Love Staffies Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 Hi, I have a lovely 3 year old rescued staffy. Over time he has developed fear over things that didn't use to scare him before. For example he wasn't afraid of the iron but now we have to put him outside every time we turn it on as he gets REALLY scared. He didn't mind storms either but now I even have to give him valium! The other day the microphone on my computer had some really bad feedback noise problem and my dog got so scared that he never entered the room where the computer is. Today he did something very strange: he came to the room and I was rewarding him for his behaviour by saying good boy and a giving him a good pat on his back. Well, what was my surprise when I realised he had PEED on the carpet! It was not too much but he never does this. Anybody know how to deal with this? ;) Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mushaka Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 HI there, U dnt say how long u have had ur stafford for? Staffies by nature are an anxious breed and rescue staffies tend to have more problems as a rule.. NOT all of them though. I have issues with mycurrent rescue Stafford too,but my last rescue was a dream once in a lifetime kinda dog,so i cant paint them all with the sdame brush and wont. IMO fear is hard to overcome. How are YOU reacting to HIS reactions?? Are u subconciously "rewarding" the behaviours etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Love Staffies Posted September 1, 2007 Author Share Posted September 1, 2007 HI, I've had him for 2 1/2 years. I don't think I reward his behaviour. I usually try to ignore it and not make a big deal about it but I think he's getting worse and I'd like to know what to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mushaka Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 Have u spoken to ur vet about this?? I am in the process of helping my dog too. Trying to avoid medication for anxiety,however it may come to that. Is ur dog displaying any dog agression at all? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Love Staffies Posted September 1, 2007 Author Share Posted September 1, 2007 Hi, No I haven't spoken to my vet but I think I will. No agression at all. Ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mushaka Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 (edited) If theres no aggression it might be wise to get ur dog on meds. If ur dog displays aggression to Other dogs sometimes its better to steer clear of these drugs. Speak to ur vet about ur concerns. Im sure there are trainers on DOL with some advice as well...they must be all sleeping LOL.. Good luck with ur dog and good on u for rescuing!! Edited September 1, 2007 by Lewis & Lyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 Which State do you live in? Mel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Love Staffies Posted September 1, 2007 Author Share Posted September 1, 2007 NSW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 I just wrote a reply.....then I lost it. Contact SABS you don't need a Vet referral to go there, but the Vet's at SABS will generally recommend you have a full health exam done with your regular Vet anyway, so yeah, have a full health exam and let your regular Vet know that's where you're going. We can give general advice, but the advice may or may not make any difference in your guys situation, and it is best seen to by a Vet Behaviourist as it is a behaviour problem and not a training problem. Particularly if the phobia is getting worse and also generalising to other things. Whatever you do, don't get any franchised trainers out to see your dog as one in particular uses noise as a fix for every problem. You can help him out, but he needs a very specific and guided training program and maybe medication on the advice of the Vet. Don't let your Vet just whack him on Clomicalm either, it can be good for anxiety but not necessarily for phobias. Good luck, Mel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mushaka Posted September 1, 2007 Share Posted September 1, 2007 HOLY MOLY those prices are rich!! You would have to be rich to afford it!! I had my behaviourist out for $130 for 2 hours. She has put us on a programme for Lewis and offered free over the phone advice if needed. We are also going to be taking Lewis to small classes with behaviorsit and trainers so they can watch him and assist appropriatly if he displays any problems. The course for 4 weeks is $60... If all else fails,clomicalm may be the next step as part of his rehabilitation. Bark Busters is the franchise Mel is referring to,..shes right,for a dog like urs these people are a definate NO NO! For some it may work but most DOLers wil advise against them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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