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Dog Gone Problems is a weekly advice column by David Codr, a dog behaviorist in Omaha. David answers dog behavior questions sent in by our readers. You can reach him at dogbehaviorquestions@gmail.com.
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Dog Gone Problems,
We lived in a little town and the neighbor had a puppy who was a stray. My daughter would go down to play with him, as well as feed, walk and take care if him. After we moved away, they got rid of the dog. He ended up at the pound, so we adopted him.
The dog used to be very sweet. We could touch him, play with him and even hand-feed him. After we adopted him, he became very food aggressive and would attack our other dogs if they walked by his bowl. About six months ago, he was laying on the floor and when my daughter walked by, he attacked her just out of the blue.
He goes outside during the day to play and do his thing and then comes in to eat. We love on him for a couple hours and go to bed. This has been the same routine for four years. But this last week, my dog who normally goes out with him during the day was injured and has to stay in our room during the day to stay calm. He has gotten progressively more aggressive since then.
On Sunday, my other dog was walking by him in the hall and he attacked him. Next, he stopped coming in at night except to eat. After he finishes, he wants to go right back outside and doesn’t come in all night. Last night he came in but lunged at my daughter and bit her, which caused her to need stitches. Today he will not come out of his dog house, didn’t come in to eat and just shows his teeth if we try to talk to him. I don’t know what happened. Please help.
Rosella
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Hi Rosella,
This is not a good progression. It would have been better to address these issues sooner. Often, people hope things will get better on their own, but unless you change things or do some canine rehabilitation, that usually isn’t the case.
You have several things going on here and since he’s getting aggressive, you should really enlist the help of a behaviorist or positive dog trainer to come to your home. Dog behavior is very subtle and without seeing your dog in person, it’s hard to know for sure exactly what’s going on.
If you cannot have someone come to your home, be sure the dog has adequate shelter if he’s staying outside overnight or for longer periods of time. The door of the dog house should face away from the direction of the wind and have fresh straw inside. This is a bare minimum. Personally, I’m not a fan of a dog living outside all the time — especially during the cold, Midwest winters. Unless the dog has a job, they can start to act more like a feral dog, which could include things like hunting, protecting and gravitating towards other more primal behaviors.
Also, make sure that you are taking precautions to keep your daughter and other dogs safe. I’d avoid close quarters (like doorways) and times when the dogs are excited. I’d limit activity near this dog when he has any higher-value items like food, chew items, etc. Finally, make a list of all the places fights have happened. These areas should be avoided or precautions should be taken to avoid any addition fights or bites.
It’s quite possible your dog had to fight for or defend his food at the shelter, which started this progression. It’s also possible this is a case of resource guarding.
Dogs can guard food, places, high-value items, people or other things. Usually, when another dog or person gets too close, the dog will freeze or get stiff when it starts. This is the dog’s way of saying “I’m uncomfortable with your approach.” If the person or dog continues to approach, some dogs will take things to the next level, which includes staring, curling its lip, baring its teeth, growling, barking, air biting, lunging and, eventually, biting. Sometimes this progression happens all at once.
If it is a case of resource guarding, you need to help the dog understand he no longer has to guard things. Here is a video of a dog who was resource guarding his kennel that may help.
If you decide to use the technique I go over in the above video, make sure you are stopping before the dog is barking, growling or lunging. Those behaviors are big indicators that you got too close. In order for this technique to work, you have to stop before the dog reacts with anything other than freezing or stiffening.
I really hope you will enlist the services of a behaviorist like myself or a positive dog trainer. Be careful to not use any trainer who uses force, punishment or who wants to “teach the dog who is boss.”. This will only make matters worse.
Good luck and remember — everything you do trains your dog. Only sometimes you mean it.
David
Submit your pet questions to David Codr by emailing a photo of your dog and question to dogbehaviorquestions@gmail.com. Visit doggoneproblems.com for more from David.
Name: Missy
Breed: Boxer mix
Age: 9 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: March 4
Bio: Missy is a shy girl who was having a hard time in the shelter and is now in a loving foster home. Her foster mom says she is very smart and already knows sit, down, shake, high five and is working on leave it and drop it. Meeting new people is difficult for her and can be a slow process. She is slowly gaining more confidence every day and is looking for a home experienced with dogs that are fearful and under socialized. Missy is just a big puppy and is still trying to figure out the whole potty-training thing. So patience is going to be key! A fenced in yard will help her potty-training progress and is a must. Her ideal home will need to be one where someone is home most of the time, or even a family with split schedules, that can let her out often. Because she is very shy, she needs an adult only home with few visitors. She does not like to share she family’s attention with other dogs, so she will need to be the only dog in her next home. Missy is a very fun and playful girl once she opens up. She still needs a little work but has lots of love to give!
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1312737
Name: Tullia
Breed: Boxer and pit bull terrier mix
Age: 6 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: March 24
Bio: Tullia arrived at the shelter as a skinny stray. She has since gained weight, but she still hears heavenly singing and golden light emanating from any food she sees… and will do whatever it takes to get you to hand over the food. Sit? Shake? Lie down? Roll over? If you want to teach Tullia a trick, she will work for it for the foods. Tullia isn’t to picky about the home she goes to, all she asks is there are no cats, and that she is your only dog so she can get all the treats you have. She can be a little too enthusiastic about taking treats, at times, so she might do better with older kids, but being in your family to meet her and see if she will be a good match.
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1317077
Name: Rebel
Breed: Labrador retriever and bit bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year, 3 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: April 14
Bio: Rebel is an outgoing gal with energy to spare. She loves the water and her exuberant and bubbly personality can be contagious, but some people may find it a little overwhelming. She may not be the best fit for the first-time dog owner. If you have experience with large dogs and want a dog to take on adventures and train, then Rebel is your girl! If she goes to a home with children, they’ll need to be 12 years or older, as she may be a bit too much for younger family members. She should not go to a home with female dogs. If going to a home with male dogs, Rebel will need to meet them to make sure they can handle her pushy and rambunctious play style! She’ll need a home with a fenced in yard, so no apartment life for me. .
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1320035
Name: Kaiser
Breed: German shepherd
Age: 6 years
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: April 26
Bio: Kaiser is looking for an adult-only household with a 6-foot privacy fence where he will feel more comfortable and secure. He prefers the company of female dogs to other males, and will need to meet all family members and any other dogs before going home with you.
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A0984232
Name: Ryker
Breed: Catahoula leopard hound
Age: 2 years, 4 months
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: May 5
Bio: Ryker is an energetic, playful boy who loves toys. He can be nervous around new people and sometimes slow to warm up. He’s looking for a home that will be patient and allow him to warm up at his own pace. Because he’s not a big fan of sharing my toys, Ryker will require a home with adults only. He must meet all members of the home and resident dogs prior to adoption. Due to his energy level and athletic abilities, he’ll require a home with a 6 foot privacy fence, as he could easily jump a 4 foot fence. He would do best with a female dog or as the only dog in the home.
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1314973
Name: Baby Girl
Breed: English Bulldog and Pit Bull Terrier mix
Age: 3 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 24
Bio: Baby Girl has simple tastes and is easy to please. Play with her, snuggle her and give her all the best snacks. A home without any kids under 12, and no other female dogs would be ideal for her. Just bring your family in to meet her and make sure you’re a good match!
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1310970
Name: Lucille
Breed: English bulldog and pit bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year, 3 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 24
Bio: Lucille is known for being best dressed, always sporting her tux. She may be overdressed for most occasions, but she is ok with being the center of attention with all eyes on her. If she isn’t getting enough attention she might climb onto your lap and live out her dreams of being a lap dog. Lucille is looking for a home with where she can have the spotlight on her, and no other dogs, and with any kids being older. You don’t have to be in formal wear to meet her, just bring your family in to see if she’s a match for you!
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1319693
Name: Loki
Breed: English bulldog and Staffordshire bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: May 28
Bio: If you have a ball and a good throwing arm, you and Loki will be a perfect match. Throw the ball and he will happily fetch it! Do you have any kids? Younger kids can be too overwhelming for Loki, he’s a sensitive soul under his athletic appearance, but if your kids are closer to their teens, they’ll be fun to play with. Just bring your family in to meet him so you can have some ball throwing tryouts! Loki is not suited for apartment living.
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1327749
Name: Astro
Breed: Dalmatian mix
Age: 1 year, 4 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 29
Bio: Astro is a happy pup but she can also be a bundle of nerves at times when around a lot of people or commotion. She’s a pretty sweet pup if there isn’t too much happening at once, but can become quite timid with new people and dogs. Astro would like to meet all of the family members including the other dogs, just to make sure they won’t be too much for her. She is looking for a home with just adults for company. Astro is not suitable for apartment living and would prefer a home without any feline friends.
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1316805
Name: Mel
Breed: Australian Cattle Dog Mix
Age: 3 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 30
Bio: Mel is a sweet girl that can be a little anxious at times, so she’ll need someone who will give her a chance to acclimate to a new home. Mel likes to play with tennis balls and loves to meet other dogs, but some dogs may not appreciate how much she wants them to be her new best friend. As a herding breed dog, she may not be the best fit for a home with cats or small animals. Mel is also very high energy, so she’ll need a family that will help make sure she’s getting the exercise that she needs! If she goes to a home with children, they’ll need to be closer to their teens. Mel will need to meet all resident dogs before going to her new forever home to make sure you’re a good match.
Link: https://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1320901
These are the very good dogs who have been at the Nebraska Humane Society the longest. All are up for adoption as of Aug. 3. For more information on the adoption process and to see all dogs available for adoption, visit nehumanesociety.org/adopt.
All adoptions are being done via appointment only. The application can be found inside each animal’s bio on the Humane Society’s website.
Name: Missy
Breed: Boxer mix
Age: 9 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: March 4
Bio: Missy is a shy girl who was having a hard time in the shelter and is now in a loving foster home. Her foster mom says she is very smart and already knows sit, down, shake, high five and is working on leave it and drop it. Meeting new people is difficult for her and can be a slow process. She is slowly gaining more confidence every day and is looking for a home experienced with dogs that are fearful and under socialized. Missy is just a big puppy and is still trying to figure out the whole potty-training thing. So patience is going to be key! A fenced in yard will help her potty-training progress and is a must. Her ideal home will need to be one where someone is home most of the time, or even a family with split schedules, that can let her out often. Because she is very shy, she needs an adult only home with few visitors. She does not like to share she family’s attention with other dogs, so she will need to be the only dog in her next home. Missy is a very fun and playful girl once she opens up. She still needs a little work but has lots of love to give!
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1312737
Name: Tullia
Breed: Boxer and pit bull terrier mix
Age: 6 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: March 24
Bio: Tullia arrived at the shelter as a skinny stray. She has since gained weight, but she still hears heavenly singing and golden light emanating from any food she sees… and will do whatever it takes to get you to hand over the food. Sit? Shake? Lie down? Roll over? If you want to teach Tullia a trick, she will work for it for the foods. Tullia isn’t to picky about the home she goes to, all she asks is there are no cats, and that she is your only dog so she can get all the treats you have. She can be a little too enthusiastic about taking treats, at times, so she might do better with older kids, but being in your family to meet her and see if she will be a good match.
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1317077
Name: Rebel
Breed: Labrador retriever and bit bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year, 3 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: April 14
Bio: Rebel is an outgoing gal with energy to spare. She loves the water and her exuberant and bubbly personality can be contagious, but some people may find it a little overwhelming. She may not be the best fit for the first-time dog owner. If you have experience with large dogs and want a dog to take on adventures and train, then Rebel is your girl! If she goes to a home with children, they’ll need to be 12 years or older, as she may be a bit too much for younger family members. She should not go to a home with female dogs. If going to a home with male dogs, Rebel will need to meet them to make sure they can handle her pushy and rambunctious play style! She’ll need a home with a fenced in yard, so no apartment life for me. .
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1320035
Name: Kaiser
Breed: German shepherd
Age: 6 years
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: April 26
Bio: Kaiser is looking for an adult-only household with a 6-foot privacy fence where he will feel more comfortable and secure. He prefers the company of female dogs to other males, and will need to meet all family members and any other dogs before going home with you.
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A0984232
Name: Ryker
Breed: Catahoula leopard hound
Age: 2 years, 4 months
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: May 5
Bio: Ryker is an energetic, playful boy who loves toys. He can be nervous around new people and sometimes slow to warm up. He’s looking for a home that will be patient and allow him to warm up at his own pace. Because he’s not a big fan of sharing my toys, Ryker will require a home with adults only. He must meet all members of the home and resident dogs prior to adoption. Due to his energy level and athletic abilities, he’ll require a home with a 6 foot privacy fence, as he could easily jump a 4 foot fence. He would do best with a female dog or as the only dog in the home.
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1314973
Name: Baby Girl
Breed: English Bulldog and Pit Bull Terrier mix
Age: 3 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 24
Bio: Baby Girl has simple tastes and is easy to please. Play with her, snuggle her and give her all the best snacks. A home without any kids under 12, and no other female dogs would be ideal for her. Just bring your family in to meet her and make sure you’re a good match!
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1310970
Name: Lucille
Breed: English bulldog and pit bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year, 3 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 24
Bio: Lucille is known for being best dressed, always sporting her tux. She may be overdressed for most occasions, but she is ok with being the center of attention with all eyes on her. If she isn’t getting enough attention she might climb onto your lap and live out her dreams of being a lap dog. Lucille is looking for a home with where she can have the spotlight on her, and no other dogs, and with any kids being older. You don’t have to be in formal wear to meet her, just bring your family in to see if she’s a match for you!
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1319693
Name: Loki
Breed: English bulldog and Staffordshire bull terrier mix
Age: 1 year
Sex: M
First Day at NHS: May 28
Bio: If you have a ball and a good throwing arm, you and Loki will be a perfect match. Throw the ball and he will happily fetch it! Do you have any kids? Younger kids can be too overwhelming for Loki, he’s a sensitive soul under his athletic appearance, but if your kids are closer to their teens, they’ll be fun to play with. Just bring your family in to meet him so you can have some ball throwing tryouts! Loki is not suited for apartment living.
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1327749
Name: Astro
Breed: Dalmatian mix
Age: 1 year, 4 months
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 29
Bio: Astro is a happy pup but she can also be a bundle of nerves at times when around a lot of people or commotion. She’s a pretty sweet pup if there isn’t too much happening at once, but can become quite timid with new people and dogs. Astro would like to meet all of the family members including the other dogs, just to make sure they won’t be too much for her. She is looking for a home with just adults for company. Astro is not suitable for apartment living and would prefer a home without any feline friends.
Link: http://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1316805
Name: Mel
Breed: Australian Cattle Dog Mix
Age: 3 years
Sex: F
First Day at NHS: May 30
Bio: Mel is a sweet girl that can be a little anxious at times, so she’ll need someone who will give her a chance to acclimate to a new home. Mel likes to play with tennis balls and loves to meet other dogs, but some dogs may not appreciate how much she wants them to be her new best friend. As a herding breed dog, she may not be the best fit for a home with cats or small animals. Mel is also very high energy, so she’ll need a family that will help make sure she’s getting the exercise that she needs! If she goes to a home with children, they’ll need to be closer to their teens. Mel will need to meet all resident dogs before going to her new forever home to make sure you’re a good match.
Link: https://www.nehumanesociety.org/adopt/dog.html?animalid=A1320901
David Codr is an Omaha dog behaviorist. You can reach him at his website, doggoneproblems.com.
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Dog Gone Problems is a weekly advice column by David Codr, a dog behaviorist in Omaha. David answers dog behavior questions sent in by our rea…
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David Codr is an Omaha dog behaviorist. You can reach him at his website, doggoneproblems.com.
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