My dog is a 2 year old Rat Terrier who was bought from a pet store. He has always been anxious around people, but now that I've moved to the Bronx I notice it even more. I can't walk down a street with people on it without him pulling until he can't breath. He has been through a training program and listens very well, but when people are around all of his training is lost. He can't over come his anxiety. He also has some OCD issues. I've thought of medicating him, but I'm not sure if that is the way to go. Just wondering if anyone has had this problem before.
2006-12-15 08:33:40 · 9 answers · asked by Erie 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
stop hitting him
2006-12-15 08:43:11 · answer #1 · answered by mr_ignorant2000 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Yes I have had this issue with a pet. regardless of training needs to be taken to a puppy or dog social class this will teach him to properly interact with humans and other animals in a much more passive way, yet without fear. medicating him for the few classes may be an option till he better adjusts yet there are alternate ways such as dog meditation you can get the DVD also dog and owner yoga again on DVD. try also to massage him this will help to relive his tension when he enters a compromising environment. You can get mild sedatives from your vet that are non addictive are meant for short term use of 2 weeks to a month and do not have adverse side effects as he is only a small dog he honestly will not have a large amount of meds in his system anyway.
Alternatively try to socialise him gradually this will take time. Head away from the busy streets possibly in another part of town where there will be a little less disruption then gradually build the amount of noise people and other animals he has around him. Calling the vet may also be of good use and see if they run any programs for his problem or can out you in to contact with someone who will.
2006-12-15 17:07:17 · answer #2 · answered by Bree 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A Rattie!!! I have a Rat mix (? I think - he may be all Rat) and he is no fan of city noise and buses. Well, you have to take them out for walks here in NYC so it's hard to avoid going out in the street. It's also really tiring to have to tell people "Please don't touch my dog"; they usually won't listen. Bring along amazing treats with you on your walks (start with liver, chicken, cheese - anything that's irresistible to your dog) and be sure to be far enough away from the thing that's stressing him that he'll be able to take the treat. You will need to repeat this a lot, so have patience with him. Also, when you have visitors, ask them to please not stare at the dog. When people ignore him, he will feel more confident about being around them. Again, it will be hard for visitors to understand this, but tell them what you're trying to do. Give your guests treats for the dog, or if he won't take them, throw the treats to an area in the room where he can.
That OCD issue wouldn't have anything to do with a laser pointer, would it? ;)
2006-12-15 16:48:23 · answer #3 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
First of all shame on you for buying a pet from a pet store as you have no idea where they came from. But I know they are cute and most people have good intentions when they buy them.
For the anxiety thing, I would gradually get him used to being around other people on a very small scale at first. Maybe take him in the car for a short ride. Then after he does well with that, take him to a park with other people but at a distance from them. Or have one friend come over for a short visit, occasionally to get him used to others being around and if he gets used to that one friend being there and does OK then have that fried bring someone over for a very short visit. Gradually getting your dog used to being around others after they have learned trust. That is the issue, they may have been mistreated in the past and don't trust others. We have a Sheltie that we think has been mistreated, and it has been a year and she is just now beginning to come around. someone new comes in and she is real nervous, but when she learns to trust them and finds out they are not going to hurt her then she gets more relaxed.
2006-12-15 17:13:42 · answer #4 · answered by samncorbin 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
when there are other people around tell him one of the commands he knows like 'sit' and 'stay'
we had this problem with our german sheperd trying to run away if he saw any one that looked intimidating.
when they are scared it is important that you don't give them any attention. dogs do anything for attention, you petting your dog is better that a treat, you should only pet them when they are being good, don't even try to comfort him when a stranger passes and he is scared. tell him to sit. and make sure he stays sitting until the stranger has passed. if he does well then you can pet him and give him lots of praise. the main goal is not for you to teach him not to be scared, your goal is for him to listen to you when other people are around. and eventually it will not be so scary because he will know that all he has to do is listen and no harm will come to him
2006-12-15 17:01:20 · answer #5 · answered by unknown 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My dog is the same way, exactly. If I notice hes having issues with someone who comes over the house I have that person give him a treat and eventually he eases into them.
2006-12-15 18:00:42 · answer #6 · answered by KMRP 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Have you ever heard of the "Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan". He is wonderful and I thought you might like to have his link: http://dogpsychologycenter.com/ - He has his own TV show, if you like to see how well he interacts with dogs, check your local listing for his show. His methods have helped me with my three dogs and I am happy to watch his show and keep learning more, too. I have seen episodes with your kind of problem and find that this can be resolved...check out his website!
Happy Paws!
Dawn
2006-12-15 16:56:31 · answer #7 · answered by dearestdawnte 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
u should have ur dog be around people until he gets used to it
2006-12-15 17:42:55 · answer #8 · answered by lil star 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would talk to a trainer about this and maybe even consult a vet.
2006-12-15 16:37:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋