Help needed with 'stubborn' dog please.

sangie595

A couple of things to add to the excellent advice from krlyr.

If you are going out, leaving the dog in a darkened room may actually help the dog to settle. Dogs see well in the dark (and even with curtains or blinds shut it won't be that dark) but being darker can settle them into "sleep time" mode. If going into the kitchen is associated with "sleep time" rather than what you are doing, it reduces anxiety.

The other thing, if you can't afford a behaviourist, is to ask at your vets, or, if there is one nearby, a school for veterinary studies or animal behaviourism. Or ask other owners at the park/ walking area. There are often students around who will have a lot of experience already, but are formalising it with qualifications, and will be looking for practice case studies. I'm doing my KC certification currently in dog behaviourism. My own dogs vet sometimes sends people to me who couldn't afford help, and I can usually pick up a case every couple of weeks just going for a walk!

One other tip actually. Krlyr mentioned mental stimulation. You can provide this for the dog, even if you are not there. Buster food cubes and similar toys are designed to do this. You stuff them with treats (or I would recommend kibble as part of their normal diet) and it becomes a mental game for the dog to get the food out. Start out by working with the dog so that it learns how the trick of getting the food works, then leave the toy available for individual play and with the dog when you go out. It gives the dog a steady supply of food reward while you aren't there, and distracts them from thinking about you not being there. And these sorts of toys tend to last as a longer distraction than stuffed kongs, which a robust and smart dog will empty in minutes!

elsien

Just from my own experience of a boisterous adult rescue, trying to grab the collar can be a real trigger for some dogs. When he's anxious or stressed or overexcited and I try to take the collar I get exactly the same reaction as you - snapping at the hand.
In Gitog's case, although it looks as if he's just being "stubborn" it's a stress reaction. I've had to learn ways of managing him which don't involve going near his collar or trying to grab him when he's upset. He doesn't mean any harm even when he draws blood - he's protecting himself. It's not ok, but it's important to work out what's going on and find ways round it. Then you can start working on touch or other issues when he's calm.

Katiehound

Just to say my boy is scared of lots of things. When we are out in the street, particularly at night and a man walks past he growls even if I am holding his collar- he is not going to attack, he is shaking and scared. Sometimes inexperienced folk think they have sussed the dog's reaction- it is not always correct. A man insisted on approaching the dog when he was in his crate in the car, yes he was speaking softly etc and saying you'll be alright! so that's why he weed on his bed- fright.

You have only had your dog for 5 weeks, that's a lot of upheaval for a dog whatever their age and breed. What you construe as stubborn may be fear or something else.

I would be looking for dog training classes that use positive reinforcement methods. Some general training would be beneficial. Our trainers have had rescue dogs so they have lots of useful advice.