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Post by toospooky on Mar 8, 2009 22:50:38 GMT -5
I'm practically at my wit's end with Ommy and trying to help him overcome some of the deep rooted fears he has.
He is still terrified of my husband, no matter how good the treats are my husband has to offer, no matter how much he plays with the other two dogs, no matter how much he ignores, pleads, cajoles, sweet talks, etc...... Ommy just will not come to him. He has gotten better and will come to (maybe) ten feet away, but no closer.
He will not walk on a leash. He cowers on the floor and refuses to move.
I cannot, under any circumstances, get him into the car. The other two will jump up and bolt for the door at the sound of car keys jingling, but he runs and hides. I don't know what I'll do when it's vet time.
He does not chase a ball or a stick or anything else. He runs away when he sees it falling.
He's afraid of water. He's afraid of fire. He doesn't like most men. Loud voices send him into a fit of terror.
In every other way, he is extremely loving and affectionate with me and my kids and the neighborhood kids.
I adore this dog and it kills me to see him so fearful of everything. I think it's starting to hurt my husband, who is the biggest dog lover ever, that Ommy refuses his friendship.
Is this something that can be "trained" out of him, or will this just take a lot of time and trust? I do have both time and trust to invest, but want to do the right thing.
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Post by crystalbbr on Mar 8, 2009 23:33:53 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum!
Just a couple of questions for ya about Ommy to start off with...
How old is he? How long have you had him and where did you get him from (adopt? purchase from breeder?)? Have you been involved with a trainer with him at all?
I think everyone is going to need a bit more history on Ommy in order to help you out with some of his issues. The more info you can give, the better!
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Post by toospooky on Mar 9, 2009 6:47:33 GMT -5
Hi, Crystal.
Ommy was a stray who came to us starved and with scars. He has been with us for about 4 months and is approaching a year old. He is not neutered but he's very healthy now.
I feel certain that he came from an abusive situation because of his condition and because he came to us with a broken chain around his neck. We haven't been to a trainer yet, but we're discussing it.
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Post by maryellen on Mar 9, 2009 6:56:24 GMT -5
first, get him neutered. then get the book Help for your Fearful dog by nicole wilde on amazon.com, its a great book that goes step by step on how to work with a fearful dog. genetics plays a HUGE part in a dogs makeup, you cant fix genetics only manage them.
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Post by purplepaws121 on Mar 9, 2009 7:01:00 GMT -5
Welcome! Thanks for telling us a little about Ommy, and i'm sorry to hear you're having problems with him being fearful.
I don't have any experience with a fearful dog myself, but there's a few folks on here who do and who will give you tons of great advice, book recommendations, etc.
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Post by emilys on Mar 9, 2009 10:20:55 GMT -5
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Post by bamapitbullmom on Mar 9, 2009 11:50:40 GMT -5
As an owner of a fearful pit bull, I can relate. It can be extremely frustrating.
I'd also recommend "Scaredy Dog" by Ali Brown.
There's a wealth of information about fearful dogs and positive methods to work with them. Ommy sounds like a dog which would greatly benefit from professional help and a behavior modification plan and *possibly* initial use of medications to lower stress levels and get to a place where he will be more receptive to modification.
If you'll tell us your area, several of us have access to resources to wonderful trainers and veterinary behaviorists for referrals. Unless you are skilled with working with fearful dogs and have experience with them I would highly suggest calling in a professional to observe and help you create a plan.
Though I absolutely feel you have his best interests in mind and are trying everything you can, remember that fear is behind more bites than overt aggression. So be careful not to push him beyond his threshold.
Are you planning to have him neutered and if so when? If not, would you explain why? Neutering may help with some of the behavioral issues but looking at the bigger picture, this certainly isn't a temperament which should be reproduced. He is in full-fledged adolescence right now. I would go ahead and definitely have him altered.
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Post by toospooky on Mar 9, 2009 12:30:19 GMT -5
Thank you, all! I'll definitely be looking for those books.
Bamapitbullmom, I live just west of Atlanta, GA. If you know any trainers in the Marietta/Kennesaw/Douglasville area, please let me know.
I do plan to have Ommy neutered soon. If I can get him into the car, that is!
He hasn't shown much in the way of aggression. Sometimes he is so submissive, especially to my other two dogs, that they bully him out of his food and sleeping place. My husband knows not to corner him when he's trying to make friends.
Ommy got into one tiff with my smaller female mixed breed over her being an older dog and not liking his puppy play, and he came out on the losing end. Since then, he follows her around like she's the queen. I guess that's what you call "healthy respect". I think he's going to be a terrific dog, but he's missing out on a lot of quality of life because of his fears. Also, not knowing his genetics, there is always the concern that one of the kids around here does something to frighten him and gets bitten.
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