Need help! Dog licking himself constantly..Please read details?

Question

I took him to the vet already. Vet suggested food allergy, wanted to put him on medication and food at $2.50 a pound. We can't afford all that. Here's the thing. I've been doing some research, and I think he's bored/having separation anxiety/depressed. I want to teach him to play, but he's very skittish (he's a shelter dog w/o a history) and he's too rough, he paws at me and scratches me up with his claws. He scares my 2 year old daughter. How do I teach him to play gently. He won't touch a toy or put his mouth on anything other than himself or a bone. What kinds of games can I play with him? He's big 85 pounds... we got him for my hubby, but he works all the time so I want to be able to play with him, but all I know is fetch.

Answer 1

I agree hes bored. My pup acts this way 2. The only thing 2 do is 2 hang out with it more. Then he'll 4get his habit and grow 2 u.

Answer 2

Thank you for adopting a shelter dog!! It's hard at first, I know, but it's worth it in the long run. Our dog came from a shelter and didn't know how to play, live in a house, or even interact with people. Try obedience classes.... Puppy classes if you have to. They might be a little expensive, but if you find a good trainer, classes are invaluable to an inexperienced owner.
You could try to entice him to play with food-oriented toys, like putting some biscuits in a Kong toy or peanut butter on some other toys. These are great distraction tools. You could teach the dog other tricks like shaking paws, rolling over, speak, and come up with other little tricks to give him something to do.
It might be food allergies. A lot of purebred dogs are allergic to wheat products, and fortunately a lot more products are available now that are wheat-free. I'm certain that if you do a little homework, you can find a food less expensive that will take care of any allergy issues. Try solutions for separation anxiety first.
There's a product out there called DAP, sometimes sold as "Comfort Zone" that has a pheromone in it that supposedly helps separation anxiety. I've heard mixed reactions on its efficacy, but it might be worth a shot.
Goos luck!

Answer 3

I would follow the vets advice with switching food. Here are some good ones: Canidae, Eagle Pack, Flint River Ranch, Innova, Solid Gold, Old Mother Hubbard, Timberwolf Organics. Remember, by spending more on any of these food, you are not only helping your dog, but you will also be feeding less, as they have no fillers or by-products...they are more healthy for the dog. He will consume less because he is getting more nutrients and absorbing those nutrients. You WILL notice a HUGE change in his coat and health within 2 weeks!! Another good food is Nutro. Don't let the price scare you, the dog really will eat less because he needs less!

Answer 4

Our dog likes his self constantly too. Around the genital area you should check for any rashes or what may look like scabs. It's weird I know. But our's has that, and the vets didn't know.

And you should get dog training at petco which isn't the cheapest thing in the world. But it's the best when you have a young one 10 and under. thank you for sharing!
Good luck!

Answer 5

try Febreze spray it on the settee & the canine, it is secure for animals. additionally Use Tide laundry detergent with Febreze,for the pets bedding. Febreze additionally makes a air freshner which you will plug into the wall. I surely have 3 interior canine & 2 cats,human beings are continually asking what i exploit.

Answer 6

just tell him off