Pet Peeve (pun intended) Vent-Advice

melaniedel · February 2011

Okay, so now that I am a full-time student I am home more during the day. We had a lab-pit mix that basically barks at everything. When the same people who are walking their dogs down the street the dog barks...all day. This is not a woof woof. This is the loudest, deepest, most ferocious bark you have ever heard and it echos through our entire house. It startled me constantly and I just can't take it anymore. I keep thinking what happens whens the baby is born? Regardless, I can't handle it now. She is not trained well (my H had her well before I came along). She does not listen. She is so awnry, and if you tell you to go upstairs she'll throw herself on the ground (like a child throwing a tantrum). She is not allowed in the kitchen and of course she comes in anyway. Yesterday, she threw herself on the ground as if to stay I'm not leaving the kitchen. I was fed up and was going to pull her out (like we have done) and her head flipped around and she tried to nip me. This is the first time this has ever happened and her teeth didn't touch my skin, but it scared me and now I do not even want to look at her. I just can't stand her right now. She is about 8 or 9 years old. Is it possible to teach an old dog new tricks? Has anyone trained a dog this old successfully (even professionally). The worst part is my H acted like he didn't even believe me....like his dog would never do that. We just got ina big fight over it and I know this stress is not good for the baby. Ugh....any advice? I do not want to feel this way about the dog forever, but can't take the behavior and do not want to go near her right now bc of her nip reaction. Now, of course I worry about when the family comes.

catahoulatte · February 2011

It's never too late to take a dog to a good trainer/behaviorist. I would find one in your area asap. I know that ours actually has a class specifically for older dogs ( I think it's either 3 and up or 4 and up). I'd be mad if I were you, too, since she was allowed to act that way before you came along.

GL! I'm not sure what area you're in, but our trainer (who has saved my sanity) may know of someone good if you are near the DC area.

snoopy3319 · February 2011

She nipped because you pulled on her. Dogs have natural reactions, and when they're being pulled or tugged on, they're going to react to it, especially when she was all cozy on the floor. The fact she didn't get you with her teeth means she was just giving a warning and would probably not actually hurt you. It's like when a dog growls. They're not looking to bite, but they're going to give you the warning that they might.

You can always teach a dog new tricks. It sounds like you're frustrated, which is the worst way to try and train a dog. You need to remain calm and be ultra patient, especially with an old dog. The dog is able to sense when you're frustrated, just like when you're scared. If you remain calm, so will the dog. Check into a trainer, and even a behaviorist will be beneficial. There's a program you can read about online called NILIF. I find it works best on the most hyper dogs. The pets board is a good place to go for help.

melaniedel · February 2011

CatahoulaMom:

It's never too late to take a dog to a good trainer/behaviorist. I would find one in your area asap. I know that ours actually has a class specifically for older dogs ( I think it's either 3 and up or 4 and up). I'd be mad if I were you, too, since she was allowed to act that way before you came along.

GL! I'm not sure what area you're in, but our trainer (who has saved my sanity) may know of someone good if you are near the DC area.

Thank you. In the Long Island area, but thanks. I will look into a program that specialized in older dogs. I am going to look right now, haha.

danni914 · February 2011

You can always train a dog no matter what age. It just really takes patience. Also I find that mine behaves 10xs better when he is well exercised. Walking with them and draining their energy makes a HUGE difference. Good Luck Smile

SarahPLiz · February 2011

You can always train an animal. Training is key to a happy life with them. If you don't train them, then you get resentful of them and want to abandon them or give them away. Remember that lack of training is not the dog's fault, so don't get mad at them.

melaniedel · February 2011

SarahPLiz:
You can always train an animal. Training is key to a happy life with them. If you don't train them, then you get resentful of them and want to abandon them or give them away. Remember that lack of training is not the dog's fault, so don't get mad at them.

That's true. Thanks. Thanks for the great advice everyone.

ElectoRed · February 2011

There is this ad that I keep on my bulletin board from a magazine. I think it's for carpet or something, but the heading says "Because you married FIDO too" and it has a dog laying on the coach and some plant knocked over on the carpet.

Have the dog trained. It's easier when they are younger but that doesn't mean you can't work with them. I didn't come from a family with dogs, but my DH does. We have two dogs and a cat. The puppy is bigger than our older dog. But the puppy knows what I will tolerate and she's different with me than with DH. I'm okay with that so long as she minds.

With the barking - I work from home so I can't have them barking in the background. So I put them on the backporch. But any other time I like it - they are like doorbells. I know when someone has pulled up before they get to the house.

crystal959 · February 2011

I know I'm going to get flamed for being an animal hater or something but this is how I feel.

Growing up I had two dogs. A Pembroke Wesh Corgi (Cody) and a Pomeranian (Buster) No matter what we did they never bit, bared their teeth, or nipped at us. Let me make it clear that both of these dogs adore(d) me (Cody passed away at age 15 when I was 20) and Buster still behaves better when he is with me than with my parents, and I haven't lived with them in almost 5 years.

I have no patience for dogs that do those things. My MILs dog is lovable to them, hates me, bares his teeth constantly at me, and has snapped/nipped my daughter on numerous occasions. I refuse to watch him alone or leave my daughter alone with him, I do not trust him.

I really don't have any advice for you other than really having a conversation with your DH about it. You'll be the one with it the most and if it doesn't listen to you/doesn't like you that is a difficult situation. Your DH should care, in my opinion, more about you and your child than a dog.

Growing up I loved dogs and I still love going to pet stores to play with puppies, but because of my MILs dog and my coworkers ranting about their "fur babies" I feel like I hate dogs now. It sometimes upsets me, but because of those feelings I will never own a dog now.

melaniedel · February 2011

cadegani:

I know I'm going to get flamed for being an animal hater or something but this is how I feel.

Growing up I had two dogs. A Pembroke Wesh Corgi (Cody) and a Pomeranian (Buster) No matter what we did they never bit, bared their teeth, or nipped at us. Let me make it clear that both of these dogs adore(d) me (Cody passed away at age 15 when I was 20) and Buster still behaves better when he is with me than with my parents, and I haven't lived with them in almost 5 years.

I have no patience for dogs that do those things. My MILs dog is lovable to them, hates me, bares his teeth constantly at me, and has snapped/nipped my daughter on numerous occasions. I refuse to watch him alone or leave my daughter alone with him, I do not trust him.

I really don't have any advice for you other than really having a conversation with your DH about it. You'll be the one with it the most and if it doesn't listen to you/doesn't like you that is a difficult situation. Your DH should care, in my opinion, more about you and your child than a dog.

Growing up I loved dogs and I still love going to pet stores to play with puppies, but because of my MILs dog and my coworkers ranting about their "fur babies" I feel like I hate dogs now. It sometimes upsets me, but because of those feelings I will never own a dog now.

I grew up with dogs (pugs) and they never nipped at me or showed me their teeth. We were kids, too so of course we probably dorve the dogs nuts. I do not think I caused the dog to nip at me by pulling the collar. She should have control and tolerance, but like I said she is NOT trained. Ugh, yes H just was afraid I was looking to get rid of her...of course I don't if she can be trained now somehow and would try. I just can't go on tolerating her behavior so I guess all of this needed to happen. I still need sometime before I go around her. I used to LOVE dogs before her. I'm hoping she can be trained and I learn to tolerate and love her again soon.

MrsCase1 · February 2011

i'm with you. this is entirely unacceptable pet behavior. i think training is worth a try but if it doesnt work you are well within your rights to tell him the dog needs to go. our dog breeder told us that some dogs don't age with grace. sometimes their personalities change just the way a human's would. she might do better in a home where she is the center of attention, or can run on a lot of property to get out her aggression, etc. im not about to stereotype your breed but maybe some of the behavioral stuff is tied to it? a lot of the labs i have known have had big mouths. they're the canine equivalent of a comic-they love to hear themselves speak! ha! and sometimes pits can be bred to be aggressive. good luck! you cant live in fear in your own home. nipping is not ok! my heart goes out to you because i know we all love our pets!

poppy33 · February 2011

You and your DH need to train the dog and be consistant about it. If you are not consistant it will never work. There have already been lots of great posts about how to do it. The dog will change but both of you have to be willing to put in the work. Exercise too - is the dog getting enough?

The reality is the dog has been allowed to do this all along because of lack of training so don't expect any changes overnight. It takes time and patience - and believe me it's not always easy but it's worth it in the end.

Also check out the babies and beast blog (easy to find on a goodle search) for great tips on helping your dog adjust to the upcoming changes in your house with baby coming.

If the dog wanted to bite you, it would have - it was warning you which is what you want. A PP mentioned that they sense when you are frustrated and it's completely true.

melaniedel · February 2011

Thank you ladies so much for all of your great advice. The August Mommies rock

melaniedel · February 2011

Mrs Case:
i'm with you. this is entirely unacceptable pet behavior. i think training is worth a try but if it doesnt work you are well within your rights to tell him the dog needs to go. our dog breeder told us that some dogs don't age with grace. sometimes their personalities change just the way a human's would. she might do better in a home where she is the center of attention, or can run on a lot of property to get out her aggression, etc. im not about to stereotype your breed but maybe some of the behavioral stuff is tied to it? a lot of the labs i have known have had big mouths. they're the canine equivalent of a comic-they love to hear themselves speak! ha! and sometimes pits can be bred to be aggressive. good luck! you cant live in fear in your own home. nipping is not ok! my heart goes out to you because i know we all love our pets!

Haha, this is totally our dog. She is an alpha female, big mouth who likes to be the center of attention. You called it alright!

Ryan&Kristin062009 · February 2011

I would hire a trainer to come to your house. I think its absolutely possible to get this dog into shape before baby comes. Don't bother with Petco or any sort of class like that. Been there doe that, those classes are good for puppy "training" and teaching tricks and thats about it. For REAL behavioral issues see a professional and we loved the in home ones or the one or one at a training facility that we have done in the past. I'd go with a choke collar and/or e-collar. They work wonders and everyone is happier that way!

braids · February 2011

OP: I'm in Brooklyn, and we've used the same trainer for 2 different dogs. google Give Paw Dog Training. I don't think she'll go to LI, but maybe you can tell her she was recommended and she if she can recommend someone in your area. She was really great-- reward based, not punishment based. In-home, one on one dog training is the way to go. good luck!

MissMommyMac · February 2011

She is still trainable as long as both you and your DH work with her. Also she may sense your irritation and dislike for her so she acts out towards you because of it. Her nipping at you is not uncommon either since you were trying to "pull her out", and if she had meant to bite you she would have. I would just suggest you and your DH working with a trainer with your dog together.

Brilanea · February 2011

snoopy3319:
She nipped because you pulled on her. Dogs have natural reactions, and when they're being pulled or tugged on, they're going to react to it, especially when she was all cozy on the floor. The fact she didn't get you with her teeth means she was just giving a warning and would probably not actually hurt you. It's like when a dog growls. They're not looking to bite, but they're going to give you the warning that they might.

I'm sorry but a pet dog should never bite at its "master." That is 100% unacceptable behavior and needs to be corrected immediately.

I have 2 very large dogs now & have had various breeds of dogs my whole life and never once has that been tolerated. It's really something you should curb when the dog is a puppy but it is never too late!

As others have said, find a "real" training program in your area (not Petsmart/Petco) & get enrolled now. If BOTH you & your husband are consistent with the training and behavior modification then it will improve & become a non-issue.

Good luck getting your DH on board!