2 year old rescue

We have recently adopted a 2 year old rescue who has come to us with a multitude of health issues (heartworm, serious skin issues, and behaviors) We have a medical plan for the heart worm and are seriously addressing the skin issues but have some behaviors and I would like some constructive input from experienced Pyr owners.

Our new family member becomes distraught over any sound in our neighborhood but particularly normal car sounds from cars driving through the neighborhood, sirens, barking in the distance, etc. He chases his own tail quite violently and we are concerned he will harm himself.

We understand the barking is normal and protecting our yard is normal but he becomes self injurious.

Any thoughts or suggestions. Most of the information we received from the previous foster home was not accurate and medically he had not received the care he needed so history is very questionable. Any thoughts on how to help him not become so upset?

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Dec 23, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Behaviour and Medical Issues
by: Donna

Your dog has obviously had a bad start in life, sadly. Raw diet will clear up the skin issues.

He is very stressed. Keep him in the house for a few weeks and just have him do his business in your fenced yard.

Him violently chasing his tail doesn't sound good. I advise you to take him to a vet behaviourist.

Here is some good information on your dog's issue with his tail:
http://drsophiayin.com/docs/SpinOutBarkFeb08.pdf
Dec 30, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Behaviour and Medical Issues
by: Donna

In regards to violently chasing his tail, TVO has a documentary on the Science of Dogs. One of the dogs chases his tale violently but it seems it came down to genetics for him.

Well worth watching.

http://tvo.org/video/documentaries/national-geographic/science-of-dogs
Jan 01, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		odd behaviour
by: Anonymous

Tail chasing, irrational behaviours, hypersensitivity are all the result of an acute imbalance. You are working on his health issues, and he is on a better diet. It's a good start.
So what else can you do for this poor dog who, clearly, has suffered from neglect all his life? It will take some patience to gain his complete trust. Trust is built upon a foundation of fairness, consistency, kindness, understanding and leadership. It takes a long time to build, a mere second to destroy months of dedication and work if you lose patience with him. Have him with you at all times. Treat him as you expect him to be..a trusted companion. Gently crate train him for the times when he cannot be with you. Try to keep his surroundings calm. Do not leave him unattended when he's outside. You already know his triggers, so you should be able to redirect before he engages in his self-destructive behaviour. Treats are great for this, as Pyr training is accomplished through strong leadership. Never use punishment or intimidation tactics to train a Pyr. It won't work. Above all, don't give up on him. There is no guarantee that he will ever be completely "normal", but one hopes that he can become a good canine citizen and a loving companion for your family.
Good luck with this! These wonderful dogs are so,so worth it.

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