3cgmom
New Member
Yoda, Pixie & fosters, too!
Posts: 11
|
Post by 3cgmom on Jan 26, 2013 9:30:50 GMT -5
I hope this is where I can ask this. We foster for our local animal shelter and we are currentlyly fostering a 1 yr old male pit. He was not the dog we were supposed to pick up. They weren't going to put him in foster because he showed extreme anxiety...hid under things, wouldn't go potty outside, tail always tucked, fear of men etc. When we met him (by accident) he and our two dogs (8 yr old female pit & 4 yr old female Norwegian Elkhound) instantly "clicked". He was following them and they just seemed to bring him out of his funk. So, we've been fostering him since early November and he's turned into a wonderful dog. He still has a little anxiety, but not nearly what he came with. My concern is that lately he has been growling at people who come into our home. And, it's people who have been coming to our house since he's been here. I contacted the foster coordinator and she recommended we crate him when we know someone's coming or when the doorbell rings. That's fine, but I'd like to stop this behavior. I don't like it! I care for children in my home and he loves the kids. Some of those he's growling at are parents of these children. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
|
|
|
|
Post by loverocksalot on Jan 26, 2013 11:00:45 GMT -5
How long has he been at your home? If you care for others children, I would crate him. If he recently came to your home I would do the 2 week shutdown. Others here who have fostered will likely give some good advice.
|
|
|
|
Post by loverocksalot on Jan 26, 2013 11:04:02 GMT -5
Oh and I forgot NILIF. And growling is a polite way of warning as opposed to just biting." I dont like this situation please leave me alone and go away." Do not  or punish the growling. |
|
|
|
Post by suziriot on Jan 26, 2013 11:46:42 GMT -5
Ditto to CA's suggestions. Crate him when guests are coming over and only let him socialize with them after everyone is settled and calm. And strict NILIF. If he has anxiety issues, even if he has improved, the key is reassuring him that you have everything under control. I have two with varying degrees of anxiety/fear. They need to know that you are in control and everything is ok. This can be reinforced positively by crating him in unpredictable situations (guests coming over), training him to "go to his spot" which probably should be the crate, and rewarding calm behavior (lying down calmly when there are distractions, etc). NILIF will positively reinforce that he has to earn things like sitting on the couch or hanging out with guests, which will help with anxiety. He will feel more secure and confident if he knows you're in charge of the situation. Again, positive reinforcement only. Do not punish growling. Just redirect his attention to something else and try to control situations so the growling won't happen in the first place.
|
|
daves
Full Fledged Poster
Posts: 188
|
Post by daves on Jan 26, 2013 14:09:07 GMT -5
One item in my dog issue toolbox is www.allexperts.com/el/Canine-Behavior/ . This site is free. Behaviorists and trainers volunteer to answer all types of questions. My favorite behavior expert is Dr. Jill Connor because of her extensive background and innovative solutions. |
|
3cgmom
New Member
Yoda, Pixie & fosters, too!
Posts: 11
|
Post by 3cgmom on Jan 26, 2013 15:09:46 GMT -5
He has been with us since November 3rd. He has never growled at our children or any of my daycare kids. I would never have him if he did that. The growling has been towards three of the daycare dads. This only started maybe ten days ago. My contact at the rescue league suggested Hebe crated when I know they're coming. I just don't understand why it's starting now. I will admit he is allowed on the sofa and the beds which I will stop.
|
|
|
|
Post by suziriot on Jan 26, 2013 15:31:00 GMT -5
He has been with us since November 3rd. He has never growled at our children or any of my daycare kids. I would never have him if he did that. The growling has been towards three of the daycare dads. This only started maybe ten days ago. My contact at the rescue league suggested Hebe crated when I know they're coming. I just don't understand why it's starting now. I will admit he is allowed on the sofa and the beds which I will stop. Dogs' behavior changes as they settle in to a new home. If he's feeling more like it's his territory, he is more likely to "guard" what he perceives to be his space. That's why you have to reinforce that it's YOUR space. He can be allowed on beds and sofas, but only if he earns it. There are a couple threads on NILIF in the Training & Behavior section. |
|
|
|
Post by maryellen on Jan 26, 2013 16:13:30 GMT -5
once the honeymoon period is over dogs show their true colors as they feel more comfortable..
|
|
3cgmom
New Member
Yoda, Pixie & fosters, too!
Posts: 11
|
Post by 3cgmom on Jan 26, 2013 19:16:53 GMT -5
Okay...I'm reading about NILIF now. His life has some change coming but that's what is needed. He needs to be a gentleman before I'll feel comfortable sending him home to someone else. Thanks so much for all your help!
|
|
I look forward to learning much here