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| Need advice from people more qualified than me!; My GSD | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: 8 Jul 2013, 11:20 PM (865 Views) | |
| GSDmomma | 8 Jul 2013, 11:20 PM Post #1 |
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Newbie
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Hello Everyone, I wrote on here two months ago (see below) but sadly didn't get any advice. The situation has now changed for the worse and I am at a loss as what to do. Friends and dog breeder friends say to re-home Missy. The current problem is much the same as before but is that we have now introduced a second cocker spaniel puppy into our family. Basically we have had three dogs for many years. Missy lived with our two long-haired chihuahuas with no problesm. This new cocker is now 12wks old and Missy seemed to accept the pup very easily. The pup quickly realised the 'pecking order' and has been submissive to Missy. The pup is very feisty but friendly with the other cocker and everything seemed fine for the first 3.5wks. Two night ago Missy set about the pup when family members walked into the house, unexpectedly, and they all wanted to be first to great the people. The pup got away from her but Missy went back and set on her again. The pup had a cut to her head and was very shaken. She has since recovered but is very nervous when she see Missy. We have had to keep them separate; efforts to put them together only seem to 'wind' Missy up and upset the pup. The other cocker (1yr old) seems very laid back and doesn't get involved (he is a male, they are both females). The two cockers are very friendly to each other and have fast become good pals. Because we already have grandchildren and another on the way, all of whom we will be baby-sitting for a couple of days every week, I don't see any option other than to re-home Missy (the alternative I daren't think about). I feel she is a liability; I don't want a repeat of the other night if it was one of the children who got in the way. Please can someone advice? Many thanks. (I've added a lovely picture of Missy so everyone can see what a lovely looking girl she is. Taken July 2013). Original Message: July 2013 I haven't been on here since 2008 but would appreciate some advice/constructive opinions. I have a nearly 7rs old GSD, female. We have just returned from a caravan holiday where we have encountered issues. She has been on caravan holidays with us in the past; she has never liked people/animals she can see from the van and has a very loud bark. We have had issues with her barking in the car at dogs/people/horses outside the car but tried to ignore this rather than making an issue about it. She has been anxious whenever she sees a dog off the lead when she is on one (even on caravan sites, where its mandatory to be on lead! some owners disregard this thinking their dogs are angels, not realising the tension it puts in the other dog who's on the lead!) A couple of years ago we went to a site on the Anglesey and were put at the bottom of the site and had to go past every other dog on the site and she became very distraught and anxious which spoilt the holiday for us all. Our two chihuahuas didn't bother at all and were very chilled (they were older than her). My issue now is that because we had to put her on a lead in our awning this weekend, she became anxious when our grand-daughter past by her and snarled as if to warn the child to stay away; it was quite threatening. Once it happened the first time we were on alert and it became a stressful weekend, balancing care for the child and the dog. We also noticed that in low light at dust she also growled if we moved about the awning (its possible her eyesight is fading? I'm not sure whether we can help her with this?). She was aggressive toward our new 10mth old cocker spaniel puppy, (they were both on leads in the awning). At home they get along quite well and she puts him in his place (as a mother figure, if he over-steps the mark!). In the caravan we tried to keep them as far from each other as was possible once we realised she felt threatened. Obviously she was anxious being on the lead but used to accept this in the past. I realise my responsibility as an dog owner but I ultimately know that my family/grandchild(ren) comes first and foremost. We have another grandchild due later in the year too. Our GSD is a sweet girl generally but does have issues re other dogs and when on a lead either as a restraint ie in the awning, or going for a walk. Would anyone recommend a 'boot camp' or something similar to release the anxiety/tension she obviously has. We don't feel qualified to deal with this situation even though we've had dogs all our married life (32yrs) and all have lived to old age. One major problem which won't help her is that she is too strong for me to walk her; a few times she has pulled me over and now I don't feel confident to walk her. My husband has had two major heart operations since we got her, and he is limited in how much he can walk her. We do realise that because of these things she probably hasn't been 'socialised' adequately in the past. We had 'rescued' her from one of our children who found he wasn't able to give her the attention she needed when she was only a puppy as he hadn't fully appreciated how much time a dog takes and he works full-time; we've had dogs all our married life and have never had an issue with any previous/or our current puppy dog. I want to do what's best for our GSD. Can anyone advise me? Many thanks. (Currently as I write this, she and our cocker spaniel puppy are both fast asleep together on the other settee, 'happy as larry' as though they haven't a care in the world!) Edited by GSDmomma, 19 Sep 2013, 02:45 PM.
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| GSDmomma | 19 Sep 2013, 02:49 PM Post #2 |
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Newbie
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Sorry had to reply to myself just to get this as a current topic. Hope someone will read and advise me. |
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| Pamela | 19 Sep 2013, 06:00 PM Post #3 |
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Sorry to hear your having problems ...Im not a trainer or qualified in anyway but ... My personal opinion is , unless I had 2 grounded dogs I wouldnt be getting a third dog ... It seems you had many problems before you got the puppy with lead walking etc .. sadly if you dont put the time in you wont get results there are lots of lead & collars that would help with walking on a lead and controlling your dog . I dont know where you got Missy from , but if shes a rescue dog please inform the rescue you are thinking of rehoming her , because normally rescues have the dogs back ... I personally take a dog on for life whatever its issues ....I would be taking the puppy back & keeping Missy Maybe for future holidays but the dog in kennels so she doesnt spoil your holiday ... Good luck , whatever you deceide |
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| Malismum | 19 Sep 2013, 06:04 PM Post #4 |
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GSD Lover
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| deanna | 19 Sep 2013, 07:25 PM Post #5 |
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deanna
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Sorry, but I would never have two bitches together! I agree with Malismum, I would keep Missy and re-home your pup. Missy obviously feels overlooked and threatened by the new pup and your body language could possibly play a part in this. Everyone makes a great fuss of a new pup and Missy may now feel 'second best' I am not a dog trainer, so I may be totally wrong, but that is how I see it. A chat with your Vet, on behavioural problems, might help you , |
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| pangolin | 19 Sep 2013, 07:45 PM Post #6 |
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GSD Addict
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It might be worth a vet trip for Missy to see if there's any underlying health issues that may be contributing to her behaviour. Stiffness or soreness could be making her more likely to react to other dogs, hypothyroidism can cause anxiety, etc. After that, I would get a good behaviourist in to visit you in your home - to watch yours and the dogs' behaviour and identify triggers and 'flash ponts' - http://www.apbc.org.uk |
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| Patlucky | 19 Sep 2013, 08:25 PM Post #7 |
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Would like to stay in bed like the other Pat does
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Sorry to hear about your problems. Can I ask why oh why would you get rid of Missy. Missy I take it has been with you six years and gets on with the older Spaniel. Sorry to say but I think if you cannot handle three dogs why not find the cocker a home.(last cocker in that is) I have always had German shepherds and they are wonderful . However all dogs need boundary's as do children. A very stern NO is a very good word when they are not being good. My daughter has a cocker spaniel that stays here a few times a week. Cockers do not listen most of the time. I have to say personally I would trust a GSD more so than a cocker. Sorry to rant on but think carefully before you take it out on Missy.
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| Patlucky | 19 Sep 2013, 08:29 PM Post #8 |
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Would like to stay in bed like the other Pat does
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PS I have always had two females together. However I was told once two females will fight to the death. Mind always had a GSD plus a Labrador. Plus I was always top dog so to speak. Good luck but please do not let Missy go just like that,
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| niccola99 | 20 Sep 2013, 12:07 AM Post #9 |
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Niccola
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I feel that Missy has become very territorial and protective. It would seem that she always was with her 'guarding' the car while she is in it etc. This has become worse as she is not being socialised or exercised enough. Because of this she sees everything as a threat to herself and her family. I'd suggest getting a trainer for her so she can learn the basics again, like the fact that she is not the pack leader as she seems to think, and that you and your husband are. It is possible for her to improve greatly. You really need to watch the body language between the dogs. It is normal for dogs to go at puppies if they feel they have overstepped the boundaries. My 2 year old does it to my 11week old quite often. If the first telling off doesn't work she will go for her again. It can be scary at times if you don't see it coming but there is generally a reason for it. Like the puppy trying to greet Missy's 'visitors' before Missy. Is the puppy always hiding under furniture or with it's head low, ears down, not making eye contact? If it's not then it is not scared of Missy and there is no reason to keep them separate. Just watch them when they are together. I'm sorry if this offends you but why did you get a puppy when Missy had problems that you were aware of? Does this result in less exercise for Missy now? She would obviously be aware that the other dogs are walked more often than her. Maybe you could buy her a headcollar and get a dog walker to take her out for a couple of hours a week? I's wrong to consider rehoming Missy who you have had for years in favour of the pup you've only had a few months. |
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| GSDmomma | 20 Sep 2013, 10:15 AM Post #10 |
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Newbie
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Thank you all of you for your replies and input all of which I take on board. She is not from a rescue as such. We took her from one of our son's; he and his girl-friend bought her, couldn't cope (he admitted he'd seen us with dogs all his life and thought it was easy!), they both worked 12 hrs shifts and we felt she'd be better with us who were at home all the time and have a large house and large garden. We have had a total of eight dogs during our 32yr marriage and only one of them has not lived to old age; that one had a malformed jaw and the vet couldn't save it. Most of the time we've had two and three dogs at a time. Missy is the only one who has ever caused us concerns and I've 'trained' most of them to at least sit, stay, fetch and come back (including Missy). I admit she is not the dog of choice for me all our other dogs have been small dogs, cockers, cavies and chihuahuas, so perhaps my anxieties of her size etc doesn't help. But I took her to give her a better life than she would have had; my son admits he made a mistake. We took all three of them for a walk yesterday after I wrote on the board and let Missy and the older cocker off on a secure grassed area. They had a great romp and Missy kept coming back to check the little pup was still with me and ok not threatening at all, lots of licks and the pup was ok and lots of waggey tails. When we got back we kept all of them together with us and had no issues whatsoever. The idea of having to separate them all the time would have been a nightmare and not good for them or us we decided. As I write all three are together and you wouldn't have thought we'd had the experience we had a couple of night's ago. I really believe Missy's eyesight is not good in low level lighting and it was unfortunate we'd left the door unlocked. Normally people have to ring the bell and the dogs are aware of visitors arriving. If we feel it necessary we put the dogs in another room until the visitors are settled and then let the dogs in. The dogs seem calmer this way. I won't be taking the pup back as I'd always intended to have two cockers of similar ages. The question about having two females together I don't understand as the two chihuahuas we had were brother and sister and Missy got along with both of them. The difference was she was the pup and they were a few years old when she arrived. Our decision is that Missy can go into kennels when we caravan. She enjoys the one we have used since we got her. This will ensure my grandchildren are safe, Missy isn't stressed by the travelling or having to be tied up in the awning and we can enjoy our holiday. The pup will stay and I will train her as I have the older one (who can also sit at the kerbside now without me asking). Missy knows sit, stay, come, fetch, down, up, give paw etc. Missy will stay and also will get more exercise which as you've pointed out must be a contributing factor; certainly the older cocker who I walk regularly is more calm and stable (or grounded). My husband's health is as good as it can be and as she has slowed down I hope I can take her out myself. I will speak with our vet about Missy's eyesight and take advice re behaviour. I will certainly mention about any possible illnesses; I certainly know how hypothyroidism makes me feel! We will do our best to provide all of them with the individual time and respect they each deserve. One thing can I ask which is nothing to do with the above; can anyone recommend a really good brush or comb. I know GSD's moult constantly but always in Autumn does she have chunks coming out of her, especially in the hinds legs and ruff! As you can see from her photo she's in excellent condition but I need something to get the dead hair out. Thanks. Thank you again for your advice. Basically I think we need to adjust our behaviour and expectations of her so we can all live peacefully together. Feel free to disagree and challenge anything I've said. I appreciate your frankness and help. |
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| Patlucky | 20 Sep 2013, 10:37 AM Post #11 |
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Would like to stay in bed like the other Pat does
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I have just been reading your reply. I have to say how lovely you have taken note of all the comments.. I lost my GSD also called Missy two years ago. You just have to be the boss of all the dogs. Never use a name when telling them off just a NO or what ever. Good luck so glad you are keeping the German shepherd beautiful dogs. I have a name of a good thing to use on the dog it is a Furminator. However I am sure someone posted some cheaper ones on here. So I expect you will get more posts. Have a nice day.
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| Malismum | 20 Sep 2013, 11:01 AM Post #12 |
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GSD Lover
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I agree with Patlucky, the furminator is excellent but also quite expensive. There are simular/cheaper versions if you check ebay/amazon. To take the hard work out for yourself, and after all Missy has been through, you could spoil her with a visit to the parlour and then all you will need to do is give her a daily brushing to keep on top of it and this would also help with making her feel she is a valued member of the family as she would be getting some one on one time with you. Good luck and hopefully this is all behind you now and you can all move forward and live happily ever after. |
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| Pamela | 20 Sep 2013, 12:19 PM Post #13 |
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Great to read a positive outcome , I'm sure things will get better & good luck . I hate furminators but use this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MIKKI-DOG-PUPPY-CAT-COAT-FUR-ANTI-TANGLE-MATT-STRIPPING-GROOMING-RAKE-BLADE-TOOL-/200822212767?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Dogs&var=&hash=item2ec1efc89f I would recommend these because the short teeth move 360 degrees |
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| niccola99 | 20 Sep 2013, 09:38 PM Post #14 |
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Niccola
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I'm so pleased to hear that you are going to keep Missy, and that you have taken on board all the comments (even the harsher ones, sorry!) It's good that they are all behaving well together and that the pup isn't scared. Good luck with their training ps. we like the Mikki fur rake from ebay too |
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| lolabelle | 21 Sep 2013, 12:33 PM Post #15 |
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wots forgotten wot Easter eggs taste like
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Just bought an 'Undercoat Rake - Large' - Lola has a heavy undercoat AND she hates being groomed but this is really good. Here is the link to the Rosewood Pet Products site http://www.rosewoodpet.com/brands/brand.aspx?bid=558 and the make is called Soft Protection Salon. I bought it from Countrywide - cost around £6.50. Also if you give Missy daily grooming wont it make her feel just that bit more special and reassure her that she is still your special girl? Good luck Ruth (neither grooming nor behaviour expert!) |
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| GSDmomma | 21 Sep 2013, 04:44 PM Post #16 |
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Newbie
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Thank you everyone for your help, support and interest. Thanks too for the information about brush/combs I will look at all the suggestions. Grooming is one thing Missy definitely enjoys and I think we could do it 24/7 and she will still have more spare hair! I will send feedback in a while when we've all had time to work on the suggestions. Thanks. xx |
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