - it takes time and patience.
Where are you based?
It sounds like you have found a good behaviourist there, and very reasonably priced. has your dog made noticeable improvements in that time? We have a (good) behaviourist who is very helpful. We paid about £50 for an initial (2 hour) consultation then it's £30ish for a 1.5 hour session every couple of weeks.
So, it's about £60 a month ongoing. We've been going for around 6 months, but with big gaps in between (behaviourist is popular, we've been on holiday, etc)
It's worth it - a good behaviourist can help you with a 2 year old dog. If they're telling you to just buy their book or that they can't help; they're not a good behaviourist.
Be aware that the dog likely won't change in a few weeks - it takes time and patience.
Where are you based?
I am just about on the Leicestershire side of the Leicestershire / Warwickshire border, not far from Nuneaton, however we only just moved here so we don't know anyone or many of the places around here to get recommendations.
Thanks for the replies everyone.
You also need to have faith in the process - I've spent a few winter Sundays in the pouring rain/freezing cold wondering if it's working but he is better.
Our behaviourist has a dog she works with who couldn't tolerate anything - other dogs, loud noises, birds, people - it would go nuts at anything.
They have just got him to a place where they can walk and he's relatively calm and are now starting socialising with other dogs. This has taken nearly 18 months.
Muzzer79 said:
We have a two year old rescue, who has issues with socialisation and general puppy-like behaviour.
We have a (good) behaviourist who is very helpful. We paid about £50 for an initial (2 hour) consultation then it's £30ish for a 1.5 hour session every couple of weeks.
So, it's about £60 a month ongoing. We've been going for around 6 months, but with big gaps in between (behaviourist is popular, we've been on holiday, etc)
It's worth it - a good behaviourist can help you with a 2 year old dog. If they're telling you to just buy their book or that they can't help; they're not a good behaviourist.
Be aware that the dog likely won't change in a few weeks - it takes time and patience.
Where are you based?
I disagree with a behaviourist not being very good because they have refused to help. Not all behaviourists are qualified enough to deal with aggressiveness, so they are being honest. I agree re the one suggesting to buy their book though!! We have a (good) behaviourist who is very helpful. We paid about £50 for an initial (2 hour) consultation then it's £30ish for a 1.5 hour session every couple of weeks.
So, it's about £60 a month ongoing. We've been going for around 6 months, but with big gaps in between (behaviourist is popular, we've been on holiday, etc)
It's worth it - a good behaviourist can help you with a 2 year old dog. If they're telling you to just buy their book or that they can't help; they're not a good behaviourist.
Be aware that the dog likely won't change in a few weeks - it takes time and patience.
Where are you based?
Not easy at all, you have my sympathies esp given the poor response of the rescue you got her from. They should be supporting you tbh.
A chat to the vet is a good idea. There are medications that may be worth a try alongside behavioural training.
Fear aggression is a hard one to tackle esp when rage syndrome may be a possibility.
My friend an ex vet nurse went through this with their parents working cocker. He had the best upbringing, well trained by my friend family bred etc yet right from young therewas something not right. His behaviours were extreme, I noticed it when he was 5mths old. My friend had behavioural qualifications, she sought help from others they tried for four years but in the end after he had bitten several people including her daughter in unprovoked attacks (he was also extremely food aggressive) they had to let him go.
He wasn't brought up badly I really believe there was something wired wrong in his brain. Two years on and the family still struggle to deal with what they had to do but they also know their lives were very very stressful because of him and they made the right yet devastating call.
If you can stretch to professional help and see if it makes a difference, I would do it. Just think of it as an illness. If you can't afford to pay for her when she is ill then that is a problem. Pet insurance will sometimes cover behaviour treatments, worth checking (I assume you have her insured)
Doing this means you know you have given every chance and it could work.
A chat to the vet is a good idea. There are medications that may be worth a try alongside behavioural training.
Fear aggression is a hard one to tackle esp when rage syndrome may be a possibility.
My friend an ex vet nurse went through this with their parents working cocker. He had the best upbringing, well trained by my friend family bred etc yet right from young therewas something not right. His behaviours were extreme, I noticed it when he was 5mths old. My friend had behavioural qualifications, she sought help from others they tried for four years but in the end after he had bitten several people including her daughter in unprovoked attacks (he was also extremely food aggressive) they had to let him go.
He wasn't brought up badly I really believe there was something wired wrong in his brain. Two years on and the family still struggle to deal with what they had to do but they also know their lives were very very stressful because of him and they made the right yet devastating call.
If you can stretch to professional help and see if it makes a difference, I would do it. Just think of it as an illness. If you can't afford to pay for her when she is ill then that is a problem. Pet insurance will sometimes cover behaviour treatments, worth checking (I assume you have her insured)
Doing this means you know you have given every chance and it could work.
Whilst I agree with everyone that a behaviourist is the (initial at least) way to go here, have you also looked at Adaptil products? I haven't used them myself but people have told me that they help. They release some sort of pheromone which is said to help calm the dog. They claim to be veterinary-approved and they also strongly recommend using them in conjunction with a behaviourist. You can get diffusers for at home and collars for when you are out.
I've no idea whether they're good or snake oil, but may be worth a try at least?
I've no idea whether they're good or snake oil, but may be worth a try at least?
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