Repost dog mental disorder attacked children, what to do with 2nd dog for socialization and playtime

Hi, my husband and I adopted a puppy when my daughter was close to a year old. He was a male australian sheperd/sheltie mix and at the time we did know they were lying about the mom being a sheltie(she resembled a lg. tan rat with very little hair anywhere on her body) they said they got her from an aussie breeder who bred her to aussies to make small versions and that they beat her there and that was why she was so cowardly? hid in a corner of the barn the whole time we were there. we originally had went to look at their purebred aussies but they were terrified of people so we decided nay on them but this sweet not terribly cute but wonderfully outgoing puppy came up to us and climbed in my lap and snuggled. Needless to say Philo became a well loved member of the family. we went on walks every night, spent the weekends hiking, boating etc and when 2 weeks later we found out the birth control didnt work(again folks I thought the shot was 100 percent but oh well) we were ok with it

Repost dog mental disorder attacked children, what to do with 2nd dog for socialization and playtime?

Wow. I am so sorry this happened to you and your family. What great perseverance you have. I don't know what I would do in a situation like that. Thank God your children are safe, and you absolutely did the right thing. He was a very unhappy dog. You certainly got my attention with your mention of Sophie. I have a calm and quiet aussie mix named Sophie who hates having puppies in the house. She hides behind me until they are gone. In my experience, I have found that introducing puppies to a household is actually more difficult than people think. You already have a very traumatized dog on your hands, and puppies are so energetic and innocent they often don't have any sensitivity toward other dogs. Have you considered the possibility of adopting an older dog? Maybe a few years older than Sophie? You would certainly have better luck with judging personality and temperament, and an adult dog could have a calming effect on your poor dog. The training classes are a great idea-both for socialization, and to give her a sense of normalness in her life. Dogs do like structure. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor and think that Sophie has the very best family she could ever want.

Repost dog mental disorder attacked children, what to do with 2nd dog for socialization and playtime?

I'm glad you had your male dog put down. He was a danger to everything around him and obviously was not enjoying his life.

I imagine your dog Sophie is afraid of the other dogs because the only other dog she ever knew had a habit of attacking her and hurting her. Since she is young I expect she will improve as she has more positive experiences. Perhaps you could pick out some particularly gentle dog in the class and arrange to have that dog next to Sophie, as a nonthreatening buddy.

You might look into getting some private training lessons for Sophie to help her self-confidence. Dogs of her breed like to learn, enjoy pleasing their owners, and get self-confidence from knowing they know how to do things.

I'm not sure whether getting a companion for her would be a good idea. I'll leave that to dog experts.

Repost dog mental disorder attacked children, what to do with 2nd dog for socialization and playtime?

OK you really had me going on your last post. Geeze I think this is the longest post I've ever seen here.

Puppy classes are your first step. That's a great thing. But also take her every where with you and the kids. Car rides and on walks and just to the park where she can see and meet all kinds of people.

When my boys where pups I took them everywhere I went and made a point of doing so. I still take them for walks on Main St. so they can still meet young and old a like. I've met some wonderful people and so have my dogs.

Don't be shy about taking her with you it the very best thing you can do for her and you.

I'd hold off on a new pup until she is better socialized.

Repost dog mental disorder attacked children, what to do with 2nd dog for socialization and playtime?

If you live in a suburban or urban area, you probably have dog parks around. Check online to see. As long as your dog is not in heat, she is ok to go to most, even though she's not spayed. Take her for lots of walks, introduce her to all the other dogs you meet, if their owners allow it. Take her to the pet store often, most allow dogs as long as they are leashed. She can start getting used to other dogs there. Talk to the trainer at the store, or call a trainer and see what they suggest. The second dog is a purebred Aussie, correct? Well, you might want to look online for local aussie clubs or groups. They will have some good ideas to share with you. Good luck with her, and I'm sorry to hear that Philo had to be put down.

Repost dog mental disorder attacked children, what to do with 2nd dog for socialization and playtime?

Honestly... Do you mind if I ask where you live that the "behaviorists" turned you down? I think your dog was totally lacking in training, and was the ALPHA of the house...

For your other dog- the best thing you can do is work with a trainer who knows about confidence building in a dog.

I know a great trainer in the DC/MD area...

Don't know where you are, but send me a message if you live in that area. People drove hours from VA and PA to go see him... He's the best!

Good luck

Repost dog mental disorder attacked children, what to do with 2nd dog for socialization and playtime?

Hello there, Please do not be sorry for telling your story, in fact it is very important and interesting to learn about what happened. I am sorry to hear about all the trouble you went through.

Me and my puppy started puppy classes, we are at our third series of six sessions and it is simply wonderful. It has helped me better handle and understand my dog. The dog trainer is using a holistic method and it is wonderful.

I would suggest to wait to get another puppy. You should attend the puppy class first. Believe me you and your dog will have "homework" to do at home, every day, you will have your hands full with your children too. It is a good sign that she is starting to get out of her shell. In my class there is a Doberman that was not socialized and she is scared of everything and it has helped her tremendously.

Do you watch the "Dog Whisperer"? He gives good explanation and basics, being the dog needs to feel that you are his pack leader and that you are in charge. If you are not firm he will do whatever he wants if he does not have boundaries. But the puppy class takes care of that aspect.

Good luck and keep us posted. I hope everything will go well for you, your family and your four-legged kid.