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.

Thank You.

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.

Good luck.

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Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

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.

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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 a lot. 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 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. ;)

Cesar Millan - People Training For Dogs

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?

Yes I get the show. Thank You for the video. I will watch it.

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 each other 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.

Now go give him a big hug from all of us! :)

Thank You. Actually, I want to take him for a walk before it gets dark and colder out. I really appreciate all the help.

I will give him a hug.

I really got an entirely different take on your story obviously, and I appologize. I guess that is what happens when it's over the computer. I was picturing young children running around screaming and possibly taunting him, and him being sad and frustrated because he was taken away suddenly, and you said wanted to sedate him.

I didn't realise how attached he had gotten to you, and that you have grown children that hold him and play with them. I just pictured this dog tied up and away from human contact. I'm sorry.

How long has he been with you now, and how long did your mother have him? I'm sure he has not forgotten your mother and knows who she is. Maybe it's a bit of nervousness? This is a tough one. I'm not sure why he would ignore her.

This really is a training issue though, as far as your home issue goes. Exercise is definitely important. He needs to drain excess energy, and that will sure help with the rest of the training.

I use a muzzle on my dog when I go out in public and at home for short periods (ex children present). I got her used to it by putting it on her and giving her small pieces of treats while she had it on. Dogs regulate their temperatures by panting so you have to make sure the muzzle is either a basket type or that the mesh is big enough that the dog can pant drink water and eat, but is unable to bite. I don't think my dog would ever bite anyone but there is a dog law that says she has to wear one in public. Also I'm not a dog specialist but I've heard that dogs who are tied up are more aggressive and more likely to bite when given a chance to bite.

Sorry. I tried to keep my info. Short and to the point like the website said. There usually is more to the story as they say.

He was a stray that my mom got from the animal shelter in 2004 and he came to my house multiple times before with her and without her. He has been here now since October.

I understand your initial response and I originally deleted your response while I was crying, but I am very glad that I changed my mind and responded.

Thanks for the info on the muzzle. I may try it just for short periods and see how he does with it.

Yes, I had success doing it gradually. First it was just getting it on, then off right away and a treat. Then putting it on again and giving a treat while its on. I did that several times a day, increase length of time gradually.

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Originally Posted by Tippytoo

Sorry. I tried to keep my info. short and to the point like the website said. There usually is more to the story as they say.

He was a stray that my mom got from the animal shelter in 2004 and he came to my house multiple times before with her and without her. He has been here now since October.

I understand your initial response and I originally deleted your response while I was crying, but I am very glad that I changed my mind and responded.

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Please do come back to the site, it's a great place, wonderful caring people.

It's often hard to convey what we are asking with just a few paragraphs, that's why we often ask for more info so we can get a better understanding of the problem.

Starbuck aka Starby is a good friend of mine, we met on this site, talk every day. She's an advocate for animal rights, as am I, we do our best to make sure that all animals are treated humanely so we sometimes get a bit heated. If you read some of the other posts we have to deal with, you'll understand why.

Starby is a wonderful person, has a heart of gold, I'm glad you came back and offered more info, I really hope that it all works out for you and this little dog. What's his name by the way?

It's not hard to misunderstand someone's intentions when it's all written, not face to face.

Keep us updated, let us know how it goes with this little fella, post a picture if you like, we'd love to see him. :)

We went for our walk. It calmed me down. I know I do not want to give up on him. I guess I am as stubborn as he.

I went to the store and bought a muzzle. He let me put it on him and I took it off right away. I will slowly increase his wearing time, but I will not leave it on him all day.

What do you think of doggy diapers?
I saw the outer pants at the store and thought maybe that would be the answer for stopping the marking in the house while we are sleeping, but would allow him his freedom. He doesn't whine when he is free.

I will still supply his crate,
But as his own space rather than his cage.

Keep your fingers crossed.

I appreciate all the help and criticism I received.

Thanks, You have all really helped. I will keep you updated.

Please keep us informed - and, as I said, when my husband died his dog suffered horribly, didn't understand, still looks for him now and then. It's been a long road but she did straighten out and now it's okay.

OOPs! His name is Tippy.

I will try to put a pic on with my kids help. I really am not much of computer person when it gets into that stuff. I actually am very surprised that I figured this site out all by myself.

JudyKayTee Thank you for your sympathetic ear. You kept me from leaving when everyone was getting mad at me. I am sorry about you loss. May God Bless you and keep you in his prayers. I know I will tonight.