Ok so I suppose I better give you a back story on my dog. She is a 2yo chocolate labrador, we have had her since she was 8 weeks old. When we first got her we ensured she was introduced to all household noises (hoover, hairdryer, bin bags rustling, loud music etc) so she wasn't nervous of noises (unfortunately the hoover fell on her head when she was 12 weeks old and she has been scared of that ever since and barks like a nutter at it).
Myself and my partner never hit her ever as we don't believe that is any way to discipline a dog. However, we had a lodger living with us when we got her and he used to kick her and slap her no matter how many times I tried to keep her away from him and tell him not to - this really frustrated me and the lodger was asked to leave shortly after. I have also caught one of DP's friends hitting her hard on the head a few times - what is wrong with these people - I would never dream of going against someones wishes and hurting their pet?!?! She has also been attacked by a couple of dogs on her walks as well, which really doesn't help matters, so as you can imagine, my lovely bouncy dog is sometimes a very nervous, timid creature!
Now, whenever anyone comes to the door or she hears the back door open, she barks. Now you might not think this is a problem, but you haven't heard how loud her bark is and I don't like dogs barking when someone is at the door anyway. I am 25 weeks pregnant, and want her to stop barking like this because she will constantly be waking the baby when it's born! We have tried lots of things to stop the barking, but has anyone got any suggestions?
Another problem I have is her point blank refusal to poo at times. It gets to the point where it is literally a power struggle. We have got into a routine where she does her business in a morning before getting fed, then is walked an hour or two after being fed. Then she is let out in the garden again in the evening and does her business before being taken for a walk and then we have our tea then she has hers. Sounds simple right? Well it would be if she didn't stand there and stare at me and point blank refuse to have a poo. Sometimes she is literally bulging (sorry if tmi) and desperate to go, but she completely refuses. Whenever we have given in and taken her for a walk anyway, she literally gets outside the gate, we walk up the street and she will squat and do it (really winds me up!)
It might not sound like a big deal to some people, but it is turning into a power struggle - she knows she is supposed to do it and refuses and does it on the pavement instead. It is driving me nuts because sometimes I am in a rush and need to get somewhere, yet I have to wait until she will do her business (can't just leave her in her cage without doing her business and having a walk!)
Any suggestions anyone?
Sorry for the long winded post, but needed to post background info.
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
At my wits end (long)
42 replies
BangersAndMashh · 13/02/2013 15:29
OP posts:
Don’t want to miss threads like this?
Weekly
Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!
Log in to update your newsletter preferences.
You've subscribed!
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.