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. Jake

    Sep 20, 18 02:20 PM

    *ADOPTING PENDING* Best guess: Pyr/Leonberger mix Companion dog Children: Over 16 due to his size - guess of 95 pounds Cats: Probably be fine but proper

    Read More

  2. Water - Drinking too much?

    Sep 19, 18 09:45 AM

    My Great Pyrenees drinks excessively. Is this normal? He is mainly indoors where it is cool and he is not high energy.

    Read More

  3. Diet

    Aug 30, 18 08:05 AM

    What age do you switch from Puppy food to Dog food with a Great Pyrenees ?

    Read More

  4. Daisy

    Aug 28, 18 08:15 AM

    Angel and Daisy came to us because someone did not do their research. They wanted dogs they could just let loose and expected them to hang around the home.

    Read More

  5. Angel

    Aug 28, 18 08:14 AM

    Angel and Daisy came to us because someone did not do their research. They wanted dogs they could just let loose and expected them to hang around the home.

    Read More

  6. Dew Claws - Single or Double

    Aug 27, 18 10:47 AM

    Is it a bad trait to have 1 or 0 dew claws on the back paws?

    Read More

  7. Milo walks fence line why does he do this ?

    Aug 26, 18 08:18 AM

    Milo walks fence line at the dog park. He is serious and dedicated in his attitude. If he meets any dogs that are submissive in thier personalitys .

    Read More

  8. Lion roar and wolf howl

    Aug 26, 18 08:17 AM

    We live in the country with Gabriel (Pyr) and Patches(mix). They are our much-loved house companions and guardians. Nothing passes their notice unannounced.

    Read More