I need help with our dog: We picked up a stray dog while we were in Texas for the winter. He's been neutered, and up till this evening, housebroke. My wife saw him urinate in the house...

Richard Rowland

We picked up a stray dog while we were in Texas for the winter. He's been neutered, and up till this evening, housebroke. My wife saw him urinate in the house a few minutes ago, we have, including this dog, five. They come and go in and out of the house, however, with that many dogs coming and going we don't really pay attention to who has been out and who hasn't.

Apparently, this dog hadn't been out all day and the reason for his urinating in the house. When my wife attempted to get put him outside he fought to stay in and after wrestling him out, he cowered by the door shivering with fear.

Yesterday, we heard him yep and come running for the house. I thought perhaps he got zapped by the electric fence. In any event, today he's one terrified dog. Although, some of our other dogs have come in contact with the fence but never acted like this.

I really feel for him, but have no idea what to do. Does anyone have a suggestion?

Kevyn

Richard Rowland wrote:

We picked up a stray dog while we were in Texas fo... (show quote)

May sound dumb but the vet can prescribe Valium

Carol Kelly

Richard Rowland wrote:

We picked up a stray dog while we were in Texas fo... (show quote)

You don’t want your dog on Valium. Try tender loving care. Give him special attention and let him know all is well. He’ll come around if it’s because he is disappointed that he disappointed you. Please don’t think this is stupid. I’ve had a number of dogs over the years and believe me, they have feelings. Hope this works for you.

Richard Rowland

Kevyn wrote:

May sound dumb but the vet can prescribe Valium

Thanks, Kevyn.

Richard Rowland

Carol Kelly wrote:

You don’t want your dog on Valium. Try tender loving care. Give him special attention and let him know all is well. He’ll come around if it’s because he is disappointed that he disappointed you. Please don’t think this is stupid. I’ve had a number of dogs over the years and believe me, they have feelings. Hope this works for you.

Perhaps if he hasn't come around in a few days, I may try Valium for a day or two. Thanks, Carol.

nwtk2007 Loc: Texas

Richard Rowland wrote:

We picked up a stray dog while we were in Texas fo... (show quote)

Choker collar training. Begin with just walking. It calms them. When they learn they have confidence. If it's a big dog, use a pincher collar. The dog will be happier knowing you are the boss as well!

emarine

Richard Rowland wrote:

We picked up a stray dog while we were in Texas fo... (show quote)

A major belly rub & big hug works for me... next time out walk with him some & watch what he does... He will clue you in...

Richard Rowland

nwtk2007 wrote:

Choker collar training. Begin with just walking. It calms them. When they learn they have confidence. If it's a big dog, use a pincher collar. The dog will be happier knowing you are the boss as well!

Thanks, nwtk.

Carol Kelly

emarine wrote:

A major belly rub & big hug works for me... next time out walk with him some & watch what he does... He will clue you in...

Our love for animals is a wonderful thing.

Richard Rowland

emarine wrote:

A major belly rub & big hug works for me... next time out walk with him some & watch what he does... He will clue you in...

I'll try that e. Thanks.

Hug

Carol Kelly wrote:

You don’t want your dog on Valium. Try tender loving care. Give him special attention and let him know all is well. He’ll come around if it’s because he is disappointed that he disappointed you. Please don’t think this is stupid. I’ve had a number of dogs over the years and believe me, they have feelings. Hope this works for you.

Agree, we have saved a lot of dogs

nwtk2007 Loc: Texas

Richard Rowland wrote:

Thanks, nwtk.

You're welcome. I read a book on it way back and have trained multiple dogs with that method. My Great Pyrenese was the most resistant, although he wasn't bad. He just played dumb. A great dog with kids and so big. I let him pass. At 145 pounds, his name was Monster.

But all the shepherds and even a couple of wieners have done so well.

EmilyD

Richard Rowland wrote:

We picked up a stray dog while we were in Texas fo... (show quote)

Try a small walk and bring some treats with you. (I use cooked cut up chicken for treats for my dog - he loves them. Also cooked carrots and cut up apples.). Rub his belly, back and sides - not the head - that can be read as a sign of aggression. Maybe some one-on-one time with just one person and a lot of positive encouragement? If he urinates outside while on the walk, give him very high praise and a treat. When my dog is cowering and shivering (usually from loud noises like a thunderstorm, or once when our fire alarm went off) I try to distract him with something nice to eat.

It does sound like something happened while outside to cause his fear, whether it was the fence or something else. Maybe walking around the property with a leash may lead you to whatever the problem is?

If it continues without improvement in, say, a week or two, then I would take him to a vet to see if the vet has any ideas about the behavior.

Good luck. Obviously you and your wife are dog lovers, and I know first hand how heartbreaking it can be to see an animal suffering like that.

archie bunker Loc: Texas

Richard Rowland wrote:

We picked up a stray dog while we were in Texas fo... (show quote)

It could be that the dog has been taken out of its element, having to deal with the multiple dog pecking order, and the electric fence all at once. Maybe he/she is a little overwhelmed, and needs a little extra attention, and affection. Maybe this guy/gal is just trying to find its niche, and struggling a bit?
Don't drug it unless it's hurt, please.
If you have to do that, then it needs to go somewhere that it feels comfortable.
Just my opinion.

Rose42

nwtk2007 wrote:

Choker collar training. Begin with just walking. It calms them. When they learn they have confidence. If it's a big dog, use a pincher collar. The dog will be happier knowing you are the boss as well!

I agree with this except for the use of a choker. The pinch collar is the best for training. Causes less trauma on the neck. Its important to fasten to both rings not just one.

Don’t give on to the temptation to coddle the dog. What you are in effect doing is rewarding him for this behavior.

Nwtk gives good advice. Dogs need direction and they will be happier with it and you will have a better companion.

Do NOT give the dog valium. The dog just needs direction. Good luck!