My dog has gone psycho?

Question

I have just about had my last straw with my 8 year old dog. we adopted him at 6 years of age and he brought a lot of behavioral baggage with him. he is very needy, whiny and hates being put outside for any length of time. i have been told to ignore his whining and do not give him eye contact when he starts acting up. but that's not working anymore. he has gotten increasingly worse and when i completely ignore his bad behavior, he goes crazy and throws himself against the glass door. he is going to kill himself or break our house down at this rate. any tips?

Answer 1

I just gave a similar answer to another person...I hate to sound like a cult member or broken record, but my 2 yr. old dachshund has proven me wrong.

Go out and buy Cesar Milan's book about dogs or rent the 1st season of Dog Whisperer. There's TONS of useful information on this very topic and could do you and your dog tons of help.
Dogs are dogs and applying human psychology to dogs just doesn't work. You're dog is unbalanced and in desperate need of "pack leader intervention."

I would start by taking your dog for long walks, at least 30 minutes in the morning and at night until he's just plain pooped out. Allow him to take in the smells and noises but be in control of the walk. He should walk by your side or slightly behind you--this establishes yourself as the pack leader and that's what he needs, leadership.

But it sounds like you need professional help so you may have to seek it out.

Answer 2

When you adopted him did he go through a dog cell program for training? If not maybe you need to look into professional assistance. Your vet may be of some help so I would give them a call and let them know what is going on. Was he abandoned? Was he abused? When taking in a special needs dog you really have to be prepared, they do require more time and energy and money than others. A trainer could talk and walk you through the right steps for your dog. Are you giving him lots of love and attention? Is he alone alot?

Answer 3

Have you called the vet and ask for input on that behavior?That may be why he was given up in the first place.If he's a big dog, he can break the glass and get hurt.I would call and get more input, then if nothing comes of it, return that nightmare.It is not good for you to have to worry about the dog,you've put up with it for 2 years, more than I would.......

Answer 4

Consult with a dog behaviorist. You can find them at vet schools and also at some SPCAs. They will help you learn how to best deal with his behavior issues. (This sounds like classic separation anxiety.)

Answer 5

You could call your vet and get him some ClomiCalm (generic is Clomiprimine). It is kind of like a doggy prozac, but it isn't too horribly expensive. Also, I would try calling a dog behaviorist, not just a trainer, and see if they can help you.

Answer 6

Try taking him to the vet to see if medication can help. As added benefit, try signing him up for some obedience classes.

Answer 7

You need to give him eye contact when telling him "NO". Whomever told you not to is misinformed. If you don't look him in the eye he thinks he's in charge, that he's alpha. Ignore his negative behavior, praise him when he does well. Other than that contact an animal behaviorist. Good Luck!!

Answer 8

my dog is the same way, but unfortunately...........im not sure how to stop bad behavior. sorry.

Answer 9

you can take him to the vet and they can prescribe downers

Answer 10

take him to the VET!!