How do I give my dog the life she needs?
April 6, 2013 6:47 PM Subscribe
I can't meet my dog's needs anymore, now that I have two young children. What should I do?
I adopted a rescue dog, about 7 years ago. She's a Catahoula, very much an alpha dog, who can't be trusted around dogs that she doesn't know. That means no off-leash parks, or other areas with lots of dogs who might approach her off-leash.
My dog is extremely food motivated. She will spend every waking second memorizing where food has dropped, and go back hours later to lick the floor. I have two children under age 3, and she is good around them, unless they have food. She will steal food from my children at any chance. We try to not let them eat anywhere but the kitchen, and my dog is not allowed in the kitchen). She needs more exercise than I can provide her. At best, I can give her 5-30 minute walks a week, with my children. She needs to be run or stimulated much more than that.
She drives my wife and I nuts because she doesn't listen. We've done plenty of dominance training with her, but her temperment demands that we be totally dominant over her all the time, which is exhausting and frustrating with 2 young children. She is dog-aggressive, and slightly people-aggressive. She has not bitten, but is threatening - hackles raised, aggressive barking - at anyone who approaches the house. She is very pushy, and must be constantly put in her place. Very smart, too.
I'm sad for her, because I can't even let her roam the house during the day when I'm at work (she will eat any food left around, including bowls that may have had food in them once). She doesn't get the exercise that she needs, and I don't know if that will change in the next few years. I can honestly say that I don't actually like her anymore.
What do I do?
I adopted a rescue dog, about 7 years ago. She's a Catahoula, very much an alpha dog, who can't be trusted around dogs that she doesn't know. That means no off-leash parks, or other areas with lots of dogs who might approach her off-leash.
My dog is extremely food motivated. She will spend every waking second memorizing where food has dropped, and go back hours later to lick the floor. I have two children under age 3, and she is good around them, unless they have food. She will steal food from my children at any chance. We try to not let them eat anywhere but the kitchen, and my dog is not allowed in the kitchen). She needs more exercise than I can provide her. At best, I can give her 5-30 minute walks a week, with my children. She needs to be run or stimulated much more than that.
She drives my wife and I nuts because she doesn't listen. We've done plenty of dominance training with her, but her temperment demands that we be totally dominant over her all the time, which is exhausting and frustrating with 2 young children. She is dog-aggressive, and slightly people-aggressive. She has not bitten, but is threatening - hackles raised, aggressive barking - at anyone who approaches the house. She is very pushy, and must be constantly put in her place. Very smart, too.
I'm sad for her, because I can't even let her roam the house during the day when I'm at work (she will eat any food left around, including bowls that may have had food in them once). She doesn't get the exercise that she needs, and I don't know if that will change in the next few years. I can honestly say that I don't actually like her anymore.
What do I do?
Best answer: I get the sense that you're looking for permission and support in giving your dog up for adoption. It is okay to realize that you're no longer capable of supporting an animal in your care, and it is similarly okay to put that animal up for adoption, either through a pound or shelter, or through private means (ie going through a service like Craigslist or by posting flyers around asking for eligible and interested people to contact you).
The bottom line is this: you don't like the dog anymore. That is HUGE. You absolutely should not be the owner of any animal you or your family does not like. What you need to decide now is which route you want to take in order to rehome her. Would you be willing to share your city and state so we can point you in the direction of possible shelters or services who could help you make this transition as easy as possible for you and for your pet? Perhaps you could even contact the rescue organization you originally got her from and see if they could assist you given the circumstances.
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 6:57 PM on April 6, 2013 [5 favorites]
The bottom line is this: you don't like the dog anymore. That is HUGE. You absolutely should not be the owner of any animal you or your family does not like. What you need to decide now is which route you want to take in order to rehome her. Would you be willing to share your city and state so we can point you in the direction of possible shelters or services who could help you make this transition as easy as possible for you and for your pet? Perhaps you could even contact the rescue organization you originally got her from and see if they could assist you given the circumstances.
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 6:57 PM on April 6, 2013 [5 favorites]
Best answer: There is no shame in admitting that you have reached that point where you don't have the time or resources to meet your dog's needs anymore. It is an incredibly hard thing to do.
It sounds like you are looking for mainly advice on how to rehome the dog. A few options come to mind. Is there a Catahoula-specific breed rescue group nearby that might be able to help? Barring that, put out the word on FB, Twitter, etc that you are needing to find the dog a new home. I've had several friends who have found wonderful homes for their dogs this way.
At this point, I would focus on finding your dog the best possible new home so that her needs can be met.
posted by Leezie at 7:01 PM on April 6, 2013 [3 favorites]
It sounds like you are looking for mainly advice on how to rehome the dog. A few options come to mind. Is there a Catahoula-specific breed rescue group nearby that might be able to help? Barring that, put out the word on FB, Twitter, etc that you are needing to find the dog a new home. I've had several friends who have found wonderful homes for their dogs this way.
At this point, I would focus on finding your dog the best possible new home so that her needs can be met.
posted by Leezie at 7:01 PM on April 6, 2013 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: Yes, I am looking for permission/support for rehoming my dog. It's tough, really tough. I adopted her from a colleague who found her on the side of the road with a broken front elbow. She's about 8 years old right now, still very healthy and active.
I'm in Edmonton, AB. I have not found a Catahoula rescue in my area, the breed is not common here. We have a good Humane Society, and a number of independent rescue groups (SCARS is one). The independent groups don't take animals unless they are at risk.
posted by Amity at 7:12 PM on April 6, 2013
I'm in Edmonton, AB. I have not found a Catahoula rescue in my area, the breed is not common here. We have a good Humane Society, and a number of independent rescue groups (SCARS is one). The independent groups don't take animals unless they are at risk.
posted by Amity at 7:12 PM on April 6, 2013
Forgive my epic geography failure, but here is a Catahoula rescue group in Ontario. Maybe they can direct you to someone near you?
posted by Leezie at 7:16 PM on April 6, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Leezie at 7:16 PM on April 6, 2013 [1 favorite]
Best answer: In the scheme of things, the Catahoula rescue group coordinator is relatively close to you. She lives about 700 miles away in Roundup, MT according to this contact list. It's a place to start anyway.
posted by carmicha at 7:23 PM on April 6, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by carmicha at 7:23 PM on April 6, 2013 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Sometimes a home for an animal simply doesn't work out; even without children involved there can be conflict. You took her in and cared for her when she needed you to, and now you are doing your best for her despite her very high level of needs.
I had to rehome a kitten I adopted (well, had thrust upon me) once, because she was not ok being solitary like most cats and I worked long hours. Her destructive tactics were escalating and I was not able to give her what she needed. I found someone who had lost their cat of 12 years the month before and was very much a devoted cat-person who had a more forgiving schedule. The last I heard, she was doing very well.
It really can be a kindness to find a better home for a pet.
posted by emjaybee at 7:25 PM on April 6, 2013 [5 favorites]
I had to rehome a kitten I adopted (well, had thrust upon me) once, because she was not ok being solitary like most cats and I worked long hours. Her destructive tactics were escalating and I was not able to give her what she needed. I found someone who had lost their cat of 12 years the month before and was very much a devoted cat-person who had a more forgiving schedule. The last I heard, she was doing very well.
It really can be a kindness to find a better home for a pet.
posted by emjaybee at 7:25 PM on April 6, 2013 [5 favorites]
Response by poster: Thank you.
I feel embarrassed and awful that I'm giving up on this animal, but I just can't go on like we have any longer.
I've contacted the person in Montana with the Catahoula rescue group. Hopefully I get a positive response.
posted by Amity at 7:32 PM on April 6, 2013 [1 favorite]
I feel embarrassed and awful that I'm giving up on this animal, but I just can't go on like we have any longer.
I've contacted the person in Montana with the Catahoula rescue group. Hopefully I get a positive response.
posted by Amity at 7:32 PM on April 6, 2013 [1 favorite]
You have my permission to rehome her. She's not the right dog for you, but she could be the right dog for someone else. Give her a chance to be happy.
posted by HotToddy at 7:34 PM on April 6, 2013
posted by HotToddy at 7:34 PM on April 6, 2013
I ended up with my dog (semi-feral Carolina dog/Dixie Dingo) from being the pet sitter who walked her for her suffering family until she and I bonded to the point where, when they were saying they wanted to give her away, I couldn't stand not being the person they gave her away to. So, maybe some kind of arrangement where the prospective owner can slowly walk the dog and they can develop a relationship before committing, might work well? (I knew it was 'right' for us when she preferred to stay in my car than go 'home' ... that and I was up all night crying because I was afraid someone else was going to adopt her...) And it did take a while, and now we BFFs... I didn't even WANT a dog until I ended up with her. So it does happen! Her family loved her and adored her and even had another dingo-dog (whom they kept, and who I have a good friendship with, but not the "YOU ARE MINE" that developed with the other dog!) and they were SO GLAD I took her.. they wanted me to and I had to say no, but I broke down after looking at her and the aforementioned night of tears....
posted by The otter lady at 7:40 PM on April 6, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by The otter lady at 7:40 PM on April 6, 2013 [2 favorites]
I feel embarrassed and awful that I'm giving up on this animal, but I just can't go on like we have any longer.
You are not giving up on her, though I believe that you feel that way and I understand why. You are doing what is best for her, in the long run.
Research and contact the shelters and rescue groups in your area (you may have to spread a wide net). You may well get some grief for giving her up, but a good organization will understand that you're doing your best.
Good luck. I'm sorry you have to deal with this, it must be very hard.
posted by Pantengliopoli at 8:03 PM on April 6, 2013 [3 favorites]
You are not giving up on her, though I believe that you feel that way and I understand why. You are doing what is best for her, in the long run.
Research and contact the shelters and rescue groups in your area (you may have to spread a wide net). You may well get some grief for giving her up, but a good organization will understand that you're doing your best.
Good luck. I'm sorry you have to deal with this, it must be very hard.
posted by Pantengliopoli at 8:03 PM on April 6, 2013 [3 favorites]
You have my permission to find a new home for your dog, and also recognition that you have given your dog seven years of a good life.
You also have my advice to muzzle your dog at home, so that stealing food from the kids is not an issue.
There are lightweight, comfy muzzles, I like the ones by Jafco. Take a week and use a lot of positive reinforcement to allow your dog to become not-freaked-out by being muzzled, and you'll all be able to rest a bit easier while you get your bearings.
posted by zippy at 8:54 PM on April 6, 2013
You also have my advice to muzzle your dog at home, so that stealing food from the kids is not an issue.
There are lightweight, comfy muzzles, I like the ones by Jafco. Take a week and use a lot of positive reinforcement to allow your dog to become not-freaked-out by being muzzled, and you'll all be able to rest a bit easier while you get your bearings.
posted by zippy at 8:54 PM on April 6, 2013
It's OK. Sometimes we are just the waypoint for a dog that is looking for it's 'real' lifetime owner.
Sounds like you stepped up and adopted this critter when she was originally from a bad situation--good for you! Sounds like you know this dog needs more than you can provide at this time--good for you for being honest and realistic! Sounds like you're going to do what you can to make sure this dog ends up in a good situation-- again, good for you!
I'd much rather see an animal move into a new home than be where things are not good for the owner or the animal. Sometimes people won't give up a cat/dog/horse that is not right for them or their situation in life, and both they and the animal suffer because of it. Sometimes it's a misplaced sense of duty, occasionally ego, or often love that doesn't realize that things aren't the best for the animal.
There's nothing wrong with allowing this dog to go into a situation that would be better for both you and her. You can 'pay back' by adopting a smaller, family-friendly, pound hound. The S,F-F,PH gets a great home, your kids get to grow up with a pet and become dog lovers who will go on to give other dogs a good home, and you and your wife can relax. Everybody wins.
posted by BlueHorse at 9:11 PM on April 6, 2013 [2 favorites]
Sounds like you stepped up and adopted this critter when she was originally from a bad situation--good for you! Sounds like you know this dog needs more than you can provide at this time--good for you for being honest and realistic! Sounds like you're going to do what you can to make sure this dog ends up in a good situation-- again, good for you!
I'd much rather see an animal move into a new home than be where things are not good for the owner or the animal. Sometimes people won't give up a cat/dog/horse that is not right for them or their situation in life, and both they and the animal suffer because of it. Sometimes it's a misplaced sense of duty, occasionally ego, or often love that doesn't realize that things aren't the best for the animal.
There's nothing wrong with allowing this dog to go into a situation that would be better for both you and her. You can 'pay back' by adopting a smaller, family-friendly, pound hound. The S,F-F,PH gets a great home, your kids get to grow up with a pet and become dog lovers who will go on to give other dogs a good home, and you and your wife can relax. Everybody wins.
posted by BlueHorse at 9:11 PM on April 6, 2013 [2 favorites]
Sorry to be the discordant note in the happy choir. At 8 years old, it is unlikely that your dog will be adopted from a shelter - ever. It is likely that she will live out her last years spending most of every day in a locked, concrete kennel. Also, what "no-kill" shelter can often mean is that the shelter workers just walk the animal across the street to the "kill" shelter if they decide euthanasia is the way to go.
She is more likely to get another home if you find one for her. However, please be very careful. There are many people collecting up unwanted pets for reasons that will end in the pet's suffering and death - laboratory bunchers, for example. These people look like regular folks and sometimes bring their kids along to pick up the pet.
I'm not saying don't get rid of your dog. I just wanted to add a few facts about this situation.
posted by cairdeas at 9:15 PM on April 6, 2013 [15 favorites]
She is more likely to get another home if you find one for her. However, please be very careful. There are many people collecting up unwanted pets for reasons that will end in the pet's suffering and death - laboratory bunchers, for example. These people look like regular folks and sometimes bring their kids along to pick up the pet.
I'm not saying don't get rid of your dog. I just wanted to add a few facts about this situation.
posted by cairdeas at 9:15 PM on April 6, 2013 [15 favorites]
By the way, kennel stress is one of the most common reasons that dogs get put down in shelters. It's seen as inhumane to keep them in that environment once they've reached their breaking point, and of course, once they have broken mentally, nobody will want to adopt them. It might be enlightening to research just how long it typically takes dogs in a shelter environment to start exhibiting kennel stress.
posted by cairdeas at 9:17 PM on April 6, 2013
posted by cairdeas at 9:17 PM on April 6, 2013
Yeah sorry but rehoming a dog aggressive, people iffy, senior isn't exactly easy and taking her to a shelter would just add a ton of fear, confusion and general awfulness to her life before she most likely was euthanized. I'd highly suggest working with some local rescues, as in you keep her until someone expresses interest in meeting her. I fall under the umbrella of independent rescuer as well as foster for several local rescues and your situation while sad and stressful really needs to be thought about in a less "oh she'll get adopted by the perfect family and life will be great" because that most likely is not at all what will happen. Utilize your vet as well, sometimes they know other clients who rescue or are looking...
posted by yodelingisfun at 10:54 PM on April 6, 2013 [8 favorites]
posted by yodelingisfun at 10:54 PM on April 6, 2013 [8 favorites]
Like yodelingisfun, I have been immersed in this world for a really long time. (Volunteer/foster for a kill shelter, for a no-kill shelter, currently fostering for a breed-specific rescue group, adopted from 2 other shelters, and on and on). But you don't need to take the word of people on the internet for the realities of this situation; I'm pretty sure if you call up the humane society and ask, they will tell you similar things.
posted by cairdeas at 11:04 PM on April 6, 2013
posted by cairdeas at 11:04 PM on April 6, 2013
You can 'pay back' by adopting a smaller, family-friendly, pound hound.
In this situation I would definitely not recommend getting another dog until the children are older, if then. Catahoula are indeed a handful and a different breed would probably not have the dominance issues that are part of their makeup. But any dog needs more than 2.5 hours of exercise and interaction a week, so until the OP can give the dog more time another dog is a bad idea.
posted by winna at 11:05 PM on April 6, 2013 [3 favorites]
In this situation I would definitely not recommend getting another dog until the children are older, if then. Catahoula are indeed a handful and a different breed would probably not have the dominance issues that are part of their makeup. But any dog needs more than 2.5 hours of exercise and interaction a week, so until the OP can give the dog more time another dog is a bad idea.
posted by winna at 11:05 PM on April 6, 2013 [3 favorites]
Last thing! (Promise). Temperament testing.
slightly people-aggressive. She has not bitten, but is threatening - hackles raised, aggressive barking - at anyone who approaches the house.
Read the Wikipedia link towards the end. When you consider bringing your dog to the shelter, I suggest that you consider whether she would pass the temperament test to determine whether she is even adoptable at all. If she doesn't pass, she will be deemed unadoptable. Unadoptable dogs are housed separately, don't see the public, and are quickly euthanized.
posted by cairdeas at 11:20 PM on April 6, 2013 [1 favorite]
slightly people-aggressive. She has not bitten, but is threatening - hackles raised, aggressive barking - at anyone who approaches the house.
Read the Wikipedia link towards the end. When you consider bringing your dog to the shelter, I suggest that you consider whether she would pass the temperament test to determine whether she is even adoptable at all. If she doesn't pass, she will be deemed unadoptable. Unadoptable dogs are housed separately, don't see the public, and are quickly euthanized.
posted by cairdeas at 11:20 PM on April 6, 2013 [1 favorite]
Just coming in to say what cairdeas said. It is great that you want to find a good home for this dog, but unless you find the new owner yourself or get a no-kill group to take her it is highly unlikely re-homing her through a shelter will end in anything but stress and euthanasia.
For what it's worth, if you're talking about the Cesar Millan-type dominance training there is a lot of evidence that style is bunk and, at its worst, makes dogs more anxious and aggressive. These articles provide good overviews. Maybe your dog would respond better to a different style? That said, extremely intelligent dogs will always require daily time investment and "work" in order to keep them sane and not destroying your stuff. A family with kids may just not have that time.
posted by Anonymous at 11:35 PM on April 6, 2013
For what it's worth, if you're talking about the Cesar Millan-type dominance training there is a lot of evidence that style is bunk and, at its worst, makes dogs more anxious and aggressive. These articles provide good overviews. Maybe your dog would respond better to a different style? That said, extremely intelligent dogs will always require daily time investment and "work" in order to keep them sane and not destroying your stuff. A family with kids may just not have that time.
posted by Anonymous at 11:35 PM on April 6, 2013
I agree with those who are giving you permission to re-home your dog. The situation in your family has changed and she has been unable to adjust.
I don't agree with the blanket statements about shelters. You need to speak with your local no-kill shelter if you have one (if the contact in Montana does not work out). I volunteer at a shelter that is no-kill and once a dog is accepted they stay till they get adopted. Sometimes they come back one more than once but the staff keeps working on finding them homes. And our local kill shelter has a very low kill rate. Every place is different.
I also believe that sometimes the best thing for a pet and the owner is for the animal to be put down if a suitable home cannot be found (please don't put me down for having this opinion). I had to do this. It was hard but I absolutely feel I did the right thing.
I wish you the best in finding a comfortable to live with solution.
posted by cairnoflore at 12:30 AM on April 7, 2013 [1 favorite]
I don't agree with the blanket statements about shelters. You need to speak with your local no-kill shelter if you have one (if the contact in Montana does not work out). I volunteer at a shelter that is no-kill and once a dog is accepted they stay till they get adopted. Sometimes they come back one more than once but the staff keeps working on finding them homes. And our local kill shelter has a very low kill rate. Every place is different.
I also believe that sometimes the best thing for a pet and the owner is for the animal to be put down if a suitable home cannot be found (please don't put me down for having this opinion). I had to do this. It was hard but I absolutely feel I did the right thing.
I wish you the best in finding a comfortable to live with solution.
posted by cairnoflore at 12:30 AM on April 7, 2013 [1 favorite]
Start by contacting local rescue groups. They might even find a temporary foster family - especially if you can offer to pay for food and vet until the dog is permanently placed. They may be willing to place a courtesy post on petfinder or with other dog rescue outlets.
Write up an honest but funny sweet description of the dog. Try to keep it to one page and include pictures. You can put something like "The Good: food motivated and smart -- likely highly trainable! The Not So Good: food motivated and smart -- snatches food away from our toddlers and trolls the cupboards when we're not home!"
Be honest about her behavior around other dogs and strangers. (I'm personally not exactly sure that barking and hackles means Aggressive with a capital A. She's guarding her family and needs to be trained to stand down on command.) Be descriptive of her observable behavior in this. "Loyal to family: barks and gets her hackles up when strangers approach. She needs socialization."
If she has raised her hackles to the kids, you need her out of your home ASAP, even if she stands down when you chastise her.
The fact that she is highly food motivated likely means that she is highly trainable for clicker training -- which differs from dominance training. It focuses on rewarding good behavior. Someone with the time and energy could probably train her in a day or week. (It can be remarkable -- she'd probably be thinking That's what you wanted from me? Why didn't you SAY SO!
But you have two kids under 2 - it is understandable that you don't have the time or energy.
posted by vitabellosi at 3:52 AM on April 7, 2013 [1 favorite]
Write up an honest but funny sweet description of the dog. Try to keep it to one page and include pictures. You can put something like "The Good: food motivated and smart -- likely highly trainable! The Not So Good: food motivated and smart -- snatches food away from our toddlers and trolls the cupboards when we're not home!"
Be honest about her behavior around other dogs and strangers. (I'm personally not exactly sure that barking and hackles means Aggressive with a capital A. She's guarding her family and needs to be trained to stand down on command.) Be descriptive of her observable behavior in this. "Loyal to family: barks and gets her hackles up when strangers approach. She needs socialization."
If she has raised her hackles to the kids, you need her out of your home ASAP, even if she stands down when you chastise her.
The fact that she is highly food motivated likely means that she is highly trainable for clicker training -- which differs from dominance training. It focuses on rewarding good behavior. Someone with the time and energy could probably train her in a day or week. (It can be remarkable -- she'd probably be thinking That's what you wanted from me? Why didn't you SAY SO!
But you have two kids under 2 - it is understandable that you don't have the time or energy.
posted by vitabellosi at 3:52 AM on April 7, 2013 [1 favorite]
In the short term, while you are figuring all this out, I recommend hiring a dog walker to walk your dog daily. I bet more exercise will improve the dog's behavior and alleviate your guilt. Good luck!
posted by bluedaisy at 7:43 AM on April 7, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by bluedaisy at 7:43 AM on April 7, 2013 [3 favorites]
God, did I love my Catahoula!
Yes, they need so much more than you can give her, and her frustration on not being able to expend the energy she needs to is what drives her difficult behavior, so it just means a lot of unhappiness on both sides.
They are a unique enough breed, that you should be able to find a rescue, between Canada and the U.S. They are specific to the U.S., so I would do a lot of research here. People who have owned them will know how to give them what they need.
A shelter is not the way to go with a dog like that, she doesn't sound adoptable from that route, and the stress of kenneling her energy will be torturous for her. I would focus on people who are really into working breeds, even if not Catahoulas, to expand your search.
I also agree with the above poster that you should hire someone to run with her for at least an hour every day (you will see her personality change in front of your eyes!). It will make everyone's life easier until you find her a perfect home.
posted by Vaike at 11:03 AM on April 7, 2013 [1 favorite]
Yes, they need so much more than you can give her, and her frustration on not being able to expend the energy she needs to is what drives her difficult behavior, so it just means a lot of unhappiness on both sides.
They are a unique enough breed, that you should be able to find a rescue, between Canada and the U.S. They are specific to the U.S., so I would do a lot of research here. People who have owned them will know how to give them what they need.
A shelter is not the way to go with a dog like that, she doesn't sound adoptable from that route, and the stress of kenneling her energy will be torturous for her. I would focus on people who are really into working breeds, even if not Catahoulas, to expand your search.
I also agree with the above poster that you should hire someone to run with her for at least an hour every day (you will see her personality change in front of your eyes!). It will make everyone's life easier until you find her a perfect home.
posted by Vaike at 11:03 AM on April 7, 2013 [1 favorite]
I have a similarly food-motivated dog who is also wicked-smart. Once the shelter stress wore off, even long walks and runs weren't enough to tire her out, and we turned to stimulation exercises to wear her out mentally.
You've said you don't even like the dog any more; if you're willing to try once more, smart food-motivated dogs respond amazingly to food-based positive reinforcement programs.
Check out Sophia Yin's Learn to Earn program - you feed your dog as rewards for good behavior (sitting, waiting patiently, etc). It's a set of rules and a framework that your dog can understand and buy into. You'll also incorporate intermittent reward after she gets the trick/behavior down, which also reinforces her paying attention to you for possible food opportunities.
How is your dog's chew reflex? My dog goes through most toys like a hot knife through butter, so we get her the flossy chews/etc type rope toys, which she can rip up and destroy. I also pre-shred my cardboard recycling through the innovative use of the DogFetti machine (tm) - I toss her the box and she obligingly rips it into bits. She loves doing tricks in hopes of getting some choice morsel.
Btw, the biggest thing that changed my pup's behavior was finding out her dietary allergies, removing gluten and soy, and moving to a real-protein based diet. Totally different dog, who was once given up for being "too much dog."
posted by bookdragoness at 12:26 PM on April 7, 2013 [1 favorite]
You've said you don't even like the dog any more; if you're willing to try once more, smart food-motivated dogs respond amazingly to food-based positive reinforcement programs.
Check out Sophia Yin's Learn to Earn program - you feed your dog as rewards for good behavior (sitting, waiting patiently, etc). It's a set of rules and a framework that your dog can understand and buy into. You'll also incorporate intermittent reward after she gets the trick/behavior down, which also reinforces her paying attention to you for possible food opportunities.
How is your dog's chew reflex? My dog goes through most toys like a hot knife through butter, so we get her the flossy chews/etc type rope toys, which she can rip up and destroy. I also pre-shred my cardboard recycling through the innovative use of the DogFetti machine (tm) - I toss her the box and she obligingly rips it into bits. She loves doing tricks in hopes of getting some choice morsel.
Btw, the biggest thing that changed my pup's behavior was finding out her dietary allergies, removing gluten and soy, and moving to a real-protein based diet. Totally different dog, who was once given up for being "too much dog."
posted by bookdragoness at 12:26 PM on April 7, 2013 [1 favorite]
Oh, I also forgot that filling a Kong with a variety of high-value rewards (shredded chicken, kibble and peanut butter, other shredded meats) and freezing it both wears her out mentally and fulfills her chew reflex.
posted by bookdragoness at 12:29 PM on April 7, 2013
posted by bookdragoness at 12:29 PM on April 7, 2013
I also support the decision to re-home the dog, with a great deal of caution given her lack of stability and her age. Others above (as far down as I read; I did not read every response so far) have given good advice. I would like to add another potential option, though I'm not sure how realistic it is based on her age.
You may want to try communicating with local hunting groups. Up here in the northeast we have 4H clubs, a couple of fish and game clubs, and that's about it, but something like that may be more common where you are; I'm not sure. Given her breed, she is likely to thrive in that environment, and in a well-formed and stable pack her aggression issues will disappear with a little work (a functioning pack is very different from a group of dogs at a dog park). The hunters in question may not want her due to her age, but it may be another avenue to explore.
For now, carve some time out of your day to exercise her. She needs it desperately, and it can help to alleviate at least some of the frustration she is feeling. It may even make her better behaved, though that depends on her individual energy level.
posted by Urban Winter at 6:02 PM on April 7, 2013 [1 favorite]
You may want to try communicating with local hunting groups. Up here in the northeast we have 4H clubs, a couple of fish and game clubs, and that's about it, but something like that may be more common where you are; I'm not sure. Given her breed, she is likely to thrive in that environment, and in a well-formed and stable pack her aggression issues will disappear with a little work (a functioning pack is very different from a group of dogs at a dog park). The hunters in question may not want her due to her age, but it may be another avenue to explore.
For now, carve some time out of your day to exercise her. She needs it desperately, and it can help to alleviate at least some of the frustration she is feeling. It may even make her better behaved, though that depends on her individual energy level.
posted by Urban Winter at 6:02 PM on April 7, 2013 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks for all of your wonderful suggestions. I'm in contact with Catahoula Rescue, which is obviously the best situation if it can work out. Putting her in a shelter is my last resort, as a dog of her intelligence will wither in a kennel like that. A no-kill shelter is great, but it also means that she might live a long, miserable life.
I am also hiring my neighbour to walk her more often for the time being.
posted by Amity at 5:48 PM on April 8, 2013 [1 favorite]
I am also hiring my neighbour to walk her more often for the time being.
posted by Amity at 5:48 PM on April 8, 2013 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: As a conclusion to this thread, I found a new home for my dog. I posted an ad on a local classifieds site (Kijiji) and got a few quality responses. One has turned out to be pretty well ideal: older couple on a farm, experience with the Catahoula breed. Looking for an older dog. We're taking her there this weekend.
Thanks for all of your help, folks.
posted by Amity at 12:46 PM on April 26, 2013 [6 favorites]
Thanks for all of your help, folks.
posted by Amity at 12:46 PM on April 26, 2013 [6 favorites]
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posted by scody at 6:57 PM on April 6, 2013 [1 favorite]