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I'm going to start this by saying, if you are experienced with problem dogs and have any advice you could share to help in fixing him it would be greatly appreciated! so just under 3 years ago, we got a new dog! His name is Eli, he's Black and Tan, and we think he's a German Shepherd. Actually he could be mixed with anything, we have suspicions about 1 or two breeds but we've yet to get a genetic test. In the house he is the SWEETEST little (big) guy you could imagine, and ridiculously smart. He self trained as a medication alert dog, opens doors for the cats and himself, despite never being taught how, can open cupboards, sits at the dining table. Honestly, wicked smart. He's also very big, even for his breed. GSD males are meant to be about 26inches tall and 30-40kg, well he's 30 inches tall and nearly 50kg, while being very lean. He's very very cuddly, very obedient, the perfect dog. Until you go outside. He is terrified of his own shadow, and he acts personally attacked by everything, so much so he now has a fear so strong of other dogs that it is completely ruining him. He's on 40mg of Prozac a day with absolutely no difference at all and we jsut don't know how to solve this problem!!! He doesn't care about treats, he doesn't know how to play, he's not very bothered about verbal or physical praise, he doesn't care about anything he's jsut terrified all the time and it's heart breaking, he's so perfect but his fear is turning into aggression. It's probably useful to mention that it can be assumed that he was abused before we got him, he's also very scared of men as a result, and is scared of people holding things, no matter what it is, but carrier bags are the worst for him. its just disheartening to see such a beautiful, loving dog turn into the snapping snarling mess whenever he's confronted with another dog. I'm lost, and I don't know what to do, we've gone through every kind of training I can think of, 3 different anti depressants, avoiding dogs, flooding him, radical introduction, distraction. Nothing is working ps: I've had GSD all my life, so it's not like I've over dogged myself |
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I had a dog like that. She came from a rescue and I don't know much about her history, but it was apparent she was abused at some point. She was terrified of everything and everybody. She had tremendous anxiety when I walked her. I had to let her approach me in the house because she was scared of me also. Everything had to be done on her terms or she wasn't doing it. Eventually she became used to me, and a few other people and was comfortable inside. When she wasn't comfortable she went to her safe space which was under the bed. I realized it was no good to try to train her to go for walks, or go places, or to do anything really. I just let her live her life on her terms. I had another dog, so she had a companion. And I have a dog door, so she went into the backyard when she felt like it. But really, I just let her live her best life, as damaged as she was. I don't know if this story helps at all. Just thought I would share. |
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Cadence Farms said:
I had a dog like that. She came from a rescue and I don't know much about her history, but it was apparent she was abused at some point. She was terrified of everything and everybody. She had tremendous anxiety when I walked her. I had to let her approach me in the house because she was scared of me also. Everything had to be done on her terms or she wasn't doing it. Eventually she became used to me, and a few other people and was comfortable inside. When she wasn't comfortable she went to her safe space which was under the bed. I realized it was no good to try to train her to go for walks, or go places, or to do anything really. I just let her live her life on her terms. I had another dog, so she had a companion. And I have a dog door, so she went into the backyard when she felt like it. But really, I just let her live her best life, as damaged as she was. I don't know if this story helps at all. Just thought I would share.
To be honest, I think this is the next step for him it's to stop trying to train it out of him, and just to let him live his life, Thankyou for sharing <3 |
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Also, for treats, try cheese. Dogs seem to love cheese, and I hope he'll get over his anxiety soon! |
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Sunny
