Need help with my dog

Raksha

I hope you can get to Marie Millers, she is brilliant with dogs (and as the previous poster said - avoid Barkbusters )

mcspanna

I tend to agree with rnr1975, we have a (now very old) staffie who was rescued by us as a young adult dog. He's a wonderful mutt most of the time (and especially gentle with children) but if anyone has been drinking alcohol or is wearing a hat/scarf his character changes completely! He also often takes a dislike to 'chavs' regardless of whether they have a dog or not! We tried castration and various behavioural approaches but especially now he is in old age have employed avoidance more than anything else. We don't muzzle him; he has very few teeth left! But have on occasion carried an empty drinks can with a few pebbles in it and sealed with sellotape - throwing this into the middle of any 'kick off' gives the split second necessary to divert his attention and steer him away. We would think very carefully before getting another rescue dog (we're sure there is something in his past that has caused these problems but all we know about his previous life is that he was found walking the streets) but at the end of the day he is still a very much loved member of our family!

monkeychops

I thought I would just post an update about my dog.

I changed vets and went for a consultation and told him all the problems. He said it sounded like a thyroid problem so did a blood test. Got the results yesterday and yes his thyroid is underactive - apparently pretty much so. He is to have tablets for 10 days and then have another blood test to see if the medication is correct.

Although not pleased that there is something wrong with him I am just so relieved that hopefully the reason for his behaviour has been found. It will just be so fantastic if I get my dog friendly dog back and he no longer has to wear a muzzle

orlao

Really glad that you've got an answer so to speak.......hope everything goes well with the meds

O x

Raksha

That's great news - thyroid problems are usually quite simple to control with medication and you should get your old dog back. Please keep us updated.

pboae

Thanks for the update, as Raksha says with meds you should see a big difference. Good luck!

MrsTinks

I missed this one the first time round but I'm glad that you have found the probable cause of the problem
Sudden changes to behaviour should always be discussed with a good vet, and it sounds like your new vet is much more alert to behaviour symptoms of medical problems which is great.

firesidemaid

just read your thread - very pleased for you.

we also have a very similar problem - am afraid we too have gone through several animal behaviour experts before we have found one who works/gives us confidence.

our confidence alongside improved obedience etc has worked a lot, although our dog still has her off days - other owners letting their dogs 'run' at us doesn't help.:rolleyes:

i soooooooo sympathise with everything you have gone through - many other dog owners have no sympathy!

funny though, our dog carries a lot of weight, and the vet says if she doesn't lose it easily (we are really cutting down her food) then we would have to get her tested for thyroid probs - i think we might get her tested anyway.

thanks and good luck - let us know how your dog gets on x

MrsTinks

BTW some pet insurance policies will cover medical tests on the basis of behaviour based symptoms... check your policy to see if you're covered