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?

Comments for 2 year old rescue

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Dec 23, 2015
Rating
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
Rating
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
Rating
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.

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Great Pyrenees Questions.

CLICK TO FOSTER A PYR
PLEASE CLICK THE IMAGE


Breaking News

RSS

  1. Shelby

    Oct 17, 21 03:48 PM

    D.O.B. December 11, 2015 Shelby is a big white fluffy mix. Maybe she is the girl for you. Shelby is very smart. She jumps for the opportunity for a walk,

    Read More

  2. Odin

    Oct 17, 21 03:22 PM

    Odin is a 14 month old white fluffy. *ADOPTED* From his family: Odin is the sweetest boy. He absolutely never hesitated to show us that he needed us

    Read More

  3. Kobi

    Oct 15, 21 08:59 AM

    *Courtesy Posting* DOB: 17. March 2020 Located in Maple, Ontariobr Kobi is an extremely intelligent, happy, healthy 16 month old white fluffy. He is

    Read More

  4. Walk about in the woods

    Oct 09, 21 07:10 PM

    We rescued our female ivy 4 year old and has been with us for 2 1/2 years. We rescued a GP / Caucasian shepherd/ Tibetan mastif male sully 1 year old and

    Read More

  5. Molly

    Oct 03, 21 01:41 PM

    *ADOPTION PENDING* Congratulations to her new family! She lives with children and her guiding people. Her family and Molly are learning together. Her

    Read More

  6. Chewing Kibble

    Oct 02, 21 01:47 PM

    Hello, I have a 7 year old great Pyrenees. I don't buy expensive dog food, I buy hard Purina for smaller dogs. If I buy hard food for adult dogs, she

    Read More

  7. Tina

    Sep 29, 21 09:22 AM

    D.O.B. July 12, 2017 Located in Erin, Ontario This sweetheart Great Pyr is looking for an experienced Pyr person. She will go to a home with children

    Read More

  8. Male Pyr leads females away from job

    Sep 21, 21 10:53 AM

    We have an older male who was the lone guardian of our sheep for several years. He needed help to protect the sheep from coyotes so now we have a nine

    Read More