My dog is so loving and seaks attention alot, but for instance if im laid on the sofa and he comes up and puts his front paws on me and tries to get up (he never jumps up he likes to be picked up) i goto pick him up and he lets off a really nasty growl, he is fine most of the time its just now and again , also if me or my partner are stood up and move our arm or leg for instance he will snap out. he also does not like going out for walks if we show his lead he puts his ears down his tail goes between his legs and he looks at us so sad or starts shaking. he also sleeps all day and has collapsed twice, once on a walk and once in the house we have ongoing tests with the vets now but if anyone has or had any simaler problems pleae let me know. I think he must of had a bad past as we got him when he was 12 - 14 weeks old but i cant be sure.(hes male). any answers would be greatly appreciated thanks Nick.
2007-02-03 10:36:15 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Let me start by saying Bull Terriers are ADORABLE!
How old is your dog? Regardless of his past a dog reacts in the moment. You need to obtain leadership of your pack.
Firstly, I would try the NILIF (Nothing in life is free) method with him. It may make you feel bad not to snuggle him every moment but know that it is the best thing for your dog. Additionally, enroll him in obedience classes... he needs work and he needs to work with you! Bull Terriers are wonderful dog, but are high energy and pent up energy (both mentally and physically) can cause behavioral problems. Giving him a task to work at, and recieve praise from you is a great way to build a trusting relationship based on respect and love with your dog. This is why taking up classes and sports are so great for dog and owner.
Where did you get this dog? If it's from a pet store (aka puppy mill) that may be your answer for the health problems. This can also be playing a major role in his behavior. He may be in pain, or scared because of the way he is feeling... though this behavior is dangerous and still not acceptable.
Try doing some research on his health issues- that is how I diagnosed my dog. If I didn't take it into my own hands he'd most likely be dead. Also feel free to visit our forums (www.IHeartPaws.com/forums) as we have an on-site vet that can give you her opinion on his health and on-site trainers to help with behavior.
Good luck - I'm crossing my fingers for you!
2007-02-03 10:48:39 · answer #1 · answered by Angeleyes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a groomer, I groomer this little Eskamo Spitz on a regular basis. He was known for his bad temperment and was muzzled before he even walked into the Vet Clinic. Well, the dog and I had a few battles but it was on my turff, so I always won. He'd snarl during the brushing and turn and nip, any way we come to an understanding.
He was brought in with a cough. I ask the owner about it and he just waved it off and I started brushing him and his cough kept getting worse. I called the owner and had him meet me at the Vets office. The Vet ran a few tests, Xrayed him but while all this was being done the dog colasped. By that time the owner was there and I had to get back to finish the dogs I had left. Later I went back to the clinic and both the dog and owner were still there but the dog was still laying there, alive but out of it. The Vet got out book, after book to see if there was anything like this to make a diagnoses. She found something that matched all the symtoms, a very rare disease & usually ended in death.
She said that it was so rare that I would never see it again and that there were only a hand full of the disease occurances.
2007-02-03 11:07:58 · answer #2 · answered by bluebonnetgranny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you reach down to pick him up you are probably grabbing him on a tender spot and it hurts. That is why he is snapping. It is a reflex reaction if you grab them wrong. All dogs do that.
Sounds like he has something wrong with his heart. Maybe has heart worms. Could cause him to get overly tired and not like to go out. Can also account for his collapsing.
2007-02-03 10:44:21 · answer #3 · answered by JUAN FRAN$$$ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It probably is because of his past, call up his previous owners and ask if they had anything to do with this. It could just be because he is worried you'll stop giving him attention, when he was younger he could've been the runt, and partially abandoned by his mother, or his sibilings could have been mean to him
2007-02-03 10:42:18 · answer #4 · answered by cyanosis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like he has some sort of pain somewhere,,, enlist in the help of an animal behaviorist once you have ruled out health issues..... is he from puppymill or backyard breeder?? if he is from a reputable breeder - go visit with the breeder... they will help you if not,,, you probably are experiencing the after math of a poorly bred animal,,,, sad
2007-02-03 10:46:44 · answer #5 · answered by AUSSIEMOM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋