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Back in October I had to take in my mom's 7yr old American Toy Terrier. He had the run of the house and slept on my mom's lap at night.(In a lift chair because she has Parkinson's disease). He also got into the habit of going to the bathroom in the house because my mom couldn't get him out fast enough.
Since coming to live with me I have to keep him confined during the day (on a leash in the kitchen) because he marks his territory and has bitten 2 of my kids when he has been surprised. I do not want to give him up because I take him to the nursing home to see my mom. He is the bright spot in her life.
When I crate him at night he whines yips and barks. I have tried several different ways and after 2-3 weeks of things going fine he will start the whining allover again. I don't want to hit him and hurt him so I have used a fly swatter to smack him and say "no". It worked last time but now he is starting again. I am now thinking about sedatives. My family needs sleep!
Wonder if there is a senior citizen someplace, no kids, lots of time and patience, who would take the dog in? Dog could still visit the mother. I've certainly fostered dogs under various circumstances. Might be win/win both for dog and senior.
American toy terriers sadly don't make good pets for people with young children, they are too high strung, can't handle the always boisterous movement and noise of kids.
Now, having said that, not all is lost. The dog has to learn to interact nicely with the kids and the kids need to learn doggy 101.
Have you considered training classes? If not, look into it. Also, a muzzle isn't a bad tool if used correctly. The dog should never be forced to wear the muzzle all day long, only when he's interacting with the kids. Hopefully, he'll soon get used to them, and they'll get used to him.
It's a tough situation, I realize that you want to do what's best for the dog, your mom and your household. You need to set some boundaries, become the pack leader in this dogs life and teach him what you expect of him.
Cesar Millans books are a great way to start, not hitting him, ever, is a great way to start, and training classes are a must at this point.
No dog is too old to learn, this particular little guy is a smart breed, but stubborn, I have a beagle so I understand.
Find a trainer in your area, be honest about the behavioural issues you are having and go from there.
Wonder if there is a senior citizen someplace, no kids, lots of time and patience, who would take the dog in? Dog could still visit the mother. I've certainly fostered dogs under various circumstances. Might be win/win both for dog and senior.
I agree Judy. It wouldn't even necessarily have to be full time foster care. Maybe someone that volunteers at a senior center or home, since he is likely more comfortable around seniors. This would not only likely help the dog with his separation anxiety, it would also help the seniors. You see all sorts of programs where volunteers take dogs into nursing homes for therapy for the residents.
Another thought. When the dog (is his name Tippy?) is at home, do you have an article of your Mom's clothing that you could let him lay on? The scent may help him feel close to her. Also, you could let him sit in your lap with that article of clothing, and just let him have quiet time with you before bedtime. It sounds like he is not getting enough of that, and he misses it alot. This is likely why he is crying so much in the night.
Thank You. I have ordered the Dog Father DVD's and we have started the training techniques with him.
I do allow him with the kids when I can put my full attention on the situation (when my special needs child goes to school). I do repeatedly give the kids instructions on behaving around the dog. I know he is not mean at heart but will strike out at the children if he is spooked. That is why I was wondering if the muzzle would help decrease that scenerio and increase his freedom and well being.
I want to be the pack leader but right now I am lacking the confidence because obviously I have been handling this all wrong.
Do you get the National Geo. Channel? The Dog Whisperer is on 7 days a week if you do. You can grab some pretty good tips from Cesar on there too.
The most important thing to do is to try and stay calm and as confident as you can. They feed off of your energy. If you are nervous, they will be too.
Here is a video you can watch right now if you'd like to. It's a long one, so you might have to pause it a few times with the kids around.
He has blankets and pillows I took from my mom's house for him to lay on and his bed.
He does get to snuggle with someone every night here. I have 4 grown children who all love him.. He lays with whomever is sitting watching TV.
I have been taking him for walks now that the weather is improving.
He is very attached to me. When I am not here my children say that he looks for me and lays on the bathroom rug until I come home or they make him come lay with them.
The only thing that bothers me is that when I take him to see my mother he ignores her. He refuses to lick her hands or face anymore like he used to. Is he mad? or are they 1 master dogs and now he knows I'm his master?
It could be that he senses that he will never be with your mother full time again so he's distancing himself. You have become his pack leader, even without trying, that's why he waits for you when you aren't home.
I think there's hope for you and this dog, you just both need to figure eachother out. He obviously has attached himself to you, so use that to your advantage.
Dogs are very willing to please their masters, and you're it, so the more time you spend training him, working with him, walking him, etc. etc. the better your relationship will be and the easier it will be to train him.
Remember, this is all new to him. It's as if you went to a new country, you wouldn't know the traditions, the customs, you'd have to be taught, so does he. It won't happen overnight, but it will happen with patience, a kind touch and confidence.
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