Jackie77

Update!! We sought some advice and even went down the medication path but it was not necessary in the end. I can't quite believe this but she has settled right down. She really appreciates her crate (left open at all times) and is content in the yard. She is even travelling well in the car (can't take her around other dogs yet as still on heat). Anyhow, I feel like shouting it from the rooftops! and I am just so happy for her! I can't put it down to any one thing but...she does like her walk in the morning, the safety of her crate (always open) and some very very strong boundaries. I contacted the breeder to tell her of this but didn't hear back. Willem - I wasn't told of the magnitude of her issues nor do I think the breeder knew of the extent perhaps...I was told she was standoffish with some people and did not travel in the car without defecating and vomiting. In any case she has settled (with hard work) and is showing improvement. We are still managing her environment. I just want to say I took on all your advice on here and it has helped loads and I am really grateful I could come here and seek advice! thank you so much everyone! Jackie

Thanks annimallover! Come in sucker!

I have just communicated with the breeder who is not willing to take her back. I got her from this website from the adult page. I just want the best for this dog, if that means holding onto to her and putting in the effort that we physically have time for I will. However am starting to wonder if it's a doable task. Am also starting to see what everyone else saw and that is - the breeder passing on this poor dog because of her issues. Feel like a bit of a sucker right now!!!

...the dog needs training (not necessarily a behaviourist) - if you don't have the time or no one else can train the dog nothing will change! ...a few hours training and advice from a behaviourist will provide you with more knowledge, but you have to invest this knowledge via spending the time and train the dog....there is no substitute for intense training! Do you mean intense training ourselves or with a behaviourist?

Hi all, Thank you for your responses I have been reading them eagerly! We have had a few setbacks. I saved up for a new fence and the very next day she still got out through another fence so she had to go back inside. I took her to the vet, and am giving her collicalm (something similar from vet). Have crate in laundry/bathroom area open and covered, leaving music on, walking her in the morning. She still chews what is available to her (which I can live with) but she poos and wees EVERYWHERE! which isn't fun coming home to every day! difficult to change this behaviour as I am not there to correct it so can't get cranky with her when I get home. She has just gone on heat (so cancelled the de sexing visit). Have had the fence repaired again and am hoping for some wins. I have left her outside today with her crate and music and have walked her. I started off feeling positive...but the last few days I have to admit have been tough. I called the behaviourist and because I literally just paid for the fence will have to wait to get the $$ together for this as it is $500.00 Anyhooow, I am sure it will all come together...please send positive vibes my way...could use it.

The breeder is supportive and upfront about the issues so..... I am going to contact Jane Harper.

Oh wonderful thank you. I live in Shorncliffe.

Thanks for the responses. I can't take her back, problem is I love her to the moon. Right. So I'm looking into: NILF Great Dane SA method Clomicalm (see my vet and behaviouralist) Managing her environment (keeping her confined but not crated for long periods) Ohhh I feel so much better now I have a plan. Thank you xxxxxxxxx

Hi all, newbie here so I hope I am posting in the right section. I have recently bought a retired bitch from a gorgeous local breeder, she is two years old. I have had her for a month. I was warned she came with issues and am trying to work through them, however would really appreciate some expert advice. Our little girl is a "Velcro dog" as you guys seem to call it on here lol...and very timid. Whenever we leave her at home on her own with her friend (a Yorkshire Terrier)she causes havoc. She literally runs over tables/bench tops, whatever she can get into...She brakes things, she chews things, and actually pees on things e.g: washing after she has chewed it....all of it, remote controls, shoes anything. I have had to leave her inside as the elderly neighbor is afraid of her as she barks and throws herself against the fence until she knocked the little timber fence down (new fence going in next weekend). My question is: Is crating this girl a good idea? she is human-less three days per week but sometimes I guess we do want to go out during weekends lol....without coming home to absolute carnage lol...so if i crate her on those days it will be for 8 hours or more. Is this not cruel? I am fairly sure she is used to a crate as she doesn't seem to mind jumping in it (i have borrowed one) but haven't been game to use it yet. I have tried rescue remedy and exercising her in the mornings it didn't really work. I am wondering if you think this behavior will settle or do we have to work around it? Thanks so much for reading this far. Jackie x