Can someone with knowledge on dog behaviour/training please help me with this?
Last October, I had to have my 14 month old Border Collie X German Shepherd euthanised. It was gut wrenching for me, but we had tried 3 different training programs and lastly a consultation with a vet who was a behavioural specialist. Basically my boy was neurologically damaged, his brain was wired the wrong way and he was nervous, hypervigilant, and obsessive compulsive. The vet told us it was too dangerous to put him on drug treatment because that would remove his fear but turn him aggressive due to how his brain was wired. He also said that nobody would rehome such a dog. He just seemed so good natured and loving, but I know he was unhappy. Anyway, basically I'm still feeling incredibly guilty, does it sound like we really did the right thing? I didn't want him to live being scared, but I can't help wondering if there was SOMETHING we could have done? Sorry it's so long.
Im sorry to hear bout your loss!! Having to put down a physically healthy dogs is one of the hardest things to do and I sympathise with you. What u did was right and I support your decision. You did all the right things by taking him to a behaviourist and by trying to put him on medication. Many people love to pull fingers and say that its not the dog , but an ignorant owner. The truth is that those people talk from an ignorant point of view and have never had to deal with a dog that is badly wired. If humans can be psychlogically unstable, why cant dogs?
As owners we always have to think about the quality of life of a dog and I have little doubt that a dog with those problems would not have lived a pleasant life.
For most people, the 1st and primary thing you will do with a brand new pup is put them in dog obedience teaching. That teaching will make them learn how to behave in most conditions that they'll most likely come across at some stage in their life. Having said that, some owners either cannot afford obedience training or decide they will rather do it independently. So, here is a brief rundown of what you can gain from that training to help you decide if your pet would benefit from it.
The Benefits Of home dog obedience training
To begin with, dogs in obedience training quickly figure out how to react to specific, well delivered directions. That also means you will learn how to give those instructions. Many individuals ignore their end of the bargain in dog possession. They think that the responsibility lies with their dog, not on their own. Think about dog guidance as a two way street and it will be far more effective. Here are some examples.
Leadership - In obedience guidance, you will learn how to state your dominance over the dog showing them that you're in charge all the time and that they must pay attention to you. If these behaviours are replicated in your house, the dog will have a much easier time following your lead. Alpha leadership is the cornerstone of all good guidance.
Basic Commands - Dog obedience training will provide you with basic commands like sit, stay, heel, speak, and quiet - basics that will make your dog more respondent when it really matters. These four behaviours will form the foundation of everything you need to guide them more tricks later.
No Biting or Barking - Two of the most significant issues that a dog may have are biting and barking. Different levels of dog obedience teaching can cope with these specific behaviours and ensure that your dog does not act out of line. Biting in particular should be dealt with at a young age.
Walking - Sick and tired of having your pet draw you down the street? In a good teaching class, you'll discover ways to control your dog's movements, stop them from running around on you and ideally make them learn to sit and heel when needed at corners and when other dogs walk by.
Dog obedience training is important in lots of ways as it offers the foundation for all your issues that might arise at home. If your dog is under a year old or simply does not behave properly, consider a class to help you get started.
Carrying it Forward In Your House
Obviously,home dog obedience training is only the start. Your dog may learn a few basic tricks in the class, but if you cannot carry forward what you've learned back in your house, good luck maintaining that control. You should be consistent, show your dog that you're in charge all the time and make sure everyone in the household can also follow along with whatever you've taught your dog in training. Do not forget that your pet will only do what it is taught to do. You must be consistent, reassuring and effective at maintaining the instructions you give. The second you start waffling or forgetting to reassert your instructions, your pet will start to revert to the original behaviours that you worked so hard to train them out of.
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