Dog Community

URGENT -Need Help

Posted : 3/9/2006 8:52:51 PM

My 18 mo old Chi/JRT, Abby, has grown overly protective of my pregnant DIL. It's to the point that if my DIL is even touched during normal conversation Abby gets nervous, upset and starts nipping-borderline-biting. She gets this really high-pitched squeal too.

It took me about 7 days to figure out the reasons for her changes. They were mostly changes to patterns - like not eating breakfast...wanting to sleep with us...barking more. And one day my DIL and son were play wrestling and she went berserk.

I've been trying to reinforce and reward "no bite", "off" and then crating her when necessary - to no avail. She will NOT listen. Then today a co-worker - another woman - came home with me and she was just out of control.

Prior to my DIL and son moving in around the first of the year, Abby was a model student - quickly responding to hand signs.

My limited dog training skills have been exhausted - I'm urgently seeking help tonight. I'm really afraid that she's going to seriously bite the next person who visits. Thanks.

Tracy
[email=tfacey@gmail.com]tfacey@gmail.com[/email]

Tracy W.

Posted : 3/10/2006 11:36:06 AM

Bumping to the top - because I REALLY need some help.

vega1star

Posted : 3/10/2006 11:42:03 AM

Hi Tracy, I don't have any advice, but I recommend that you post this in the behaviour, problems and habits section because I know a number of trainers review that board so you might get more help there.
Good Luck!!!
-Carla

dogslyfe

Posted : 3/10/2006 11:48:01 AM

Hi tfacey. Deep breath!! I understand what its like to feel like one of your dogs is out of control. It adds a dimension of fear, stress, and uncertainty into your life and the dogs. We're here for you.

Are you familiar with the NILIF program? It sounds like your dog may be in need of some leadership changes. It also sounds like she's becoming stressed out by feeling like she needs to be in charge of everything that's going on.

Here is a link to get you started in learning about NILIF:

http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

Your dog is at an age when she's coming into social maturity. She may try some new things that she hasn't tried before. IMO it would be good to start NILIF Immediately. Matter of fact, I might would even go to the point of tethering the pup to me for a few days so that you can be closer to her if she starts to react like she has been.

Until things start to settle down, you may want to tether her to you, or crate her when guests come in (a temporary thing).

I'm sure others with vastly more experience than I will be along shortly.

Edit to add: have you run this all by your vet and had her checked out to rule out any physical problems??

Tracy W.

Posted : 3/10/2006 2:51:48 PM

Laura - thanks for the link. We have been practicing NILIF from day one. She KNOWS that I am in charge - at least I thought so! Somehow she has made it her job to protect the DIL. Right now, I think she would even bite me if I moved the wrong way towards DIL.

I have a call into the vet to have her checked out. And an FYI she is back to eating normal, bm'ing normal and seems be quite healthy.

Tracy