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.







Breaking News

  1. Courtesy - Moose

    Nov 30, 23 05:36 PM

    *ADOPTING PENDING* DOB: August 2018 Moose came to us through animal control wild and frantic. We now know more of his story as his original owners found

    Read More

  2. Courtesy - Maeve

    Nov 27, 23 06:38 AM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: June 15, 2021 Location: Peterborough, Ontario, Canada Pyr-mix Single-dwelling home with securely fenced-yard Walks well on leash Crate-trained:

    Read More

  3. Belle Amie

    Nov 26, 23 06:08 PM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: Oct. 13, 2022 (1-year-old) Location: Acton, ON Crate-trained Walks well on leash Good in car Good with cats Good with kids Belle

    Read More

  4. Daisy

    Nov 26, 23 06:01 PM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: March 14, 2021 (2.5-years-old) Location: Acton, ON Daisy was snapped up before we got her posted. This sweetheart, full Pyr, was surrendered

    Read More

  5. Charlie

    Nov 26, 23 05:49 PM

    As a youngster.
    DOB: August 1, 2022 Location: London area Well-behaved children over 12 due to his size Single family dwelling with a fenced yard of minimum 6 feet

    Read More

  6. Courtesy - James

    Oct 21, 23 08:27 AM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: Approx. March 2021 (19-months-old) Location: A Tail-to-Tell Front Line Rescue - Borden, Manitoba This beautiful boy is looking for a

    Read More

  7. Courtesy - Jasper

    Oct 21, 23 07:57 AM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: August 2017 (6-years-old) Location: A Tail-to-Tell Front Line Rescue - Borden, Manitoba He is a 6 yr old Great Pyrenees mix that is neutered,

    Read More

  8. Courtesy - Nixon

    Oct 18, 23 10:32 AM

    *ADOPTED* DOB: May 2022 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada area Nixon is a Pyr/St. Bernard cross Children: Yes. He adores the baby in the home. Cats:

    Read More