We have a five year old Bavarian Mountain Hound, who we've had from a puppy. We've all lived pretty harmoniously before although I don't think we've invested enough in dog training beyond puppy classes (DH doesn't agree and thinks it's fine, but moans when the poor dog behaves as he does because he's never been shown anything different!) he's a fairly high needs dog, and a nervous character as is typical of his breed but a great family pet. We were on a list for a puppy from a breeder for some time as DH wanted a scent hound for work although as it happens he doesn't work him (which I also think means we need to find him more of a job.)
Since our DD became a toddler I think he's become quite stressed as he seems uncertain of his place in the pack. They are always, always supervised, but although I don't think he enjoys her presence, he always follows her around and she in turn loves him and would cuddle and "play" with him if she were allowed (but we keep them separated as I don't think it's fair on him.). We have an open plan downstairs but have kept his bed tucked away somewhat so that she doesn't accidentally intimidate him rushing around and so he has a safe place to go to.
I'm always at home with him and he goes on two walks a day (except when it's really hot and then just mornings).
I feel that he isn't that happy, and I think the root cause is a lack of training. He loves attention and we try to give him plenty but when given just wants more and more until it's too much and he's sent away. I think he feels that we all have fun without him, and as much as I try to include him he gets so boisterous the fun ends. All this is of course our fault for not showing him what the boundaries are, although it didn't really seem a problem until we had a little one around.
DH thinks I'm imagining it but I can just tell he isn't quite right. He looks at us with an expression I can only describe as resentment! It reminds me of the look on the faces of cats in memes captioned with descriptions of their captors etc.
I must motivate myself to start training with everything and find him a proper job because I also think that apart from walks he is just bored. I did have one one-to-one training session a few months ago and understand the basics of conditioning etc it's just getting round to doing it (and keeping DD away!)
Please can someone help me motivate myself to help my hound be happier? It would be great to help him understand boundaries for attention, be more calm around strangers when lockdown finally allows visitors, and also to look at resource guarding. We're also planning to neuter him, if it will help.
He stays at doggy daycare overnight sometimes and they adore him (actually everyone who has looked after him repeatedly say what a wonderful dog he is) so it's not all bad, but it does feel a bit like having a resentful teenager around and like a responsible parent I want to help him!
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Please help me get motivated to train my dog!
4 replies
BavarianDevil · 01/06/2020 22:19
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