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7 replies

dogissues123 · 27/07/2019 16:56

Our dog is nearly 8, a Jack Russell Cross. Always been a bit neurotic but lately has been worse, leading to him nipping my neighbour when he came in the house before the dog was shut away. The neighbour was lovely about it, but we were v shocked and we got in a behaviourist- whose advice wasn't very helpful.
Today we were walking (he's usually really good on walks) and a large group of people walked past us. He sat and had a treat, but as we moved on, 2 more people walked past & he randomly jumped & nipped the back of the guy's trousers. No provocation, no reason. The guy was fine (only caught the material) but we feel awful.
I'm going to take him to the vet, but we feel we have to do something. I don't want to have him put down, but I can't imagine a rescue rehoming him. What should we do? I guess the other alternative is a muzzle for walks, and always on lead, but is that fair?

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Jouska · 27/07/2019 17:54

Was the behaviourist qualified what did they suggest?

Great to get a vet check there may be a physical reason.

A muzzle and lead walks is fine for many dogs - you can also hire secure areas to give them a run .

You need a behaviourist you can work with - if you need recommendations in your area pm me

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dogissues123 · 27/07/2019 18:29

It's just so random, there was no reason for him to react. Every other person we walked past he was fine with. It's bizarre.
The behaviourist was K9 bro's. It seemed very generic advice. Muzzle training was about the only useful thing, but the pet shop near us has shut and I hadn't ordered one yet.

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missbattenburg · 27/07/2019 18:38

I saw one of the guys from K9 Bros on the Crufts programme and have to admit, really did not like him. I cannot remember exactly why now but he was on a section with Chiraq Patel and Chirag was definately coming across as the more knowledgeable and competant of the two.

Plus, I notice their website says they are qualified but doesn't actually say what those qualifications are. (Unless I've missed that bit somehow).

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dogissues123 · 27/07/2019 18:50

I wasn't keen, but all the others I contacted said they didn't cover my area. I have kids and cats and he's fine with everyone, but he is neurotic about people coming in the house. But we manage that with a crate and he comes out when he's calm. I feel sick that he could have hurt someone, but don't understand why it just happened out of the blue. Nipping the neighbour I get - he came into our house which is the dogs territory (not excusing it, but it makes sense). Today made no sense.

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BiteyShark · 27/07/2019 18:55

I would go to the vet anyway to rule out any physical issues that might be making him more grumpy.

They may also be able to recommend another behaviourist who might be more helpful.

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NotwhereIshouldbe · 27/07/2019 18:58

I would look at an IMDT qualified behaviourist should the vet come back all clear. Random behaviour usually has an underlying cause and it sounds like some form of trigger stacking.

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dogissues123 · 27/07/2019 19:22

Thanks everyone. It doesn't appear to be a clear cut 'have him put down' then? I assumed it might be.

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