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Author
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Topic: Help, Adopted Dog was Abused...
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Bassetlover
Junior Member
Member # 617
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posted February 04, 2004 03:21 PM
I adopted a 1 year old Basset from the Humane Society about three years ago. I spent $350.00 on a trainer because he was abused and bit half of our 7 year old basset's ear off. He got better and they became friends. About a year ago he started going after our 7 year old again and we called out trainer and said to get rid of him. That was not an option for me so we got a mesh muzzle and he wears that when he starts acting funny. Well last Sunday we went to the neighbors house to watch the Superbowl and when we came back the young basset started getting snappy to me. Keep in mind this dog is my life. I thought maybe he was just in a bad mood but it is WED now and when I come home he wags his tail and says hi and then goes over to the pillow he lays on and growles at me. If I get near him he shows me his teeth and looks like he is going to kill me. Will someone please help me. I am so sick over this. I do not know what to do? [*]
Posts: 2 | From: Medford OR | Registered: Feb 2004
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Brattina88
Junior Member
Member # 525
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posted February 04, 2004 05:25 PM
He's young, so maybe there is something you can still do. I've worked with abused dogs, fostering and all so I'll tell you some experiences I've had and things that worked or me.
Its sounds like he might be possessive over his pillow. I had a dog that was possessive of her blanket once, so when she was out of the room next time I took it up and never gave it back. I think she misses it, but when she growled or showed her teeth she got her way, and that lead to other problems that was dominance related. When he growl is he looking directly into your eyes? Being abused is a good excuse, but it may be a dominance issue. Is he trained to sit, lay down ect? I'm assuming he does since you had a trainer...? What exactly does he do when he starts acting funny? When he does start "acting funny" with your older dog call him over and make him work, put him through his paces and praise him when he does it. This is a distraction to bring his attention away from the tense moment, which works well for us. Maybe you should try making him wear a Halti head halter, the kind that closes his mouth when the leash is taught. Some people are against this, but have him wear that and let him drag a small leash around the house, that way when he starts something and doesn't listen to you correcting him you can grab the leash and lead him away from the situation. Just make sure a leash doesn't get caught on anything if you decide to try that ![[Wink]](wink.gif) consistency is the key
What do you do with the dogs when you are not home?
Try taking him out alone from the other dog for playtime at a park or something, and then the next day take the older dog out so they each get quality time with you. ![[Smile]](smile.gif) I hope this helps a little ![[Blushing]](graemlins/blush.gif)
Posts: 24 | From: Ohio | Registered: Jan 2004
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Bassetlover
Junior Member
Member # 617
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posted February 05, 2004 09:06 AM
Thanks for you advice. The dogs are great when we are at work and they are home. They sleep all day. They are always in the same spot I leave them. Last night when I got home I decided I was going to ignore him. It seemed to work because he finally jumped up on the couch and walked up to my chest and started to nundge and whine at me until I pet him. I think maybe I give him to much attention and he takes it for granted. Sounds stupid I know but it really seemed to work. Thanks again.
Posts: 2 | From: Medford OR | Registered: Feb 2004
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Brattina88
Junior Member
Member # 525
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posted February 05, 2004 05:04 PM
Thats good. It doesn't sound stupid... If it works, then you're doing something right! ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Posts: 24 | From: Ohio | Registered: Jan 2004
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