My dog seems to be having rage blackouts...

[disneynutt1225]

If I don't think about clipping his nails and not worry about it when I approach him. It works a lot better!!

Yes, we have cable. I should DVR some of his shows...

I think my other problem is I approach him with fear. I need to get past my fear or we're never going to get anywhere.

 

[MushyMushy]

Definitely DVR some shows. I spent all summer watching his shows and it has made such a difference in my dog. We always had problems with her barking at everything that moved outside and my husband one day stood up and started behaving like Cesar Millan and she shut up right away! Up until that point, he didn't believe in the whole Dog Whisperer thing, but now he's a believer.

 

[Keli]

I enjoy Ceaser's show also. We agree on techniques, as a matter of fact, I found I had been doing much of what he suggests instinctually. But I have always loved dogs and spent a lot of time with them and when you observe dogs for a while you start seeing the stuff that works to get them to obey you.
But I do have a fearful golden (strange I know, but she's a rescue and was seriously neglected and abused a little in her former home) that requires a firm hand to keep her in line. So I seem to use a lot of Ceaser's techniques on a regular basis.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Yes, we have cable. I should DVR some of his shows...

I think my other problem is I approach him with fear. I need to get past my fear or we're never going to get anywhere.

You cannot be fearful AT ALL! The dog does NOT respect or trust you one bit.

So a beagle huh? Ear infections are a serious issue with beagles. Are you quite sure he is not in pain?

I would sign up for a dog obedience class with a professional dog trainer facility. Someone who knows their stuff will be able to direct you.

I would not do it alone or just use Cesar's shows/books. He always says to consult a professional trainer.
This is because you need someone to READ YOUR DOG.

As good as I thought I was, I was put in my place by the rescue people I got one of my dog's from. He was VERY VERY insecure and had dog agression.

I thought I was firm, however I learned that I was not firm ENOUGH.

Aggression has to be matched with VERY FIRM corrections but they have to be timed properly and given properly. That is where dog obedience comes in.

Also exercise is imperative to getting rid of his energy. If you are not draining the dog of energy you are not going to be able to teach him anything.

It is hard work....it takes time plus forever....
It does get better, but you have to do the right stuff.

 

[disneynutt1225]

You cannot be fearful AT ALL! The dog does NOT respect or trust you one bit.

So a beagle huh? Ear infections are a serious issue with beagles. Are you quite sure he is not in pain?

I know. I've gotten better about my fear, I really have. I've had to step up to the plate with my husband being gone. I'm almost where I should be.

I don't think he's in pain anymore from the ears. While he does scratch them once in a while, they are nothing like they were a year ago. Poor thing used to get yeast infections in his ear like they were nobody's business. Once we switched the food and put him on Benadryl when he begins to flare up, it really put a stop to the ear problem.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

As some of the PP's have said, I agree that the dog probably needs more exercise to release some of that energy.

"A tired dog is a happy dog" is really a good motto to live by.

Good luck!

 

[disneynutt1225]

I'm kind of at my limit for the exercise - we go on long walks twice a day and we run around with him in the backyard in the evening. Not to mention playing catch throughout the evening outside. Sleeping doesn't seem to be a problem for him.

I really won't even consider taking him to a dog park because I don't trust them anymore after his attack - it was a horrible experience and I almost lost him. I can't go through that again.

I guess I could train him to use the treadmill in the basement... Just kidding.

 

[Aidensmom]

We got our dog from a rescue when he was 3, he has always been wonderful behavioral-wise till we moved to a townhouse last month....he is barking more and he is tearing up his toys, which he never did before.

What helped for him is to give him a rawhide to take his aggression out on...I believe he just gets frustrated by being in close proximity to other dogs, he can hear others barking or crying when he could not when we lived in a house. I know not everyone agrees with using rawhide, but perhaps some other chew toy that your dog could use to relieve anxiety on?

 

[A Mickeyfan]

We got our dog from a rescue when he was 3, he has always been wonderful behavioral-wise till we moved to a townhouse last month....he is barking more and he is tearing up his toys, which he never did before.

What helped for him is to give him a rawhide to take his aggression out on...I believe he just gets frustrated by being in close proximity to other dogs, he can hear others barking or crying when he could not when we lived in a house. I know not everyone agrees with using rawhide, but perhaps some other chew toy that your dog could use to relieve anxiety on?

I agreed with Rawhide until I got leather furniture then my dog seemed to not realize where the bone ended and the couch started. My set was only a year old at the time too... that is my only reason I have since (years later) gotten a new leather set. They no longer eat the sofa and I no longer give rawhide. I use nyla instead.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I am not a fan of using a crate never have been. In may I got 2 Jack Russells from the shelter and now I use a crate for certain things. One of them, Rain, has a habbit of still eating things, she eats clothing. So when we go out, I put her in a crate/cage or she will eat what ever my kids left on the floor (good way to teach them to pick up their things). The other one, Cloud, had this Alpha thing going on. He is only a year old but must have thought he was going to be Alpha. Lightning was ok with him thinking it, but Thunder wasn't. Thunder actually has given him stitches twice since May. So when we go out, we crate/cage Cloud for his own saftey. Cloud is only 14 lbs and Thunder is 90!
But like I said in my post about loosing Lightning, Thunder & Cloud have actually seem to made a truce since Thrusday and both layed on the couch together today.
I do still plan on using the crate for Cloud when I go out in the event Thunder & he decide to go at it while I am out. I do not know what is causing the agression in Cloud or Thunder, but they aren't showing it towards others (dogs or people) just each other. Now that my post did not help you, other than maybe a cage might work a little. I know when Cloud shows his teeth at Thunder, I throw him in his cage & when Rain comes running with socks, underware, bathing suits etc... hanging out of her mouth. I throw her in her cage to show her that she was wrong. It seems to be working a little with her. When I go out, until I am confident with them, I cage them. I have never done this before in my years with dogs but for some reason, these little guys need it. My bigger dogs never did. Storm is a little guy too.. he needs a cage to learn not to potty at times.. he is a Jack Russell as well.. so he and Cloud will share a cage, sometimes I will use the cage for Storm and other times for Cloud.
Put to be fair, we do have a decent size back yard and when we are home, they do get to all go out and run for at least 20 minutes at a time if not longer unless they want to come in sooner! So they do get their exercise...... and get tired...


ok... scratch my crate idea.. just read where you state he is in a crate 8 hours.. that is a long time. longer than mine. We have staggering work hours here. Longest mine are in are maybe 4-5 hours. Before you go and spend a fortune on pills from a vet, ask if you can give something like Beneydryl. It might calm him down. I know I was able to give one of mine it for an allergy.

 

[Imzadi]

I'm kind of at my limit for the exercise - we go on long walks twice a day and we run around with him in the backyard in the evening.

How about getting a bicycle instead of walking? This way, he has to run with you. And you can cover more distance than walking.

Alternately, find a neighborhood kid who loves dogs, or a dog walker, and just have them come play with the dog in the yard. This way, you won't have to worry about them taking the dog for a walk where he might come across another dog without you.

I agreed with Rawhide until I got leather furniture then my dog seemed to not realize where the bone ended and the couch started.

Wow! Those should come with warning labels.

Have you tried just leaving the TV on for him?

I had to do that for my cat. I sometimes have to be away for some 12-14 hours straight. When I finally got home, the cat would be all freaked out & anxious & would bloat herself up from nervous eating. She's an emotional eater. I now leave the TV on for her. I realised I have it on most of the time I'm home (unless I'm sleeping.) So, of course, if it's off when I'm away, she's suddenly hearing all the noises out in the hall instead, and no soothing TV sounds. With the TV on, she's still upset with me being gone for so long, but it's now more out of loneliness than anxiety.

 

[MushyMushy]

I'm kind of at my limit for the exercise - we go on long walks twice a day and we run around with him in the backyard in the evening. Not to mention playing catch throughout the evening outside. Sleeping doesn't seem to be a problem for him.

I really won't even consider taking him to a dog park because I don't trust them anymore after his attack - it was a horrible experience and I almost lost him. I can't go through that again.

I guess I could train him to use the treadmill in the basement... Just kidding.

Well, Cesar teaches dogs to use a treadmill to supplement their exercise. You still need to take them on regular walks, but they can be taught to use a treadmill with supervision. Read around about it on the internet. I saw that quite a few people do it.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Imzadi, you are on a roll!

I know that a great many dogs do fine with being in a crate for 8 hours. But I'm wondering if it may be too long for *this* dog? I think Imzadi had a great idea about hiring someone to come in to let the dog out for a while and play - is there anyone who can do that?

I was also wondering - since you're so great at responding to posts right away - if you could describe one of these incidents in detail - what leads up to it, what exactly happens, and what you do about it? What did the trainer have to say? Thanks. I think we'd all like to help you find a solution!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I hate to sound snippy but if you cannot make changes with the dog, the dog is not going to change.

As Cesar says, it is the humans that have to change, not the dog. The dog is just responding to what you environment you have him in.

YOU MUST drain that dog's energy. In fact since he is a beagle I am sure there are specific exercises geared toward that breed. Here are the many field trials that exist.
http://www.beaglesunlimited.net/ftclubs.htm

A beagle is a hunting dog and if you are not hunting the dog you MUST provide alternative exercise for him.

That is one of the keys with all dogs. They do want to be with other dogs and working. It is up to humans to get as close to that as we can.

I know how tough it is, trust me.

 

[disneynutt1225]

just read where you state he is in a crate 8 hours.. that is a long time. longer than mine. We have staggering work hours here. Longest mine are in are maybe 4-5 hours. Before you go and spend a fortune on pills from a vet, ask if you can give something like Beneydryl. It might calm him down. I know I was able to give one of mine it for an allergy.

My brother does tend to take him out of the crate if he gets out of class early, so he's not necessarily in for a solid 8 hours a day. He's on Benadryl for allergies and he gets it when it looks like he's going to flare up (i.e. licking feet excessively, butt rub, etc.).

How about getting a bicycle instead of walking? This way, he has to run with you. And you can cover more distance than walking.

All the literature I read when I first got him was that biking with a Beagle was a no no. Because they are short legged, they tend to get tangled in the leash and the bike and it's hazardous.

I was also wondering - since you're so great at responding to posts right away - if you could describe one of these incidents in detail - what leads up to it, what exactly happens, and what you do about it? What did the trainer have to say? Thanks. I think we'd all like to help you find a solution!

It really all came to head when he decided the mailman delivering the mail was a problem. As I said, we have a mail slot in the door. He would literally go bonkers, so much so that we had to put a gate in the entryway so he couldn't get to the door and the mail slot. When the trainer came, we worked with him excessively -- ringing the bell, putting "fake mail" through the slot, opening and closing the screen door so that he wouldn't freak out when he heard the sound, etc. He got better for a while (about a month) and my husband and I continued to work on him with this things. Since then he has moved on to other things. If a car drives by, the UPS truck, FedEx, whatever, he's at the den window on top of the couch freaking out. The weird part about it is, he wags his tail the whole time he's having his tantrum.

ETA: When he flips out at the mail being delivered, the trainer advised we back him up from the door, put him in a sitting position and wait until he calms down to open the gate and pick up the mail.

The trainer also recommended we spend as much time in the front yard with him as possible this way he got used to the sounds and movements going on outside. We do that, just about every day after dinner when there's a lot of activity going on in the neighborhood.

My husband would even take him outside on his days off around the time the mailman would come (we have a wonderful mailman who is VERY understanding) and they would meet and play and be friendly with each other. But the next day, when the mail would be put in the slot he'd be back in attack mode.

YOU MUST drain that dog's energy. In fact since he is a beagle I am sure there are specific exercises geared toward that breed. Here are the many field trials that exist.
http://www.beaglesunlimited.net/ftclubs.htm

A beagle is a hunting dog and if you are not hunting the dog you MUST provide alternative exercise for him.

I know you don't mean to sound snippy, and I'm trying not to come off defensive when I respond to your posts. I work full time, and I go to school full time (online). I really do give this dog every ounce of energy I can. He sleeps a lot, I don't think it's an energy or a boredom problem. We walk, play, etc. about as much as the two of us can handle. He's not overweight and the vet said he's very lean - which to me means he's getting enough exercise.

As far as doing field trials, well, I'm not really interested in that. We thought about it when we first got him, but decided it wasn't for us. I did just find another website for dog play, so I'm going to look into that.

I can't remember who suggested finding someone in the neighborhood to walk him - we really don't socialize with anyone in the neighborhood. My family has lived here for over 10 years and we really don't know anyone aside from the neighbors on either side and across the street. This isn't exactly the friendliest neighborhood around.

Anyway, thanks for all the advice so far. I'm sorry if I'm being difficult. I'm willing to bend as much as possible on some things, but there are other things that I cannot change. Since these are things that have worked for Toby in the past, I don't see why they can't work for him in the future. Maybe he needs more structure, more routine, and a little more activity. I'm willing to do as much as I can with the time that I have with him to make that possible.

 

[DMickey28]

Chris,

I read through this last night and a bit this morning. Forgive me if you already said this ... but what exactly does he do? I understand he is on the top of the couch in the den ... doing what? Barking? Baying? Growling?

My mom has a beagle. He is 4 years old. He has been raised very basically ... he gets a few walks a day just down the street a little bit. I'd say he goes on the walk 3 times a day and then out to the side yard one last time before bed. He also has a bell to ring that he rings if he has to/wants to go out any other time. My mom plays fetch with him in the house at night, just up and down the stairs or from the living room to the kitchen. He also can go out on the deck sometimes but usually he smells something and bays/barks up a storm so they limit that for the sake of the neighbors. Otherwise he doesn't get any ridiculous extent of exercise.

He goes NUTS when another dog walks up the street. They live on a hill and there are two bay windows in the living room that he can see someone walking a good distance away and then follows them by the house in the other window. He goes NUTS ... barking, baying ... He is up on the couch and back of the chair with his tail wagging. However he is not aggressive. He is taken by the collar and sometimes dragged to the "his spot". It's at the top of the basement stairs with a leash attached on the other side of the door. There is a little mat there and he can't see the street out the window there. He gets tied up until he calms down. It's between the living room and kitchen so he can still see everyone and doesn't get nervous but it's his spot. He is to the point where if you put him there, you can lay the leash on the ground rather than hanging up on the wall or you can even take the leash off and he will not move from that mat unless you tell him to. There was no extra training that resulted in this it just came naturally over time because they were consistant with him ... our old dog was the same way but it was with the bathroom as her safe spot. She would go in there when you told her and wouldn't come out until you told her.

I guess that was long winded. My point is that I was wondering what exactly behavior he is doing. How aggressive is he getting? Dogs need boundaries .. they need to know what is right and wrong. We have started tying Lobo up for a period of time during the day, usually when he starts to get a bit rowdy chasing the cats. It is also in a spot that he can see the whole family but it lets him know that behavior isn't going to be tolerated and he needs a minute to relax. Combine that with more exercise and it's make a big difference. I almost think it's like a child ... they know they are tired but they aren't going to climb in that crib and go to sleep. You need to put them there and then need to be strong and enforce that it's nap time. It's the same with a dog .. they need to know that it's not ok to act that way and it's time to chill.

I don't know ... Just another long winded thought!!!

 

[disneynutt1225]

Chris,

I read through this last night and a bit this morning. Forgive me if you already said this ... but what exactly does he do? I understand he is on the top of the couch in the den ... doing what? Barking? Baying? Growling?

Basically it starts with a bay, then a bark and then he gets to a point where he starts thrashing and needs to put something in his mouth - which unfortunately has become the couch on multiple occasions. If we get too close when he's at a high point, he snaps at us. After he snaps, it's like he knows he's done something wrong and he's really apologetic. It's pretty heartbreaking to watch sometimes.

I think I'm going to leave him on his leash when he's outside of the crate. It seems to mellow him a little bit, like he knows he's been "bad" and needs to be tamed.

He's having a good day today. Any time that he's started barking at something outside I've been right up next to him and calmed him down. As long as we don't let it escalate to a point where he's thrashing, he does ok.

I'm still going to look into the Cesar Milan books and see what he has to say. I think with persistence I can break him of this behavior.

Thanks for the info on your mom's dog - sounds like they are similar in some ways!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

disneynutt, FWIW, I think you're doing a great job not getting defensive. It's hard to hear constructive criticism, but don't worry - none of us are perfect here and the reason we may know something about it is because we've been down this or similar roads ourselves with our own dogs! So hang in there with us!

I've been thinking about this today and had a few additional thoughts and ideas.

Sometimes dogs get into a "rut": their boredom leads to misbehavior, then the misbehavior isolates them, and then it becomes a viscious cycle that's difficult to get out of. The key to solving the problem? Breaking the cycle.

"Fence running" is a good example. A dog who's only interaction with other dogs is running along a fence snarling and growling thinks that's the way he's supposed to behave; after all, that's all he knows. The key is to re-socialize the fence runner to learn the proper way to behave around dogs.

In this case, however, we're talking not about fence aggression, but mailman aggression, or aggression towards other things. But the ideas are the same. He's bored and he doesn't know what else to do, and his person isn't sure what else to do now, either. You both need direction, big time.

You and he should be in a very structured environment to re-introduce you both to the norms of the dog world. Get him into a group dog class. Here he will learn how to behave around dogs and other distractions, and you will learn how to facilitate this. He will learn how to take instruction from you. He will learn to look to you as his leader. He will learn how to be a "good dog" in the real world. And he will look forward to going every week.

Right now it sounds to me like he's in his own little "rut" of being in a crate by himself most of the day, then played with later but not exactly integrated into the world (kept in yard), and his owner is admittedly very busy with other things (understandably).

Girl, you need to get this little guy back into the real world! He's made up his own little world out of boredom and lack of socialization!

A private trainer coming into the home is nice. But there is NOTHING like a group class! Mr Milan talks about "the power of the pack" and he's right. I believe in group classes and have attended with my dogs for years - long after they've mastered obedience, I stay for the socialization.

I also think he has a great idea when he talks about giving a dog a "job". Dogs want to be doing something. Give him a little backpack to wear when he goes to class (maybe carry his own water), and let him use it around the neighborhood, too. Get him out! Make him behave the way you want him to! Use voice control (along with corrections) and remember not to tense up when you see the mailman or anything else that he reacts to.

Hope this makes sense and you might see some value in it. I've been down this road, too, if it's any consolation. We all get busy in our lives and sometimes forget that our animals aren't sure what to do with themselves day after day, hour after hour.

Good luck.

P.S. Just noticed this:

Any time that he's started barking at something outside I've been right up next to him and calmed him down.

Just make sure you are not inadvertantly rewarding the behavior.

 

[disneynutt1225]

You and he should be in a very structured environment to re-introduce you both to the norms of the dog world. Get him into a group dog class. Here he will learn how to behave around dogs and other distractions, and you will learn how to facilitate this. He will learn how to take instruction from you. He will learn to look to you as his leader. He will learn how to be a "good dog" in the real world. And he will look forward to going every week.

Just make sure you are not inadvertantly rewarding the behavior.

I'll be honest and admit I'm afraid of re-introducing him to a group situation. Will all the dogs be on a leash? It was so hard for me when he was attacked at the dog park, I still hear him screaming in my head. I don't want to go through that again. How do I go about finding a good group class?

The procedure we were trained to do was to tug the leash while shhhing him to calm him down. Only once he was calm and re-focused on something else were we allowed to pet him. Is that considered rewarding the barking? I don't really know...

I'm hanging in there! I really do appreciate the ideas.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

The procedure we were trained to do was to tug the leash while shhhing him to calm him down. Only once he was calm and re-focused on something else were we allowed to pet him. Is that considered rewarding the barking? I don't really know...

Yes, that sounds like a correction. An even better thing to do is to prevent the behavior before it starts, ie when you see him beginning to *think* about doing it, you shhh. Nip it in the bud. Practice distracting him in those situations (it sounds as if you've been doing that somewhat with the chew; try using a ball or even just playing with him). Show him what you do want. Then when he doesn't go forward with the unwanted behavior, you reward him.

Inadvertantly rewarding is when you are patting or cooing the dog during the unwanted behavior. You'd be surprised how many people do this in an effort to calm down or soothe the dog. To a dog, it's like you're telling them they're on the right path when you do that; they see it as a "yes".

Yes, all the dogs will be leashed. You should probably go and look at different classes to see how they're run. You want to go where you're comfortable so you'll enjoy it. Talk to the instructor to let him or her know what's been going on and of the previous attack on your dog. In my class this week there were two dogs new to the class and another who was known to nip, and the instructor gave warning to all to be mindful of our dogs around these other dogs.

I'll be honest and admit I'm afraid

I know how it feels to feel worried in these situations. But we need to be careful with how we project these feelings to our dogs, because they definitely pick up on them. Your job is to be completely confident in your direction, and your dog will be happy to follow your lead. But you need some help in getting there yourself. Cesar Milan does a great job of teaching people how to be leaders with their pets. Watch his show to see how, then practice.