Cross posted (with permission) from a forum where someone was asking for help with their dog (modified to remove names):
---------------------
The most effective approach is a multi-faceted one.
One suggestion I have is to have a TTouch Practioner do a couple of sessions with you, your sons and the dog. The process works on the basis on the fear in gentle and soft techniques. The public library also has books and videos you can watch and the techniques are simple to learn. www.ttouch.com
Second, I would highly recommned "Click to Calm" by Emma Parsons and it will show you how to step by step retrain your dog to first desensitize, then even appreciate your boys. The clicker acts on the amygdala in the brain to calm the dog.
Third, exercise for high drive dogs always helps. By exercise, I mean 40 min 2x a day that gets her heart rate up. Chasing a ball, swimming, steady roughhousing with other dogs, running beside a bicycle etc. This will provide an outlet for excess energy and the chemicals released by the brain has a calming effect.
Regardless of what techniques you choose, it will be a long haul and there are always setbacks. We have had ours (also a recue) a year tomorrow and unexpected fear issues still pop up every now and then. I have been working several times daily training and socializing her at any venue in town to make her a dog anyone would be proud to own. She has made huge strides in her comfort level with "in your face strangers" and dogs off leash but odd sounds in the forest still freak her out.
Good luck!
Donna & Jessie
PS. We have been working Jessie through Sue Aislby's free on-line training program and it's awesome! It provides a step by step process of how to train useful behaviors for a family dog. Once Jasmine is starting to be more comfortable with the boys, they can be a part of the training which will help with changing her view of them and bonding.
http://www.dragonflyllama.com/%20DOGS/%20Dog1/levels.html
Showing posts with label aggression. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aggression. Show all posts
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Friday, May 02, 2008
Sudden Onset Aggression - Rare Side Effect of Lyme Disease
Permission to Cross-Post - Please share...
============ = PASTED ============ ========= =
A RARE SIDE EFFECT OF LYME DISEASE
We recently had a very strange event which I think we should share around the rescue-community:
Young (~2 years) M Lab-mix, came into our program with a 'questionable' background; may have been aggressive toward some children; then again, maybe not.
We kept him for a long while - months of fostering in our premier foster-home, no problems; placed him carefully, with a single middle-aged man who adored him. We also, as we do all our dogs, tested him for Lyme. He had it; we treated it; case closed -- we thought.
Everything went very well after adoption - the star of his obedience-class, frequent alum-visits to clinics - for over a year. And truly adored by his adopter.
Then, over 12-mos post-adopt, Mojo became suddenly, erratically, and seriously aggressive: literally attacked visitors to his home, people in the vet's waiting room, etc. Terrifying. Very-sudden. Totally inexplicable.
He was returned to us with genuine heartbreak from a very loving adopter.
Mojo then went to our regular vet and was a totally different dog: bared-teeth and growls at anyone who approached his kennel, lunged at other dogs when being walked, etc. We figured that whatever was happening with him, he had become un-placeable and started a TDC (Tough Decisions Committee - something we 'convene' that is open to anyone with an interest in the dog when we think that euthanasia might be an option).
However, someone at the vet's office said that perhaps we should test him for Lyme. Huh????????
They had had a regular client of theirs come in recently with similar, out-of-the blue-aggro, and it turned out that Lyme was the problem - puzzled them, but seemed to be the case. Okay -- hey, we'll try anything -- so we had him tested. He was high positive!
Fine, we started treatment while we continued to figure out what to do with him via the TDC. Almost immediately, however, once the antibiotics began, the Mojo we knew came back!!
He was himself again - bouncy, happy, a bit neurotic, but not at *all* aggressive!
The staff at the vets was amazed, but all confirmed this change. We didn't believe it; vets didn't believe it... BUT a thorough search of the Internet turned up a number of studies (plus) anecdotal-observati ons indicating that in some dogs (and some humans!!) the primary-symptom of their Lyme Disease can be sudden, irrational and serious aggression.
We've known for a while to check thyroid-levels of dogs that show aggro that just 'doesn't fit'. Now we've added testing for Lyme as well. And we have - results not-yet in - another dog, placed 12-mos-plus, returned because of out-of-the-blue aggro... he also tested high-positive for Lyme!
We've started treatment; we'll be monitoring his response. So - plug this in to your protocols; worth checking-out.
I spent the day today with Mojo... he truly is just the same dog we placed over a year ago. (We've let his original adopter know - because he vowed that it had to be *something* causing this behavior. But he cannot take Mojo back because his roommate, one of the people attacked, won't even consider it.
For the record, there were no skin-breaking contacts in any of these attacks, but plenty of fear and we consider them as serious as if they were full-fledged bites.)
We actually have additional insight into this because one of our volunteers (human) has had Lyme Disease. Took many months for her to be diagnosed; once she was, she learned it's a VERY-nasty bug that remains permanently, waiting for a chance to 'crop-up' again.
When we place Mojo again (TDC unanimously agrees we should), we're going to explain the background, these amazing events, and require the adopters test every 6-mos, whether or not he's symptomatic. We have no idea whether that will work or be sufficient - we're rather flying blind in this - but it seems rational.
But based on what we know now, its a real possibility: Lyme *can*, in a few rare-cases, cause aggression, aggression that can be reversed.
Permission was granted to cross post this.
- Mary Hinchman; Leader, Troop #146
http://wmdstroop.tripod.com
http://mnojo.tripod.com/amberglowkennel
============ = PASTED ============ ========= =
A RARE SIDE EFFECT OF LYME DISEASE
We recently had a very strange event which I think we should share around the rescue-community:
Young (~2 years) M Lab-mix, came into our program with a 'questionable' background; may have been aggressive toward some children; then again, maybe not.
We kept him for a long while - months of fostering in our premier foster-home, no problems; placed him carefully, with a single middle-aged man who adored him. We also, as we do all our dogs, tested him for Lyme. He had it; we treated it; case closed -- we thought.
Everything went very well after adoption - the star of his obedience-class, frequent alum-visits to clinics - for over a year. And truly adored by his adopter.
Then, over 12-mos post-adopt, Mojo became suddenly, erratically, and seriously aggressive: literally attacked visitors to his home, people in the vet's waiting room, etc. Terrifying. Very-sudden. Totally inexplicable.
He was returned to us with genuine heartbreak from a very loving adopter.
Mojo then went to our regular vet and was a totally different dog: bared-teeth and growls at anyone who approached his kennel, lunged at other dogs when being walked, etc. We figured that whatever was happening with him, he had become un-placeable and started a TDC (Tough Decisions Committee - something we 'convene' that is open to anyone with an interest in the dog when we think that euthanasia might be an option).
However, someone at the vet's office said that perhaps we should test him for Lyme. Huh????????
They had had a regular client of theirs come in recently with similar, out-of-the blue-aggro, and it turned out that Lyme was the problem - puzzled them, but seemed to be the case. Okay -- hey, we'll try anything -- so we had him tested. He was high positive!
Fine, we started treatment while we continued to figure out what to do with him via the TDC. Almost immediately, however, once the antibiotics began, the Mojo we knew came back!!
He was himself again - bouncy, happy, a bit neurotic, but not at *all* aggressive!
The staff at the vets was amazed, but all confirmed this change. We didn't believe it; vets didn't believe it... BUT a thorough search of the Internet turned up a number of studies (plus) anecdotal-observati ons indicating that in some dogs (and some humans!!) the primary-symptom of their Lyme Disease can be sudden, irrational and serious aggression.
We've known for a while to check thyroid-levels of dogs that show aggro that just 'doesn't fit'. Now we've added testing for Lyme as well. And we have - results not-yet in - another dog, placed 12-mos-plus, returned because of out-of-the-blue aggro... he also tested high-positive for Lyme!
We've started treatment; we'll be monitoring his response. So - plug this in to your protocols; worth checking-out.
I spent the day today with Mojo... he truly is just the same dog we placed over a year ago. (We've let his original adopter know - because he vowed that it had to be *something* causing this behavior. But he cannot take Mojo back because his roommate, one of the people attacked, won't even consider it.
For the record, there were no skin-breaking contacts in any of these attacks, but plenty of fear and we consider them as serious as if they were full-fledged bites.)
We actually have additional insight into this because one of our volunteers (human) has had Lyme Disease. Took many months for her to be diagnosed; once she was, she learned it's a VERY-nasty bug that remains permanently, waiting for a chance to 'crop-up' again.
When we place Mojo again (TDC unanimously agrees we should), we're going to explain the background, these amazing events, and require the adopters test every 6-mos, whether or not he's symptomatic. We have no idea whether that will work or be sufficient - we're rather flying blind in this - but it seems rational.
But based on what we know now, its a real possibility: Lyme *can*, in a few rare-cases, cause aggression, aggression that can be reversed.
Permission was granted to cross post this.
- Mary Hinchman; Leader, Troop #146
http://wmdstroop.tripod.com
http://mnojo.tripod.com/amberglowkennel
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Dog Aggression
The issue of dog aggression comes up time and time again. If you are dealing with aggression in a dog, there are many sources out there to help you.
In a nutshell, the first step is to discover if this is a behavioral or physical issue.
BEHAVIORAL
Some dogs reach a certain age and try to change their place in the pack by challenging others. Or by challenging the humans. It is important to maintain the pack structure with the human as the pack leader to keep everyone in balance and the family in harmony. Being a pack leader doesn't mean that the human yells, shouts or hits. They maintain structure by teaching the pack members the rules of the pack (sit politely, respect boundaries, etc.). If there is not a human who adequately guides the pack, then a dog will rise into that position. They might not even want to be alpha, but they realize that the structure is missing and someone has to provide it.
A class with a qualified behaviorologist will help to determine a course of action for obedience training which would also give helpful pointers to the human so that the human better understands his/her role. Another great resource is the NILIF program easily found on the internet. It is based on the premise that nothing in life is free. You must sit politely as I prepare your food and only eat when I say ok. You will wait behind me as I go through the door and only exit with my permission. There will be time spent up front as you and your dog go through these exercises, but once the roles are firmly established, it will make for a smoothly run and happy household for many years to come. I would say we spent the first year with our springer spaniel working on the basics, but we had a well-behaved and happy dog for the next 13 years who earned compliments everywhere she went. We didn't know about NILIF at the time, but we worked with basic obedience and the rules that worked well for our family.
There are also internet groups through forums such as Yahoo and MSN where you can find qualified trainers and behaviorologists who will answer your questions online and help point you in the right direction.
PHYSICAL
Sometimes aggressive behavior is exhibited when the physical body is not right. A dog in pain, for instance, will lash out at anyone trying to touch him because the touch results in more pain and he's trying to warn the person away. This is an obvious case of physical problems, but what about something a bit more deep-seated and harder to determine?
Many people who have studied dog health and nutrition have found that there are two things which can help spur a sudden and unexplained display of aggressive behavior.
Thyroid disfunction can be a cause of aggression in dogs. You might even see other thyroid issues (unexplained fears, poor quality of fur, etc). Request that the veterinarian either run a full 6-panel thyroid test to determine if this is the issue, or have the blood drawn and send the sample to Dr. Jean Dodd's lab for anaylsis. Dr. Dodds is the leading expert on thyroid issues in canines and has an extensive background of knowledge as well as a database used for tracking trends in specific breeds.
Another major culprit in aggressive behavior is vaccinosis from over-vaccinating our animals. Most often vaccinosis displayed as aggression is associated with the rabies vaccine. Resolving this will require the assistance of someone skilled in healing. Most frequently homeopathy seems to have better results, although in most cases no matter the therapy, the aggression is minimalized and never thoroughly gone. This is why so many people are very upset that rabies is mandatory even when titer tests indicate that the immunity level for the virus is still very effective. In an effort to minimize the risk to our animals from these terrible side effects, the rabies challenge fund has been established to document and prove the effectiveness and long-lasting protection of the shots.
There are many resources out there and I strongly encourage a person to exhaust all efforts at attempting to work with their dogs in these issues. Sometimes we've done all we can and it is not enough. I read a story of a large powerful dog who was rescued and worked with, yet attacked and bit the elderly mother of the woman who took the dog in. They were forced to euthenize and found out later through an animal communicator that the dog had been kicked by someone in the head before it came to them. The pain in the dog's head was intolerable (like something wasn't attached right anymore) and it felt like it could not live with it. It appreciated the love from the family and was trying hard to fit in, but just couldn't take the pain and bit the mother, knowing what the result would be. Sometimes there can be a higher purpose in the events surrounding the experience and all we can do is our best to help those in our care.
In a nutshell, the first step is to discover if this is a behavioral or physical issue.
BEHAVIORAL
Some dogs reach a certain age and try to change their place in the pack by challenging others. Or by challenging the humans. It is important to maintain the pack structure with the human as the pack leader to keep everyone in balance and the family in harmony. Being a pack leader doesn't mean that the human yells, shouts or hits. They maintain structure by teaching the pack members the rules of the pack (sit politely, respect boundaries, etc.). If there is not a human who adequately guides the pack, then a dog will rise into that position. They might not even want to be alpha, but they realize that the structure is missing and someone has to provide it.
A class with a qualified behaviorologist will help to determine a course of action for obedience training which would also give helpful pointers to the human so that the human better understands his/her role. Another great resource is the NILIF program easily found on the internet. It is based on the premise that nothing in life is free. You must sit politely as I prepare your food and only eat when I say ok. You will wait behind me as I go through the door and only exit with my permission. There will be time spent up front as you and your dog go through these exercises, but once the roles are firmly established, it will make for a smoothly run and happy household for many years to come. I would say we spent the first year with our springer spaniel working on the basics, but we had a well-behaved and happy dog for the next 13 years who earned compliments everywhere she went. We didn't know about NILIF at the time, but we worked with basic obedience and the rules that worked well for our family.
There are also internet groups through forums such as Yahoo and MSN where you can find qualified trainers and behaviorologists who will answer your questions online and help point you in the right direction.
PHYSICAL
Sometimes aggressive behavior is exhibited when the physical body is not right. A dog in pain, for instance, will lash out at anyone trying to touch him because the touch results in more pain and he's trying to warn the person away. This is an obvious case of physical problems, but what about something a bit more deep-seated and harder to determine?
Many people who have studied dog health and nutrition have found that there are two things which can help spur a sudden and unexplained display of aggressive behavior.
Thyroid disfunction can be a cause of aggression in dogs. You might even see other thyroid issues (unexplained fears, poor quality of fur, etc). Request that the veterinarian either run a full 6-panel thyroid test to determine if this is the issue, or have the blood drawn and send the sample to Dr. Jean Dodd's lab for anaylsis. Dr. Dodds is the leading expert on thyroid issues in canines and has an extensive background of knowledge as well as a database used for tracking trends in specific breeds.
Another major culprit in aggressive behavior is vaccinosis from over-vaccinating our animals. Most often vaccinosis displayed as aggression is associated with the rabies vaccine. Resolving this will require the assistance of someone skilled in healing. Most frequently homeopathy seems to have better results, although in most cases no matter the therapy, the aggression is minimalized and never thoroughly gone. This is why so many people are very upset that rabies is mandatory even when titer tests indicate that the immunity level for the virus is still very effective. In an effort to minimize the risk to our animals from these terrible side effects, the rabies challenge fund has been established to document and prove the effectiveness and long-lasting protection of the shots.
There are many resources out there and I strongly encourage a person to exhaust all efforts at attempting to work with their dogs in these issues. Sometimes we've done all we can and it is not enough. I read a story of a large powerful dog who was rescued and worked with, yet attacked and bit the elderly mother of the woman who took the dog in. They were forced to euthenize and found out later through an animal communicator that the dog had been kicked by someone in the head before it came to them. The pain in the dog's head was intolerable (like something wasn't attached right anymore) and it felt like it could not live with it. It appreciated the love from the family and was trying hard to fit in, but just couldn't take the pain and bit the mother, knowing what the result would be. Sometimes there can be a higher purpose in the events surrounding the experience and all we can do is our best to help those in our care.
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