newly Adopted dog issues ?

[stsomewhere]

We adopted a 7 yr old dog 3 weeks ago.
How long does it them to adjust?

The first week he was very well behaved. We did not even think that he could bark. He would growl quietly at a stranger that came to our house but not much more. He cuddled with us, walked quietly on a leash, played with the kids and other dog.The behavior was the same as the rescue.


My family, me , Dh, DS-11, DD-9 and our 1 yr old dog went to meet him and spent about 2 hrs with him at the rescue. A few weeks later we were approved to adopt him. Everyone got a long great.

The last 2 weeks he has been getting more and more aggressive and unpredictable. He has bite 3 people that have been over. Thankfully, he has only gotten their pant legs. Each time his was laying down and he lunged at them from across the room as the were walking by. He gives no warning. I walk him when no one else is out because he goes into attack mode on people and other animals. Snarling, lunging, all his fur standing up. He is very scary.

We crate him when people come over. He has been settling down after 30 minutes. We slowly introduce him. He usually is just fine.

I am concerned that he will seriously hurt someone. I have been in contact with the rescue group. They told me to give it more time. They told me that he was protecting his new family.

I have left a message with a behaviorist trainer/ evaluator for aggression.
I have also left a message for the humane society for an aggression evaluation.

Any other ideas or suggestions?
At what point I just take him back to the rescue?

 

[Pomlover2586]

What breed is he? The breed often has a lot to do with behavior.....

 

[stsomewhere]

What breed is he? The breed often has a lot to do with behavior.....

He is a mini Australian Shepard.
The same breed as our 1 yr old. She does not behave like that.

 

[Disney Doll]

Well, where was he for the first 7 years???

I'm guessing he's anxious because he ahd to have been somewhere, then he was in a shelter, now he's with you guys....it's a bit of bouncing around.

I think the behaviorist is a good idea, but I wouldn't give up on him yet. Don't bounce him again. Perhaps also a discussion with your vet about something that might help relax him a bit, or take the edge off during this transition period????

 

[simba928]

My first thought is what are the rules for the house concerning him? Does he have strict rules or do you let him do whatever he wants? When I first got my dog, I had ALOT of issues with her (attacking my other dog leaving holes on the other dogs face, snapping at us, growling). She had very loose rules at the time. She was allowed on my bed, given almost anything she wanted, etc. I called a behaviorist and the first thing she said was that I had to put her in her place. My dog is no longer allowed to sleep on my bed (I started with her not being allowed on my bed at all, but I have since been able make it so that she can come on my bed when I'm doing homework or watching TV but at night she still has to sleep on the floor). She has to sit and let me go through doorways, stairways, hallways, etc. first. I eat before her. When I give her a command, she does NOT get away with being lazy (if I tell her "sit", she better sit right away, no taking her time or ignoring me). At first she was not allowed any rawhides, but once I got her trained I give them to her on occassion. Try setting up strict rules for your dog (and make sure EVERYONE enforces the same rules). That way he learns that you are in charge, and, therefore, can take care of making the decisions (such as who is allowed in your house or not).

The other issues is the breed. Your dog may never like strangers, Australian shepherds tend to be kind of iffy about them. Your other Aussie may just be well socialized. Definitely talk to the behaviorist, but in the mean time set up the house so that the people show their dominance over the dogs.

 

[klacey1]

For us, our rescue just got too violent. We contacted a basset rescue to give our basset "company," plus we wanted to do our part in helping (our first basset was bought from a breeder. We wanted to save a dog this time). From the very first day-- he constantly tried to run away, growled and lunged when we tried to get him off a bed or couch, and violently bit several people, including us. It just didn't work out...it was obvious he wasn't a purebred basset, and we wonder what other blood he had in him. It was also clear he had had previous owners-- he knew the commands for sit, etc. without us teaching them to him. In the end though, he was just a violent dog and we couldn't keep him (we tried for 3 weeks). The last straw came when he violently attacked our other basset, who was ten at the time. She had a scar for over a year. We just couldn't take the chance he'd again her again when we weren't home to save her. No way.
OP, I'd definitely try to get him evaluated/trained, but the point where you fear for the safety of your family, your other dog, and the guests that come into your home is when you have to give him back. For us, that came at the 3 week point. It was a sad, awful situation that we wished hadn't happened. We had to put our safety first, though, over our wanting to help a rescue dog.

 

[stsomewhere]

For us, our rescue just got too violent. We contacted a basset rescue to give our basset "company," plus we wanted to do our part in helping (our first basset was bought from a breeder. We wanted to save a dog this time). From the very first day-- he constantly tried to run away, growled and lunged when we tried to get him off a bed or couch, and violently bit several people, including us. It just didn't work out...it was obvious he wasn't a purebred basset, and we wonder what other blood he had in him. It was also clear he had had previous owners-- he knew the commands for sit, etc. without us teaching them to him. In the end though, he was just a violent dog and we couldn't keep him (we tried for 3 weeks). The last straw came when he violently attacked our other basset, who was ten at the time. She had a scar for over a year. We just couldn't take the chance he'd again her again when we weren't home to save her. No way.
OP, I'd definitely try to get him evaluated/trained, but the point where you fear for the safety of your family, your other dog, and the guests that come into your home is when you have to give him back. For us, that came at the 3 week point. It was a sad, awful situation that we wished hadn't happened. We had to put our safety first, though, over our wanting to help a rescue dog.

We got our 1 yrld from a breeder. We wanted to give her a friend since our older dog died in the fall. We thought we would give an older dog a new home. We don't really know what happened to him before we got him.
I am waiting until I talk with a behaviorist before we make any discussion.

When he is behaving, it is hard to imagine him being so violent.
Thanks for sharing your story.

 

[stsomewhere]

My first thought is what are the rules for the house concerning him? Does he have strict rules or do you let him do whatever he wants? When I first got my dog, I had ALOT of issues with her (attacking my other dog leaving holes on the other dogs face, snapping at us, growling). She had very loose rules at the time. She was allowed on my bed, given almost anything she wanted, etc. I called a behaviorist and the first thing she said was that I had to put her in her place. My dog is no longer allowed to sleep on my bed (I started with her not being allowed on my bed at all, but I have since been able make it so that she can come on my bed when I'm doing homework or watching TV but at night she still has to sleep on the floor). She has to sit and let me go through doorways, stairways, hallways, etc. first. I eat before her. When I give her a command, she does NOT get away with being lazy (if I tell her "sit", she better sit right away, no taking her time or ignoring me). At first she was not allowed any rawhides, but once I got her trained I give them to her on occassion. Try setting up strict rules for your dog (and make sure EVERYONE enforces the same rules). That way he learns that you are in charge, and, therefore, can take care of making the decisions (such as who is allowed in your house or not).

The other issues is the breed. Your dog may never like strangers, Australian shepherds tend to be kind of iffy about them. Your other Aussie may just be well socialized. Definitely talk to the behaviorist, but in the mean time set up the house so that the people show their dominance over the dogs.

He has the same rules as our other dog. When we got our 1 yr old we socialized her a lot. I don't have an issue with a dog being leary of strangers, I just don't want it to attack and bite people in our house.

 

[stsomewhere]

Well, where was he for the first 7 years???

I'm guessing he's anxious because he ahd to have been somewhere, then he was in a shelter, now he's with you guys....it's a bit of bouncing around.

I think the behaviorist is a good idea, but I wouldn't give up on him yet. Don't bounce him again. Perhaps also a discussion with your vet about something that might help relax him a bit, or take the edge off during this transition period????

This is a good idea. i am going to call the vet tomorrow.

 

[Cat0727]

Sounds very similar to the situation we had with our dog, a Chihuahua-terrier mix. When we met him in the shelter (he was then 2 yrs old), he was an angel! After he was nurtured we brought him home and it took him a few days to bark. Then a few weeks later he progressed to biting us. YES, the people he lived with! Obviously after 9 years with him we know now what to do and what not to do. But then, we were really concerned and my mom had a behaviorist come over. After evaluating him the behaviorist said the best thing to do would be to put him down! So hopefully you don't get a behaviorist like the one we got. We were able to work out our dog's problems on our own- he's still crazy with strangers but we just gate him for that and make sure that he gets no eye contact with people in the elevator Despite his issues, he is still on his best days the sweetest dog in the world.

Anyway, I really hope your dog clams down soon. Rescue Remedy spray is supposed to be good- it's a natural stress relief for pets and they have it for people, too. All the best! Let us know how it works out

 

[simba928]

He has the same rules as our other dog. When we got our 1 yr old we socialized her a lot. I don't have an issue with a dog being leary of strangers, I just don't want it to attack and bite people in our house.

How strict are the rules for your other dog? Like I said, I had ALOT of issues with my dog, Lacey, when I first got her. Until I hired the behaviorist, Lacey had the same rules as my old dog, Jake. We never had any issues with Jake, we got her as a puppy so we were able to lay the good foundation, correct any unwanted behaviors before they started, and know her background (we rescued her at 8 weeks, so we were it). We got Lacey at just under a year and had to stop all her unwanted behaviors (aggression towards Jake, battles for dominance with both us and Jake, etc) and replace them with new behaviors, therefore, Jake's rules wouldn't work for Lacey. They only caused the problems to snowball. Jake and Lacey had different rules and, a year and a half later, they still have different rules (though Lacey's have become a little more relaxed, she still has much stricter rules than Jake, Jake has run of the house while Lacey is supervised pretty much constantly). You socializd your younger dog. It sounds like you put the work into your younger dog that is required to have a really great, friendly dog. Whoever had the older dog before most likely never put that time and effort into him. Now you're paying for it, just like I'm paying for Lacey's lack of socialization and manners (Lacey's super smart and learns and masters every command I throw at her almost immediately, she just has no manners or social skills).

I'm not saying this is entirely your fault, some dogs are just more aggressive than others. I work in rescue and have seen dogs that would not be safe to place in a home. You have your work cut out for you. There's 7 years of unknown background for this dog. You have no idea what this dog has gone through and that puts you at a disadvantage. I applaud you for being willing to take on a 7 year old rescue, not many people are. You just have the advantage with your other dog that you know the background, you were able to prevent unwanted behaviors. This dog, for all you know, could have been rewarded for behaviors that you don't want (a "stranger" comes in the door, dog growls, previous owner babies the dog, therefore rewarding dog for not liking strangers and causing it to progressively get worse over the years). Or on the other side of the scale, the dog could have gotten tortured or taunted by visitors to the home causing the dog to act aggressively towards strangers. If only dogs could talk, huh?

 

[babylisa4]

She does have some anxious moments that I think took a while to appear. (She takes prozac though!) I will say that we've had her over a year and her personality continues to blossom. She just recently started playing with our other dog and seems more loving. I do consider her my personal project. Who knows what she had been through. Keep safe but keep seeking a solution. It's worth it when you can look back and see how far they've come.

 

[bballmom56]

We had some issues initially with the adult St. Bernard we adopted. She was fine when we met her, very sweet, the foster home loved her and had no problems with her. Within a few weeks of living with us, she would growl at DS and his GF, both of them animal lovers and we could not understand. It seemed to be just them. She actually went after the GF one day and DS really yelled at the dog (did not hit her). I was a basket case wondering what we had gotten into.

Fast forward about 5 months. DS's GF hurt him very badly during a breakup (not physically, but emotionally and mentally). We knew she had some issues and some maturing to do (she was 17-18), but we thought as she got older, they would iron themselves out. After the GF was out of our lives, the St. NEVER was aggressive toward anyone again. Was she trying to tell us something? We have to think so. It does sound like your dog is trying to be protective of his new family.

 

[luvwinnie]

We had similiar issues with our rescue bulldog after a few months. Please work with a positive trainer and be sure to rule out health issues (especially thyroid). With patience, consistency and love our Hooch has come a long way.

 

[stsomewhere]

Our dog has an appointment with our vet to have a full checkup for any underlying health issues.

The vet has referred me to a behaviorist who is 1 hr and 40minutes away. She told me that she could come over the weekend or I could drive out there this week. She seems to think that he is insecure still and can help him since this is new behavior. But, she needs t meet him before she can make the final assessment. I have sent her an email with my availability . I am just waiting to her back from her.

Interesting thing happened:

I took both dogs to the park for a walk today. Usually I just take my 1 yr old due to the fact that the adopted dog hasn't had the stamina to walk that far and he has been aggressive on the leash at home.

He did fabulous at the park. Out of the 20 people we saw. He only growled at one person. This is the same person my 1 yr old growls at every time. There is just something about this man that bothers her.

We saw a man and his dog walking that we are friendly with. Our dogs get along fine.
I was worried about the adopted dog and how he would react. He did not growl or lunge at the man or his dog. The man approach him and was able to pet him. The other dog sniffed mine a few times and then they were licking each other. It gives me hope.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Our dog has an appointment with our vet to have a full checkup for any underlying health issues.

The vet has referred me to a behaviorist who is 1 hr and 40minutes away. She told me that she could come over the weekend or I could drive out there this week. She seems to think that he is insecure still and can help him since this is new behavior. But, she needs t meet him before she can make the final assessment. I have sent her an email with my availability . I am just waiting to her back from her.

Interesting thing happened:

I took both dogs to the park for a walk today. Usually I just take my 1 yr old due to the fact that the adopted dog hasn't had the stamina to walk that far and he has been aggressive on the leash at home.

He did fabulous at the park. Out of the 20 people we saw. He only growled at one person. This is the same person my 1 yr old growls at every time. There is just something about this man that bothers her.

We saw a man and his dog walking that we are friendly with. Our dogs get along fine.
I was worried about the adopted dog and how he would react. He did not growl or lunge at the man or his dog. The man approach him and was able to pet him. The other dog sniffed mine a few times and then they were licking each other. It gives me hope.

It usually takes about a month in a new home for the recue dog to show the true personality...I was with 2 nation wide rescue groups...I'm sorry you're going through this and I am, quite frankly shocked that the group told you "He is just protecting his new family" NOT good..I'm glad you have a vet appt...IMHO the behaviorist should come to your home to see him on your turf...just what I would do...good luck to you and please let us know what happens..these stories always are upsetting....
Ruthie

 

[walden]

First, I think it is wonderful that you are willing to adopt an older dog. Also much praise for checking with your vet, wanting an agression screening, and being willing to work with a behavioralist. I hope it all works out. I have the greatest respect for people willing to work with and love traumatized rescues, and it is amazing what a loving home can do.

Having said that, I think the response from the Rescue was woefully inadequate. "He is just protecting his new family." No. Just no! There is a problem. Not necessarily with your home, but the dog obviously has issues. They should have had a very different response, IMO.

I work with a breed specific rescue, and we are incredibly careful where we place dogs. The right match is so important -- not just for our *reputation* but for the safety of adopters. A call such as yours would result immediately in an offer to take him back. We would then place him in a VERY experienced foster home for more evaluation, socialization and training. Not specific to your dog, but we have had a few that we will only place in quiet, adult only homes, with very experienced dog-owners. The snapping is a danger signal and a dog with a bite history is very hard to adopt out. I would prefer a person to return a dog BEFORE it actually bites someone.

It is clear that you are more than willing to work with this dog. If, however, you feel that you cannot cope then you should be able to return him to the rescue. No blame attaches to you.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Exactly what I was saying ...how a rescue group would release a dog (especially an older one) without it being in a foster home for a while to find out what they can/cannot tolerate etc.....glad the OP is trying though...so sad

 

[daisax]

I worked with rescue for several years, and rescues like the one you dealt with are the ones that give the good ones a bad name.

We would have offered to take the dog back immediately if it showed that behavior -- not passed it off as anything normal or acceptable under the circumstances. Either the dog showed behavior like this while in rescue (in which case shame on them) or it didn't, but their reaction to hearing about it now is insanely accepting (in which case shame on them)

Dogs do sometimes take a while to warm up to a new environment -- this usually consists of being on their best behavior, and a little bit timid about taking liberties like getting on furniture... it doesn't mean there's any leeway when it comes to aggression, especially when it comes to aggression involving charging and snapping.

Unfortunately, there are "rescue" people out there that believe ALL dogs are salvageable, and if they just cross their fingers and pass them off, maybe things will all work out. That gets people (and children) bitten. And it makes saving the thousands of perfectly friendly/would never hurt a fly dogs all the more difficult.

This dog may or may not be able to be saved... but if they knew about this, they had no business placing it in your home. If this is new behavior, the moment they heard about it they should have come to get the dog and work out a plan with you.

 

[stsomewhere]

Thank you for all your support. I am torn with what to do.
After our walk this morning , I was hopefully.
I took the dog with me to pick up my son from school at 6pm.
He went crazy in the car. Barking and growling at the 1 other parent in the parking lot.

I forgot to mention last night was barking and growling, just all worked up at the closet door

He is charging the front door when people by now.

Part of my knows that it is for the best to take him back to the rescue, part of my hopes that it will work out. The other part of me is scared that once he is evaluated they will recommend putting him down.
If this would happen do I put him down or take him back to the rescue?
I would hate for this to happen to another family. Yet I would like to give him a chance.