*kirty* Posted August 15, 2014 Share Posted August 15, 2014 I had a 16mo oold BC surrendered to me yesterday. He looks like a working type. Brief history - bought from petshop by a mum for her autistic son. However husband doesn't like dogs so he lives entirely in the backyard. Rarely walked, not socialised with other dogs, etc. Wife told me they spend about 10 mins per day with him... The dog has no idea about anything - he can't even sit or walk on a lead. He destroyed their yard so husband said he had to go. So he is now with me. This dog is nuts. He is in his own little world - I actually wondered if he was deaf (he isn't) because he doesn't respond to anything. Doesn't even know his name! He cannot settle. Inside, he paces and pants. He won't sit down or relax at all. Outside he barks and barks and bangs on the door (despite never ever going inside at his previous home). He doesn't know anything about toys. Last night he paced and whined and panted until 3am at which point I sedated him. He had the option of sleeping on dog beds or our bed, and I tried comforting and scolding him, but he just couldn't stop. Tonight I'm going to try a crate. I suspect he is a dog who has always just entertained himself. How do I teach him about toys? And to calm the hell down!? I'm planning to sedate him again tonight and then work out a training/exercise regime for him tomorrow. I get the impression he is a dog that will do best with a routine. I've fostered dozens of BCs but never one with this level of anxiety. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted August 15, 2014 Share Posted August 15, 2014 When you say sedate - are you talking valium? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*kirty* Posted August 15, 2014 Author Share Posted August 15, 2014 No, Ace. Only sedation I could get my hands on for now. I don't plan on sedating him or medicating him during the day, just so we can get some sleep at night! Wasn't expecting to get this dog, let alone to deal with his craziness lol. He is a really gorgeous boy and I'm really upset that he was 'made' this way by his previous owner. He adores my kids and is so affectionate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted August 15, 2014 Share Posted August 15, 2014 poor dog - stressed away from home more than anything is my guess... and being so unused to a world outside his yard ...Now being inside with all the different stimuli adds to it . he goes out - Oh not MY backyard ... perhaps this will get my people to notice "door scratch " .... oh not My people .....and anxiety/fear blocks out everything else . I think a crate may just send him to a worse place, if .He has been free range .... and if he is totally unused to any form of confinement/control ... all this is going to be very difficult Do you have any D A P around? that would be ideal for him , I think .. What has your vet said about the most appropriate drug to help settle him? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted August 15, 2014 Share Posted August 15, 2014 (edited) Ace may stop him pacing - but will increase his anxiety , as his brain will still be working , while his body won't move Any lingering un coordination/hypersensitivity to noise etc will not be pleasant either perhaps try something like an anti histamine instead ? phenergan will make him nice & drowsy & comfortable .... Edited August 15, 2014 by persephone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*kirty* Posted August 15, 2014 Author Share Posted August 15, 2014 I crated him a bit at work today and he was OK. I don't think he is frightened or anything, its more like nervous energy if that makes sense? Its hard to explain. He is very curious about everything - has met the cats and the birds, and loves the other dogs (however he has no idea how to play so often resorts to humping). He also loves running around our big backyard! You can just see that he nas no idea about anything. I just feel so sad for him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*kirty* Posted August 15, 2014 Author Share Posted August 15, 2014 (edited) I should clarify that I suspect this behaviour is not new. They already told me that he barks and digs, and if I could see the yard I bet I'd find a well-worn track... And the vets at work suggested that I use Ace for now. I'm really hoping that it is just a short term thing! Edited August 15, 2014 by *kirty* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted August 15, 2014 Share Posted August 15, 2014 (edited) Do you have a thundershirt? Thundershirt and covered crate in a warm spot and a touch overfed might work as well as ace. I'm guessing it's sensory overload and stock standard for dogs who've only ever lived in backyards. He will probably cherish some training, exercise and a strict routine. Start playing crate games it will give him something to think about and add value to going into the crate when he's not confined in there at night. Edited August 15, 2014 by Staff'n'Toller Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*kirty* Posted August 15, 2014 Author Share Posted August 15, 2014 Ah thundershirt, good idea. I gave mine away (dammit lol) but I'll order one on Monday. He isn't a big eater so not sure how I'll go filling him up. :) I have been using DAP but no noticeable difference. Will try the covered crate too. He has finally crashed and is asleep at my feet. Hopefully we all get some sleep tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff'n'Toller Posted August 15, 2014 Share Posted August 15, 2014 Good luck, he sounds like a challenge! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*kirty* Posted August 15, 2014 Author Share Posted August 15, 2014 Its just so frustrating. What on earth would make that woman think a BC would be a good idea??? NO dog would cope in that situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted August 15, 2014 Share Posted August 15, 2014 :) hope everyone slept .... and that today sees him a bit less hyped by the world Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbedWire Posted August 15, 2014 Share Posted August 15, 2014 Just a thought but have you considered diet. Some dogs with an allergy are hyperactive. Good luck with it all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*kirty* Posted August 16, 2014 Author Share Posted August 16, 2014 Success! He slept through the night, on my bed. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulesP Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 if you have heating on inside your house he might be hot too. Mine will get quite panty and restless if they are too warm. Poppy was panting away last night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 Success! He slept through the night, on my bed. :) :) he has to wear out at some stage! His nervous system has been SO bombarded !! :) we do need photos you realise ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC Crazy Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 This poor boy... what a sad existence this fella has had thus far... this goes way beyond cruel to treat such an intelligent dog this way. Heart breaking to read his story. So very sad Thank you kirty for taking this BC on. This is by no means going to be a walk in the park. There is so much repair work to do. Thunder Shirt, Dap spray used on his bedding nightly & spray on his collar several times a day. Behave paste 2mg daily. These are some things I use & had success with. Feed him in a Kong if you can. Meaty bones are also good as it releases tension as dogs carry a lot of tension in their jaws & gives them something to do. Very short training sessions several times a day. Walking is also excellent for an anxious dog to release tension. He needs to be given stuff that makes him think to help change his current mind set. I will go through my notes from my Vet/Behaviorist if you like & post more stuff that maybe useful for him. Glad he slept through the night That it a huge positive first step. Would love to see him. Pic's would be lovely :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*kirty* Posted August 16, 2014 Author Share Posted August 16, 2014 Thank you qll so much. :) I don't think he is nervous, just has all this pent up energy and its fizzing out of him. I've taken in many BCs that have boredom related behaviour but he really is something different. This week's mission will be to get him interested in toys! My dogs are trying to teach him he hasn't clicked yet. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC Crazy Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 (edited) Oh I see... not nervy then.... Big bonus that is. sorry I misunderstood Yes to toys. Hopefully he will come around to those. My girl wasn't really toy orientated at all but I just dragged out every variety of toy possible out of the toy box & persistence paid off. She is now a toy addict :laugh: Nothing noisy at first. Different exterior textures, fluffy, rubber & plastic. Kibble in an empty plastic milk bottle & anything in between. Balls as well, tennis/rubber/fluffy & different sizes if possible. Watching the others dogs with their toys will be so much encouragement for him. Please ignore if you are already aware as you have rescued previously. Can't wait to hear the news when he realizes how to play with them... very happy times ahead I feel for him thanks to you kirty Edited August 16, 2014 by BC Crazy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louise6616 Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 i have a "large" thubdershirt. if it will fit, happy to pop in the post to you :) good luck! and thank god you saved this dog! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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