SearchNeed advice...re-home?
We adopted Bailey from a local shelter on May 1st. She was advertised as a Miniature Pinscher blend and weighed only 9 lbs. (She was skin and bones when we got her. Also, had worms!) Having had a Min Pin for 15 years, I knew what to expect with that breed. As it turns out, Bailey obviously was a younger Doberman mix puppy, who now weighs about 65 lbs. As I have learned over the past 6 months, Dobermans are lot of work and Bailey is no exception. I took her to 8 weeks of Obedience training. That was not real productive as the class was too large and there were too many high energy dogs in the class. I hired a private trainer to come to the house for 6 more weeks. Many things have improved such as basic obedience commands (sit, down, and stay) and walking on the leash is enjoyable. We work on these every day. Now, the rest of the story...She is still biting my hands and clothes. She is not aggressive at the dog park, toward other dogs, or food or toy aggressive. She attacks the pillows on the bed and the sofa. She tries to get anything you are carrying in your hands. She will stalk you in the back yard if she is off-leash...running at full throttle, jumping to chest level, biting clothes and/or arms. The house is divided in that I do not want to give up on her. All of my prior pets have had forever homes, but none have been this much work. My spouse wants her to go, says it is not worth the stress. I know she is not a child, but would finding her another home be cruel? Will it further scar this puppy whose early life could not have been good (she was at the shelter 3 weeks)? Would treadmill training improve her demeanor? Don't get me wrong, she can be very sweet alot of the time. I'm just torn...mentally and physically exhausted.
First of all, thank you for adopting a rescue, and for sticking with it when you realized you didn't get quite the dog you were expecting! I'm sorry to hear you're having such a rough time with this. Can I ask what you've done so far to try and stop the biting? Did your trainer give you any suggestions?
One thing you must do is be VERY consistent in correcting her for biting. I would be correcting her each and EVERY time her mouth so much as touches human skin. Mouthing is a common thing for dobe puppies to do, and it sounds like she just needs to learn that it's unacceptable. Some things you can do are grab her muzzle with your hand and give her a firm NO, make a yelping noise when she bites you(this is what puppies in a litter do to teach each other bite inhibition), or, in my experience the most effective reaction, make the bite feel as uncomfortable FOR HER as possible by either grabbing her tongue and holding it until she pulls away, or grabbing hold of her open lower jaw. The reason this works is because if the biting is no longer enjoyable for her, she won't want to do it anymore. If she gets worked up and isn't listening to your corrections, put her in a time out and ignore her for 20 minutes or so.
I personally wouldn't be giving up just yet. I know it's frustrating but this is a really common thing for Doberman owners to deal with, and it's definitely a solvable problem, but it will likely take some time. I understand that you have to put your family first though, so if you feel this is something you can't handle then bring her to a doberman rescue group. She's still at an adoptable age and likely would find another home soon, if that's what you're worried about.
I've always found it easier with adopting dogs from a shelter, but maybe I was simply lucky. I encourage you to hang in there. You've already done so much for her. But I wouldn't look down on you either for finding another home for her. Obviously you can only answer that personal conflicting question.
Aside from the correction methods people have already suggested, take into consideration that she also needs to grow out of that nipping phase. I did a lot of redirecting with my boy by having a small toy on me at all times around the house. He would nip and I would pull out the toy and put it near his face. Then he would go after the toy and I would praise him.
Good luck.
Thank you for all the advice and support. As for the biting, I have tried the yelping which had no effect. We do time-outs in her crate, but she does not willingly go in the crate and I do not want to give her food rewards after she has acted out. I have tried to turn my back and ignore, but that usually results in a rear area getting bit and/or scratched. A spray bottle with water sometimes changes her mind. We've also used bitter apple spray. My parents are pushing for a shock collar but I don't like that idea. Anything physical, such as grabbing her snout, only amps her up. With the weather we've had lately (rainy and cold), I know she is not getting enough exercise. That why I was wondering if anyone had success with a treadmill. I am an animal lover and I think I've endured more than most people would. I keep telling myself that she is still young and that she will get better. This site has helped alot, in knowing that I am not alone.
you didn't mention how much exercise she gets? That's probably a lot of the pent of energy, and what did the trainer say about this behaviour? They should certainly be able to help you with tips to curb this. How much are you willing to work at this is really the question?
have someone keep her on a long leash in the yard and you go walk around. When she starts to jump up or nips, have them give a quick jerk of the leash and a firm NO. Repeat every single time she attempts to jump until she no longer does it. Possibly try a squirt bottle but if her only problem is jumping up and nipping that's really not that hard to fix. It just takes some training time...she won't stop in a day or maybe even a week but if you work with her every day for even 15 minutes I would bet in a couple weeks it could be solved.
I would contact the private trainer again (if you liked them) about the jumping/biting. She really just wants to play but has bad manners and does not know what is allowed.
Remember that she is a baby and this too shall pass!! She will be so worth it if you can stick it out.
I would tend to think that she is a little young for a treadmill, but it can be done - the treadmill needs to be extra long though - there actually are treadmills for dogs called jog-a-dog.
A tired dog is a good dog, but she still needs some lessons in manners. I would use a shock collar as a last resort AND with the guidence of a trainer who knows how to use one. Ignoring bad behavior and rewarding good behavior is always your best first defence. Carry some basic treats with you in your pocket - they can be kibble. When she gets rambunctious - try to ignore that behaviour and go right into some obedience commands - then reward and praise. They are pretty smart dogs and with consistencey WILL learn. Right now, any attention is her reward - set her up for success and extingush the bad behavior by trying not to react to it ..... working with a trainer on learning how to do this is your best bet.
I cannot add anything here other than just to welcome you to the forum and hope that you will eventually find the huge rewards from rescue.. I've posted a few times regarding the unique characteristics of a rescue and how difficult it can be on everyone.. still once they've learned to trust and accept that they're NOT going anywhere but into you hearts.. they seem to settle in.. I sincerely hope you do not use the shock collar on her.. She's been through enough trauma and this could only create more angst confusion and fear.
Have you tried the "Find it" game? Mental stimulation is very helpful when the weather does not permit a lot of outdoor exercise..
Good luck with your decision I know it's got to be heartrending..
I know you expected a smaller dog, but a dog of any size can easily become a problem. It doesn't mean you just give up and rehome... especially when it's a relatively simple problem of just inappropriate play.
Try following these great suggestions. If you put the time and energy into your dog that they deserve, they always always always show you the rewards of that hard work.
I admire you for sticking it out with this dog so far. I've had many "second hand" dogs of various ages. Mostly, they ended up being good dogs but I also had to just accept certain traits with a couple of them (older when they came to me). You have great advice here but ultimately do what is best for your family. If everyone hates the dog except you it will not be a good place for anyone. If you look carefully and take your time, you may actually find a perfect home for her so perhaps continue working with her with an eye for an "ideal" home? I love animals, too, but they do have to live in your family successfully. THat said, she is young and may grow out of these things--with consistent work on your part--and be a great dog. My lap mix, Chase, was a horror when we got him at a year old--rehomed from somebody who crated him all day while they worked. He was crazy but matured into a wonderful, sweet dog that my children loved (and so did I). Chase died at age 11 last year--carcinoma in his sinus cavity. I still miss him. Good luck.
Just as a note, I don't like shock collars either, but have used them at times to extinguish or lessen bad behavior when all else failed. There are times when the use of one is warrented, but it needs to be used correctly.
I can share a story of someone in my neighborhood that adopted a 7 month old labradoodle boy - totally untrained and never housebroken. They tried everything to housebreak this dog for several months, and were at their wits end with him - were ready to turn him into the spca. They asked me about using a shock collar and I said that it was better than turning him into the spca - well, took about one week and the dog was housebroken and 2 or 3 years later still is. The shock collar probably saved his life.
I don't know any responsible person that would advocate using one without training or using one without trying other approaches first..... but sometimes it does make the difference between life and death for a dog.
There are at least two members on this forum who have used treadmills for their dogs. They were not specifically for their dogs, one got off his and left it running and when he turned around the dog was on it. They are a good exercise regimine for canine and human if you have the space.
Be consistent in your corrections, and you also have to make him believe you mean it. You need to be the Alpha, it sounds as if he is trying to gain dominance over you rather than acknowledging your dominance over him. If he runs from you simply attach a leash to his collar and then when he tries to run, simply step on the leash. Let him drag the leash around a bit.
Keep in mind that not all techniques work with all dogs, and even when you find one that does, you may have to change over time. Dobes can be challenging because not only are they very intelligent, but they are also very hard headed.
Prior to daylight savings time, we tried taking her to the dog park a couple of nights a week. Not only for exercise but for some socialization since she obviously missed that being so young. Now it gets dark so early and is getting colder. We try to get her to play fetch with a ball or a frisbee and we go for short walks on a leash. Thought about doggie daycare, but the reputable one is pricey and has a waiting list. Also, conflicted if daycare is good or bad...my vet says dog parks and daycares are good for his business because he can "sew them up". She is only crated when we are not at home, about 3 hours between hubby & my workshifts. I'm really trying hard to make this work. I appreciate everyone's thoughts and suggestions.
Sorry I didn't mention this earlier. I've used treadmills before on labs I was helping with training, but keep in mind that these labs were mature dogs. I would presume puppies typically lack the discipline for it. Anyway, I initially had to use a leash to lead them onto the treadmill (already operating on walking pace) and I would stand next to them, while they walked. Eventually I was able to unclip the leash and start increasing the pace. Try it out and let us know what happens. As for me, I still take my dogs outside regardless of the weather conditions. Sometimes they just require more bathing. Those labs always appeared more tired after an outdoor activity (like fetching) versus the treadmill workout for 30 minutes (jogging pace - didn't want to use fast pace due to potential injury issues).
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I doubt that this will be of much help in answering your question but I wanted to share my story of Loki. Loki is now 7 months and still chews on our hands will pull on your clothing, jump on when excited and so on, yes he is a lot of work too. I rescued him at 4 months, a scared skinny little puppy, who later had bad case of kennel cough, and then an extremely sensitive stomach requiring special diet.
After three weeks I wanted to give him back but my son convinced me to give it time until week five and he wanted to give him back. But he is a sweet puppy, loves people is not aggressive to human or animal, had only one incident of food aggression but that was quickly squashed. Crating him works wonders, (time outs) and he is very treat driven which we are working with him daily. The biting or mouthing is calming down but has not stopped. I do consistently grab his muzzle and give a stern "NO" and even yelling "OW" or "Ouch", he no longer bites down with any force. Also getting up walking away denying attention helps. But most of all a treat in hand for "good Loki" by far works best when he becomes too mouthy, his sit and wait is immediate! If all of this fails, timeout in his crate.
I think about why he was put in the shelter in the first place and what would happen if we returned him and felt it best to keep him, it is not easy but I love the big lap dog, he's 60 lbs now. When I finally accepted that I would keep him it became an easier routine to follow daily, and I now enjoy his company. Again, when he acts out too much he knows he will be rotated to the crate, I can't give him up.
Ultimately you must decide what is best for you and family and if he would be better off elsewhere. I have heard many here mention seeking specifically a Doberman rescue in your area which will do as much as possible to match her to the best home. Best of luck to you.