Thor just flunked DayCare I'm so sad. The doggie daycare that Thor has gone to for years just called and said that he's exhibiting behavior that makes them concerned for his safety. Apparently, he'll be fine, and then suddenly start shrieking in a way that sounds like a wounded animal, and the staff is worried that he will get attacked. It's really a bummer. Just a few months ago, they said he had really turned a corner and was interacting with other dogs much more than he had previously (as a general rule, he hates and fears all other dogs). This daycare was supposed to help him socialize. The manager recommend that I put him on meds (she said possibly Prozac), and that she could recommend a trainer. I'm just sad for my little guy. :( And I guess I need to get a dog walker, so that he is not home by himself all day... I know it will work itself out, but I am really sad right now. |
I'm so sorry. I can tell from following your posts how proud you've been of his every achievement - and he has seemed to become less afraid since your earlier posts about him. Didn't you adopt him from a co-worker or acquaintance? What do you know about his life 'before'? |
oh im so very sorry......maybe something a doggie did set him off. i know my princess would flunk daycare in a second. i brought her to a groomer once who called me before i was out of the parking lot to tell me i had to pick up my evil doggie. shes not a big fan of humans. before i got her i dont think that owner was nice to her. it will all work out like you said and try not to be too sad. |
He is a puppy mill dog, and was not properly socialized as a puppy. So he has two strikes against him. I have never seen him play with another dog! :( I had no idea how hard it would be to get him more comfortable around other dogs, now I am thinking that perhaps it is impossible. It is such a shame, because he has boundless energy, and I feel like he would be so much more relaxed and have a better life if he could run around with another dog. But of course, when he's not relaxed, he's edgy and more vigiliant around big scary dogs... kind of a vicious cycle. It's just such a bummer, I had been hearing how great he was doing for the past few months, and then suddenly I get a call saying, "he can't come here anymore." The manager just emailed me a vet rec and trainer, so at least I have somewhere to start. Maybe this will be the change he needs. I have been meaning to work with a trainer for a long time, so there's a silver lining. |
Hmmm... He doesn't do well with bigger dogs? Depending on the dog, Gizmo doesn't do well around others that are bigger either (he's also a puppymill pup). Some daycare's separate their rooms and play itneraction by the dog's size. Do you think Thor would be better around dog's that don't make him feel so small? |
This is actually a small doggie daycare. And at slightly under 4 lbs, Thor was still the smallest one there. :( This daycare was leaps and bounds ahead of any other daycare I've seen. There's always at least one certified ASPCA trainer monitoring the dogs at all times. They said they've tried behavior mod, but it's gotten to the point where they are on alert the entire day because they don't know when he's going to snap. |
I'm so sorry Thor got "fired" from daycare. But there is a silver lining. Getting a dog trainer in would be great. Also a dog walker who is experienced with small dogs and "behaviour" problems. I have a fear biter who I've worked with for 3 yrs and a bit. she will never be entirely trustworthy but she is much much better than 2yrs ago. I just need to be xtra vigilant with her, but the key is to still be relaxed as you are vigilant. Small dog to large dog fear is a hard one to deal with. I've been working with my trainer with one of her small dogs to try to get him socialized around bigger dogs (ie my Magic) - his quirk is once he "knows " the big dog he doesn't care, but a strange big dog ... oh dear. He is getting a bit better, but it has only been six mths so far. |
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Maybe a private trainer will be the way to go with little Thor. It's sickening that humans who are supposed to be the "superior race" can inflict such damage to another living thing. My hopes are still up for Mr. Thor, he may be broken but he's not unfix-able! :thumbup: |
I'm so sorry, you've worked so hard with Thor, but I guess it's good that your day care was professional enough to inform you of this. Most probably wouldn't tell you until after it was too late. Do you feel like you need to have him in day care, is he scared when he by himself? Would a new puppy help? :D |
Well that stinks:( My Luna is dog aggressive and it doesn't matter what size they are, so she would flunk out too. I hope that you're able to find a good dog walker for him. He is such a cutie pie!!! |
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Oh, I'm so sorry! Poor Thor!!! I so wish he could enjoy daycare as much as Roxy. You've worked so hard with him. Here's hoping this leads to a good solution to the problem. I'm so sad for both of you. {{Hugs}} |
I'm sorry you are so disappointed, if you go the trainer route, I will keep my fingers crossed Thor will make steady progress. :goodluck: I can relate, my Zhoie can't stand small kids. She will growl and back at them like a fool. If they approach to pet her, she lets them and has never tried to bite, but when they walk away she growls again:(. It sad really. |
Your post really made me so sad for both you and Thor. It is so heartbreakking not being able to completely protect our babies from things they are afraid of and that cause them pain. I know it's not going to be easy to work things out with Thor, but I believe you will ultimately do what's best for your little guy. He sounds like he was so unhappy at daycare, and I hope that, with your love for Thor and help from a trainer, he will overcome his fear. Please give Thor extra hugs from me. |
I am sorry for Thor. My bailey ( remy's big brother ...shih tuz) is so fearful of new people that he would fail day care also. We don't take him to dog parks anymore either, we are working with him so I understand how you feel. I hope the one on one trainer works out ... Keep us posted! .good luck |
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