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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

What do I do now.

55 replies

TheBodyPiercer · 19/06/2021 13:52

No judgement please, but our latest dog walker/Sitter has quit after an incident yesterday.

Main points are
Rescued dog march 2020 at 5 months old we were his 5th owner.

Was an absolute nightmare in the home but that has improved.

Was doing fine in daycare but it closed.

Kicked out of 2 other daycares for being to boisterous.

Hired a dog Walker instead but his reactivity got worse.

Stopped dog Walker walking him and walked him solely himself and his reactivity has improved somewhat.

Dog Walker was unreliable so let her go and found another to just sit with him for a few hours. All fine until yesterday when he started biting at her clothes and inevitably biting her in the process (hes 25kg). Shes quit.

We've worked with a trainer. We've done a board and train. We have sessions booked in with a behaviourist.

But we have to work, I've already reduced my hours but at least 2 days we are out 9am to 6pm.

I can't put him in daycare. I've literally exhausted every option regarding walkers/sitters, he can't do group walks, there are no kennels that will take him just for the day.

He can't stay outside as he barks at everything that walks past so neighbours would eventually complain.

I love him to pieces but I'm at a loss what to do and it's ruining my life.

Any advice!

OP posts:
Lougle · 19/06/2021 14:07

Have you been in contact with the rescue to ask for advice and help?

Original poster
TheBodyPiercer · 19/06/2021 14:12

The rescue didn't even provide me with his vaccine records. After they dropped him off they stopped replying to any of my messages.

OP posts:
PollyRoulson · 19/06/2021 14:17

Try and fast track your behaviourist appointment - contact them and let them know about the recent update. They should be able to give an honest realistic idea of the future and if it is achievable for you and your dog.

Do make sure they are qualified and not just call themselves a behaviourist.

A qualified behaviourist will want to work with your vet and you so maybe worth making sure your vet is happy with the behaviourist you have contacted.

Without being too outing what part of the country are you?

Original poster
TheBodyPiercer · 19/06/2021 14:24

@PollyRoulson

Try and fast track your behaviourist appointment - contact them and let them know about the recent update. They should be able to give an honest realistic idea of the future and if it is achievable for you and your dog.

Do make sure they are qualified and not just call themselves a behaviourist.

A qualified behaviourist will want to work with your vet and you so maybe worth making sure your vet is happy with the behaviourist you have contacted.

Without being too outing what part of the country are you?

Unfortunately the behaviourist can't get us in any sooner, we've already been waiting a couple of months. We see her in 4 weeks.

She came recommended by our trainer as he felt he needed extra help and she has done a consultation with our vet.

The problem is even if we did magically fix all his issues I'd never put him back in daycare for fear of regressing and dog walkers are so difficult to find and he's been refused by so many now I can't even find anyone else to ask.

We're about 9 miles out of Birmingham.

OP posts:
Evvyjb · 19/06/2021 14:26

I was also about to ask where you are - I may have a recommendation

PollyRoulson · 19/06/2021 14:34

Your behaviourist may have contacts to help.

However if you can not find support I guess you have a very difficult situation to deal with and some hard decisions to make.

cupsofcoffee · 19/06/2021 14:34

How is he if he's just left at home on his own all day?

I normally would never recommend leaving a dog for so long, but if he's reactive to both dogs and people, it may be in everyone's best interests if he's just left on his own.

It's only twice a week - it's absolutely not ideal but honestly it may be far less stressful for your dog than any other option out there (at least, until you can get some professional help).

Original poster
TheBodyPiercer · 19/06/2021 14:39

@cupsofcoffee

How is he if he's just left at home on his own all day?

I normally would never recommend leaving a dog for so long, but if he's reactive to both dogs and people, it may be in everyone's best interests if he's just left on his own.

It's only twice a week - it's absolutely not ideal but honestly it may be far less stressful for your dog than any other option out there (at least, until you can get some professional help).

He has to be crated when out as he just crys the entire time for us. Even if he was fine I couldn't leave him that long without going out for a wee/poo.

We're also at work 2 other days but for less time and I just can't leave him without company for that long.

This isn't a regular occurrence and he absolutely adores people but obviously incidents like this are of course concerning for the person involved.

The biting we beleive (as does the trainer) is frustration based, he's not good at not getting what he wants but obviously can't articulate what he actually does want!

If I could quit work and stay home with him I would.

OP posts:
cupsofcoffee · 19/06/2021 14:47

Ah okay, that's fair enough.

It sounds like he has quite a lot of complex issues to deal with and like Polly says, it may be that you need to think about whether you're the right home for him.

Dogs who are reactive require a lot of care and supervision and as you've learnt, many walkers and daycares won't take them as it can be a liability issue on their part.

If I take a dog that I know has bitten, and it goes on to bite a member of the public (or me) and I need time off, my insurance won't pay out. It's not a case of I don't want to take difficult dogs, it's often a case of I can't afford to take the risk if it goes wrong.

Original poster
TheBodyPiercer · 19/06/2021 14:55

@cupsofcoffee

Ah okay, that's fair enough.

It sounds like he has quite a lot of complex issues to deal with and like Polly says, it may be that you need to think about whether you're the right home for him.

Dogs who are reactive require a lot of care and supervision and as you've learnt, many walkers and daycares won't take them as it can be a liability issue on their part.

If I take a dog that I know has bitten, and it goes on to bite a member of the public (or me) and I need time off, my insurance won't pay out. It's not a case of I don't want to take difficult dogs, it's often a case of I can't afford to take the risk if it goes wrong.

Completely understand from the walker/daycares perspective. He loves dogs and just wants to play but this comes across as reactivity due to frustration at not being able to get to them. He has never bitten a dog, he does just play very rough, to rough for most breeds.

I never ever thought I'd be a person to give up on a dog, honestly the thought of it breaks my heart. We've spent thousands trying to help him & even now I'm looking at £2000 temperature controlled kennels/runs for our garden as a last ditch attempt.

But is this me being selfish. I just worry if we did rehome he would end up continually back and forth between the dogs home. Hes already had so many people give up on him.

OP posts:
Juststopasking · 19/06/2021 15:02

Pts is another option for a very large dog with a history of biting. Doesn't really matter what the reasons for it are, you can't pass it on to another home for it to continue the cycle of biting. In my view, that's the responsible thing to do with a dog who it sounds like is borderline dangerous. Dog walkers etc don't just give up clients for no good reason.

cupsofcoffee · 19/06/2021 15:06

To me, giving up is just not bothering to do anything in the first place - not all dogs can be made better, no matter how much time or money you throw at them.

There are worse fates for a dog than being calmly and quietly PTS surrounded by the people they love.

Floralnomad · 19/06/2021 15:07

I’d speak to a very reputable rescue and see what they say ( like dogs trust ) quite honestly the rescue you got him from are entirely responsible for this mess as they should never have rehomed a dog with theses issues , that had been through so many homes to people who work out of the home .

PollyRoulson · 19/06/2021 15:14

Highly unlikely Dogs Trust will take a dog with "issues" Sad

What are the dogs actual issues?

Sounds like over arousal and separation anxiety?

Thatsmycupoftea · 19/06/2021 15:25

I feel awful for saying this but in your shoes I'd pts. It sounds like his issues are causing him great stress and he has already been passed to 5 homes, that must be making matters worse and be so distressing for him.
You have clearly done your best and his needs are just too complex.
As upsetting as it is all this will be adding to his stress and its not doing him any favors. If he bites someone again he could do real damage, not fair to put him or another person in that situation.
We get rescue dogs to hopefully give them the best life we can and make them happy and loved for their benefit not ours, you have tried to do this. If he ends up being passed to yet another home or rescue what kind of life is he really having.
Hope you figure it out op.

Lougle · 19/06/2021 15:26

I'm trying to understand what happened with the last sitter. What was she doing that led to him biting her clothes and her? Why couldn't he be distracted/diverted?

Original poster
TheBodyPiercer · 19/06/2021 15:38

@Lougle

I'm trying to understand what happened with the last sitter. What was she doing that led to him biting her clothes and her? Why couldn't he be distracted/diverted?
Generally she has been sitting the garden with him playing/him sunbathing. The weather was awful and he doesn't like the rain so she took him in the garden to go toilet, they were just standing on the decking.He then starting biting her sleeves, shoes. She put him in his crate for time out, he then quite happily sat on sofa with her for another hour. He then started whining for attention, she tried playing ball with him, he ignored the ball and did it again.

He used to exhibit this behaviour with me as a pup but hasn't done this with me in 10 months or so.

I understand on paper he sounds like an aggressive dog but he's so lovely and it isn't out of aggression. Our trainer and vet have both commented that they don't believe him to be aggressive he just has issues dealing with his emotions or over stimulation.

OP posts:
Lougle · 19/06/2021 15:43

Oh that doesn't sound aggressive, tbh. It sounds like puppy behaviour, but unacceptable in a 1¾ year old dog.

cupsofcoffee · 19/06/2021 15:50

@Lougle

I'm trying to understand what happened with the last sitter. What was she doing that led to him biting her clothes and her? Why couldn't he be distracted/diverted?
It can be very difficult to distract a dog that's over-aroused.

It's typical behaviour in puppies but they're generally much easier to control and manage - when you have a fully-grown adult dog (with the strength to match) it can be tough - especially when you're "just" the dog walker and not the owner.

If people use different techniques that can also cause issues.

PollyRoulson · 19/06/2021 15:59

It can be very difficult to distract a dog that's over-aroused.

It's typical behaviour in puppies but they're generally much easier to control and manage - when you have a fully-grown adult dog (with the strength to match) it can be tough - especially when you're "just" the dog walker and not the owner.

But a dog walker or sitter with experience and am I am always harping on about qualifications could deal with this situation very easily. Everyday dog behaviour issues tbh.

OP is the real issue that you are out all day? The behaviour seems manageable and trainable with you just not with dog sitters?

Original poster
TheBodyPiercer · 19/06/2021 16:01

@Lougle

Oh that doesn't sound aggressive, tbh. It sounds like puppy behaviour, but unacceptable in a 1¾ year old dog.
That's exactly what it is. As I say it was over aroused puppy biting when we first had him, mainly directed at me, but he hasn't done it to me in the longest time.

It's almost like he's throwing a tantrum as he can't get his own way. Now obviously I can pass on ways of dealing with the behaviour but as demonstrated it happening once is enough to put them off and I don't blame them.

I'm happy to keep working with him, I'm just at a loss as to what to do here we're at work as I obviously don't want to put any people or other dogs in potential danger.

OP posts:
cupsofcoffee · 19/06/2021 16:13

@PollyRoulson

It can be very difficult to distract a dog that's over-aroused.

It's typical behaviour in puppies but they're generally much easier to control and manage - when you have a fully-grown adult dog (with the strength to match) it can be tough - especially when you're "just" the dog walker and not the owner.

But a dog walker or sitter with experience and am I am always harping on about qualifications could deal with this situation very easily. Everyday dog behaviour issues tbh.

OP is the real issue that you are out all day? The behaviour seems manageable and trainable with you just not with dog sitters?

I agree they should be able to, but many can't.

I would also suggest that if the dog has been kicked out of numerous daycares and dropped by several walkers in the past, it may be that the behaviour is not really within the realms of normal.

There must be a reason why nobody wants to take this dog on.

PAW326 · 19/06/2021 16:28

Is he an EBT?
If so we went through exactly the same situation with ours.
We had to build a kennel/run for him in the garden because he was too boisterous to expect anyone else to look after him.
He did settle down after a few years but it was really hard work and quite embarrassing when he would throw a hissy fit because he wasn't allowed to greet another dog or join on a game of football.
He would never bite anyone else or other dogs but would jump up and bite our sleeves/the lead and just generally show us up 😲 because he couldn't get his own way.
They are not like other breeds, I think they more akin to a toddler than a dog.
I agree if you rehome him he will probably end up being passed from pillar to post forevermore.
I will PM you with the trainer we went to because he was great with that breed and really helped us.
Sadly our dog died just before Christmas aged 11, we were devastated as although he was such hard work we never gave up on him and he was a much loved member of our family.
We are now just about to adopt another one from Dogs trust, we must be suckers for punishment.

30degreesandmeltinghere · 19/06/2021 16:31

Our vet suggested anxitane anti anxiety pills. Def seen improvement in over zealous behaviour... Herbal and no side effects...
Got them online..

PollyRoulson · 19/06/2021 16:50

There must be a reason why nobody wants to take this dog on.

There are an awful lot of doggy day cares and dog walkers about who are only in it for the money. Easy dogs low level of staff and more profit less effort.

Easy dogs means you can have more of them and make more money. I would not judge a dogs future by the actions of money making people.

It the same for dog trainers who throw dogs out of their classes and offer no backup