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Wonderful, silly dog needs someone who's always home

Started 2 years ago by ws4ever
Latest reply from hopey

ws4ever
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A year-old blond schnauzer male (medium size, 60#) giant schnauzer/yellow lab mix, is sweet, happy, beautiful, playful and also able to settle down, walks well on leash, but is anxious and cries continuously when left alone. Is there anyone out there who takes their dog to work with them, or could do so, who could grant his wish to be with someone all the time? Did I say he was beautiful? Someone was going to evaluate him to be a service dog but apparently ran out of time. He's making great strides in obedience. A totally sweet dog. Another dog visited, bit him, and this boy wanted to escort the other dog to his car!! Tiny space between houses here, so I can't blame my neighbors for complaining. Please contact the blogmaster so he can connect us, if you would be the correct, loving home for him. No adoption fee, but I will make sure he goes to the right home.

Posted 2 years ago #
Wednesday
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Poor guy. Have you considered a second dog, a playmate or daycare/walker? I know how hard it is to leave them and I often wish I had another dog to keep mine company when he's home alone. Trying to convince my husband to let us have another dog, but not sure if we can handle another big one. Best of luck!

Posted 2 years ago #
cjboffoli
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ws4ever: The "blogmaster" in this case would be a she. And generous though she is, she might actually be a bit too busy to intermediate in this matter. You might consider posting an e-mail address so interested parties might contact you directly as there are sure to be questions. Just replace the @ sign in your address with the word "at" to reduce your chances of getting spammed.

Posted 2 years ago #
ALS
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Sounds like your dog has separation anxiety if he cries when left alone. If that's the case, uprooting him is only going to make it worse. How about taking responsibility for the dog you decided to take into your life. Try crating, special treats when you leave, anti-anxiety medication, more exercise, etc. I don't know what you've tried already, but ditching him is not the answer. At the very least talk to your vet and a behaviorist to see what their suggestions are.

It drives me crazy when people seem to think there are an abundance of homes out there for the dog they have decided to give up on. News flash: 5-7 MILLION dogs and cats will be euthanized this year in the US because there aren't enough homes. Your dog has a home already. Don't let him take a home that could be given to one of the animals that is going to die in our shelters.

Posted 2 years ago #
ALS
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Oh, and if you insist on getting rid of him, please don't rehome him yourself, as you have no way of adequately screening the new home. Statistically dogs who are rehomed once are likely to be rehomed again. Do you really want him bouncing around from home to home for the rest of his life... again, further exacerbating his anxiety? Take him to the Humane Society if you can't take responsibility for him yourself.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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ALS..

with all due respect... people have been responsibly rehoming dogs themselves for centuries...

the key word there is responsibly...

I agree that it would be a lot better if people considered their dogs permanent members of the family instead of just pets... and expended more effort to keep them...

but assuming someone is not being responsible when they look for a new home for a pet they care about ... for whatever reason... only compounds the problem.

Any of us who have invested the time and resources adjusting to life with one of those dogs who didn't work out elsewhere knows that it can be a daunting and expensive task.

Some families simply aren't able to cope with the emotional or financial stress that causes. It doesn't make them bad people...

it's better for them and for their pets if they find a home that works for them...

from Ws4ever's post, it sounds as though they are taking responsibility for finding a good home for their irrepressible schnauzer.

this inn is full.. but he sounds like he would make a great companion dog for someone who is retired and needs an incentive to get out there and get some exercise...

in the meantime... perhaps doggy daycare or a dog walker would be a temporary solution...

Posted 2 years ago #
ws4ever
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You're right re the poor, wonderful guy. I've worked with him for 5 weeks, obedience and individual training, and am very attached to him but cannot ask my neighbors to put up with the noise. He would be the perfect dog otherwise, and I think could be trained for service dog. Thought I had a way to make this a win-win solution with the service dog idea, had appt. for him to be evaluated,then no contact from very dedicated person who does service dog training and connections. She may be swamped by helping other people. If anybody else has connections for service dog training, it truly would make sense for this boy. Someone who is basically homebound and would like his positive energy, needs items retrieved, etc. He has wonderful, silky fur and flops over so his tummy can be rubbed, wonderful smile. Not fair to him to lose his (now 3rd) home, because he is emotionally needy. My apologies, lady webmaster, for thinking you're a guy, first, then asking too much. Interested parties, please call me at 206 901 1515, and I'll make sure you can meet this wonderful boy. Peace. I've observed this community to reach out in other situations, have tried to solve this, and am just reaching out for possible other solutions. Thanks.

Posted 2 years ago #
ALS
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JoB, I disagree. Rehoming your pets is not a responsible thing to do, when a little effort on your part could mean keeping them. I understand that there are sometimes extenuating circumstances, but 99% of the time, it's lack of effort.

The problem is, in our society it has become acceptable to get rid of pets when they are no longer convenient. Until society says it's unacceptable to do so, we will continue to have the problem with pet overpopulation.

If people would spay and neuter their pets, and take them on as LIFETIME commitments, we would not have a pet overpopulation problem. Period.

Posted 2 years ago #
ALS
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The fact that this is his third home makes me want to cry, and just reinforces what I said earlier about dogs being more likely to be rehomed again and again once the cycle starts.

I stand by what I said earlier: it would be best if you can do right by him and keep him by working with his problems, but if you can't, please take him to the Humane Society. They will adequately screen his home to make sure his next one is forever, and they will have in his contract that he would have to be returned to them if it doesn't work out, so he doesn't continue to be bounced around when his new owners decide he isn't convenient anymore.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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ALS...

hard line aside..

does it really sound like Ws4ever didn't make a little effort to keep this dog who has already been through more than one home?

by all means, condemn those who buy pets without a thought as to how that dog is going to integrate into their lives and then make no effort to train either the dog or themselves...

but don't tar everyone who needs to re-home a dog with that brush.

I have spent a lifetime being the home for dogs who didn't fit elsewhere...

and to be honest, the owners who re-homed their own dogs had more concern for the home and services that i could provide for their animal than either the humane society or the pet rescue organizations i have received animals from...

and they didn't lie to me to get me to accept a pet they knew had substantial undisclosed problems as a pet rescue organization did with one of my current best friends.

yes.. i agree that everyone should spay and neuter family pets and take them on as a lifetime commitment....

but i can see that sometimes that commitment might involve finding them a more appropriate home.

Posted 2 years ago #
ws4ever
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ALS, I'm with you. You're right. He does have separation anxiety. I have tried all the things you suggest: exercise,crating, special treats, desensitization training with getting him used to being in a crate, but the second I shut the door he's howling. No meds yet. West Seattle vet I contacted said he needs to be with someone all the time. Removing him from my home is another injury--I agree. I am looking for solutions that would make his life better instead of ditching him, have tried all the solutions, and am trying to match him with someone who'd benefit from his need. Again, Peace.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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if i wasn't a stay at home person...
if i wasn't a person who would give up having guests in their home...
if i want' a person willing to take my dogs with me everywhere...
if i wasn't a person who would be willing to invest substantial amounts of money in both training and vet bills...

we could not allow our current two dogs to share our home... and to enrich our lives.

and if i become more ill or am hospitalized for any length of time or if i require home health care...

we will have no choice but to either re-home or euthanize them.

life doesn't come in easy to judge packages.
not even for people with both good intentions and commitment.

Posted 2 years ago #
ALS
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JoB, sorry, too many years in rescue cleaning up other people's messes has left me knowing better. Having to hold a dog and tell he's good dog, and that I'm sorry there aren't enough homes right before he's put to sleep has left me tired of people's excuses.

At the humane society, it's listed on all their paperwork why they were given up. Most common reasons are "moving" and "new baby." The most absurd and angering ones I ever saw were "cat wouldn't stop eating houseplants" and "dog wouldn't stop getting pregnant."

I wish I was joking.

I think people should think long and hard about getting a pet, knowing it's a 15+ year commitment, and that during those 15 years, they very well may move, get married, have babies, lose a job, etc. And be prepared for possible behavior issues. No animal is perfect. Don't take on a pet unless you've thought through the possibilities of what caring for that animal might entail and are prepared to deal with it, for better or for worse.

To the OP, have you:
-Talked to your vet?
-Talked to a behaviorist (visit apdt.com to find a certified behaviorist)
-Tried increasing exercise?
-Tried hiring a dog walker or taking the dog to doggy daycare?
-Tried crating (some dogs have less anxiety in small spaces so they don't feel they need to protect the entire house)
-Tried not crating (some dogs have anxiety in small spaces)
-Tried leaving the dog with an extra special treat that he only gets when you leave, so that in a way he actually starts to look forward to you leaving and getting that special treat?
-Tried anti-anxiety meds?
-Tried herbal remedies?
-Tried conditioning the dog to being alone by leaving for short periods of time and praising upon return?

These are just a few things I was able to think of in about 3 minutes. There are more options out there.

Bottom line: if everyone took responsibility for the pets they took in, there would be no homeless pets. If anything I post can help you keep your pet, then I feel I've done my part.

Posted 2 years ago #
ALS
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ws4ever, you say you haven't tried meds yet? Try meds!

Posted 2 years ago #
ALS
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And I must say I'd like to smack the vet upside the head for suggesting you get rid of the dog BEFORE trying medication. WTF?

Again, 5-7 million dogs and cats will be killed in shelters this year because there aren't enough homes. Your dog has a home - you should do everything in your power to help him keep it.

Posted 2 years ago #
ws4ever
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Thanks, JoB and ALS, for sounding in with your thoughts and suggestions.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
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ws4ever

i hope someone with a big heart and the desire for a constant companion calls you soon.

wish i could dog sit for you until that happens... but dog friendly was one of the lies the Shiba rescue i got one of my dogs from told...

and yes ALS.. i did visit the dog before i took her home and she accepted my little shiba boy who would have done anything to have a friend. Good for the two of them.. not so good for dog sitting another dog:(

Posted 2 years ago #
leigh
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If you're able to afford it, I would recommend taking him to West Seattle Dog Daycare. We've been taking our dogs there for years and Javier and Carol take wonderful care of them. It's their home away from home.

Posted 2 years ago #
ws4ever
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Finances! I just wish someone had been clear about his needs in the adoption paperwork. They think they are being kind to the dog to disguise difficulties, but they only decrease dog's chance to find a lifelong home. He has a great, full-time dog buddy at home here, and they play well together. He wants a person full-time. Anyway, thank you for good suggestions. I'll let you know if something helps, so someone else can benefit.

Posted 2 years ago #
ALS
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I totally agree with you and JoB on disclosing any special needs when adopting out a dog, and I think some (not all) rescuers try to sugar coat any faults or issues in hopes of getting the dog adopted faster.

I am the opposite - in fact I have had people accuse me of trying to talk them OUT of a dog, simply because I am so upfront about their needs. But I would rather have a potential adopter walk away and have the dog spend more time in our rescue, than have someone get in over their heads and have it not work out. That's not fair to the adopter or the dog. Dogs are resilient, but don't think it doesn't hurt them when they lose the family they know and love.

Posted 2 years ago #
ALS
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Another thought, ws4ever -- you mention "adoption paperwork" so I assume you got him through a rescue or shelter? Check that paperwork -- most have clauses that say you must return the dog to them if it doesn't work out and that you are not permitted to rehome him yourself.

Posted 2 years ago #
service dog academy
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ws4ever - I am a service dog trainer and I hate to burst your bubble but no legitimate service dog organization will take a dog with a known case of separation anxiety. its one of the hardest dog issues to deal with when it comes to dog training because it requires 100% compliance with the training plan which usually involves never leaving the dog alone from several weeks to several months. just because a person uses a service dog it does not guarantee that the person will be with the dog 100% of the time. i tell all my students to make sure their dogs are OK with spending time alone and with family members. its important for the dog to be able to be alone so that if the person was hospitalized or incapacitated and unable to take care of the dog they could easily have someone else take care of it for them.

Posted 2 years ago #
k
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my cousin has two dogs that suffer extreme separation anxiety. one of them actually EATS the furniture because of it. they were both rescues and no one knows their history. they have had professional trainers try to help to no avail. their doctor recommended "downer" or anti-anxiety meds, but they don't want to medicate. a friend of theirs told them about thundershirts (don't laugh). they were willing to try anything. IT worked! it worked so well, their dog is going to be on their website next month as a testimonial. i have heard of these before, but now that i know someone who actually uses them, i'm sold. http://www.thundershirt.com/

Posted 2 years ago #
voodoo
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I am really just lurking on this thread, since I cannot take in the dog and have nothing to offer there.
However, the Thundershirt thing is very interesting. I have heard of similar therapies for kids with autism. I wonder how the mechanism behind it works.

http://www.especialneeds.com/autism-deep-pressure-weighted-clothing.html

(I'm not trying to derail this thread, either, I just find the similarity in the treatments fascinating.)

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
Member Profile

K and voodoo

i have heard that thundershirts work for a lot of dogs
as do doggie packs for leash anxiety

i don't know why

ws4ever

this might be worth trying. it's a cheap enough solution if it works and they have a money back guarantee...

i am going to order a couple myself tonight
i have a couple of dogs that could use them

i would really like to be able to take them with me more places...

Posted 2 years ago #
cathyw
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A possible explanation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hug_machine

You may say I'm crazy to suggest this, but I'm serious.....:)

Posted 2 years ago #
cathyw
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Dang....I can't seem to edit my posts....
@voodoo - We are on the same page re autism....Sorry I didn't read your post carefully before I posted mine.

Posted 2 years ago #
voodoo
Member Profile

Thanks for the Wiki link, cathyw. That gives a good explanation. I think I saw the hug machine on 20/20 or somesuch a while back. I guess if it works for people, it could work for critters.

Posted 2 years ago #
hammerhead
Member Profile

ws4ever if you are serious about trying to keep the dog. FCAT will even buy this thundercoat thing for you. at least YOU tried it. If doesn't work. I get it back. if it works great your dog keeps it.

I am totally with ALS on this.

There is nothing wrong with homopathic natural remedies rescue remedy. Very safe.

Also contact Rose DeDan she well she...does animal communication with animals. Hey it is worth a shot.

Posted 2 years ago #
ws4ever
Member Profile

K, brilliant suggestion re Thundershirt and just ordered one for W. Sustained pressure calms the nervous system; light touch wakes it up. I feel calmer already, having ordered the Thundershirt. Even my asthma feels better! This has been a challenging situation!

I'm an occupational therapist--similar techniques are used during movement therapy after a person has a stroke, in order to reduce tightness (sustained pressure) or facilitate muscle function (quick light touch to muscle belly).So you're all right about the tie-in of Temple Grandin's hug machine and deep pressure clothing helping people with autism. Deep or sustained pressure allows a relaxation response. Now we'll see how it works. This gives me some hope. Easier to keep on if there's some hope.

At least good to know I shouldn't keep trying the service dog route. Your explanation makes sense, service dog academy. This has been very helpful information, everyone.

Posted 2 years ago #
ws4ever
Member Profile

Thank you, Hammerhead. I don't know what to say. At this point there is some reason to hope--sorry if this sounds melodramatic! I'm not sure what the future holds, as I need to rent out part of my house and can't ask someone else to tolerate barking, but short-term I can keep him with me and see what's true. Either way, it's worth $42.00 to try this. Thanks, all.

Posted 2 years ago #
SLSM_SW
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Thundershirt sounds great, I'm going to order one for my dog who hates car rides. I've worked with Jeff Tinsley, a West Seattlelite. He did wonders with our dog issues. http://www.soundanimals.com/
Good Luck.

Posted 2 years ago #
anonyme
Member Profile

I'm totally with ALS on this one. He/she said it all better than I could. I adopted a rescue dog several years ago. She had/has pretty severe separation anxiety. All the bloggers associated with this breed insisted I return her to the rescue group, saying it was "for her own good" as she seemed so unhappy. This didn't feel right to me; how could bouncing from place to place lessen anxiety? I stuck it out, and now would not trade this dog for the world. She still has issues, but we've worked out a routine to minimize them. This includes a long walk followed by crating when I go to work, plus a Kong and NPR on the radio. I've heard that BarkBusters does good work with SA and other problems.

Posted 2 years ago #
k
Member Profile

my cousin worked with barkbusters for their dog and they were a great organization, but their case was so bad that's when the Thundershirt came to light. best of luck with all your dogs who suffer SA.

Posted 2 years ago #
voodoo
Member Profile

Good luck with this! Be sure to let us know how it goes. Also, I would like to point out that ws4ever, you have been very gracious in hearing everyone's input, even when it was something that could have been taken personally. It seems everyone is truly interested in helping you find the best for your dog.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
Member Profile

i second the Rose DeBan idea
or someone who does T-touch
both seem to work wonders for some dogs

maybe for yuki..
after the thundershirt:)

Posted 2 years ago #
ws4ever
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Good group process. I'll report back what I learn. Thanks, all.

Posted 2 years ago #
WWMom
Member Profile

Hi All,
Just have to second a recommendation for Jeff Tinsley. I did adopt a dog with seperation anxiety dog from the humane society 11 years ago. He ate my couch...he ate many pairs of shoes (not mine, I figured out if you put things away, pup can't chew them...this was a tough concept for my ex!!), he cried, clawed a hole in the wall by the front door, etc. I contacted Jeff and he worked with Obie and I. It took some time, but Obie got over the seperation amxiety and was fabulous for the next 11 years..even through divorce, new husband, babies, new home in WS....he was a gem and a love. Sadly he died on July 4th last year...RIP Obie. My story is for this: Don't give up and call Jeff Tinsley!!

Posted 2 years ago #
pigeonmom
Member Profile

I just have to say, I LOVE the name Thundershirt.
thundershirt Thundershirt THUNDERSHIRT!!!

Posted 2 years ago #
Lena
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Not as fancy but a normal tighter fitting t shirt will also work in the same way. I've seen it make a large difference in the older anxious dogs. I haven't tried it in a young one yet:-)

Posted 2 years ago #
ALS
Member Profile

I also want to second whoever said this thread has taken a positive direction. And thanks, ws4ever for being willing to listen to people's suggestions. All too often people just shut down because they don't like being told what to do. I know I can come across as brash sometimes, but all I really want at the end of the day is to help people keep their pets. I've said it a million times already, and I'll say it again - if everyone did their part and kept their pets, for better or for worse, there would be no need for animal shelters or rescues (or they would just be needed for extreme circumstances, and wouldn't be overcrowded).

Glad you're trying the Thundershirt (I also love the name! :)

PLEASE, don't be afraid to try medication if the Thundershirt doesn't work. You wouldn't deny a human with mental illness their medication, so why the hesitation to give it to your pets? It doesn't have to be a lifetime solution, but sometimes it can take the edge off to help jump start their behavior in the right direction.

And don't be afraid to ask for professional help (I've also worked with Jeff Tinsley and had good results).

Good luck!

Posted 2 years ago #
anonyme
Member Profile

Thanks everyone who recommended the Thundershirt. I'd never heard of it & now plan to order one for my spooky canine. It would be great to get rid of the crate if possible.

Posted 2 years ago #
fetchwest
Member Profile

At the vet hospital I work at we have a few pups on generic Fluoxetine (generic Prozac.) All the owners have seen amazing response. Although it can take 2-3 weeks for some dogs to start seeing improvement, we have had good results. One dog had dug a 4ft by 4ft hole three or four times through the drywall in their home, had broken a canine tooth off in a crate, and broken toenails trying to get out of a crate. Now he is left alone for a normal work day with no issues.

Fluoxetine is only about $12 a month at Costco, and to use their pharmacy you don't have to be a member. I know meds aren't always an option for everyone but thought I would share the experiences that I've had. I know some vets sell a med called "Recconcile" which is (I belive) the prozac labled for dogs but I have heard it is really expensive but comes in a liver flavored chewable.

I hope this info can help you.

Posted 2 years ago #
Jennie
Member Profile

An animal researcher found that the sound of a dog "laughing" will quiet and calm stressed dogs in a shelter. You can buy a cd of the sound at the link below. I actually mimic this sound when my pup is stressed and it calms her right down.
http://www.petalk.org/LaughingDog.html

Posted 2 years ago #
MarySheely
Member Profile

Can I just say that this thread is a masterpiece of understanding and civility between all posters, particularly OP? I don't know that I would be able to stay as calm, reasonable, and appreciative.

Thanks everybody...I am serious.

Posted 2 years ago #
ws4ever
Member Profile

Thundershirt seems to calm him a little during walks as he doesn't escalate as much as before.

Melanie Cease, whose dog business focuses on dogs with special needs, kindly took W. for a few free outings and cued me to reinforce specific behaviors and ignore others. It's working! More dog park! Ignore submission. Reward proper sit, etc. Having food treats handy sets up the expectation he'll be rewarded.

Melanie is easy to talk to and to-the-point in sharing ideas. Pretty red truck. Her number is 206-650-5748. She dogsat for me several years ago, has an amazing recall for information. It's going to take time, but I think we're turning a corner here, and I appreciate the encouragement when I needed it.

Re OP: Thanks for the positive feedback. I've learned that if I'm reactive I miss information, so I take a mental break before responding. If I don't take things personally I can actually figure out what's being said and get a clue about the person's intention. ALS has strong beliefs and very positive intention, and was telling me the right thing. Very cool.

Posted 2 years ago #
JoB
Member Profile

sounds like you are getting a good outcome...
it's never easy
but it is worth it

and kudos to melanie for helping you out
hears hoping you have happier neighbors soon

Posted 2 years ago #
Flyonthewall
Member Profile

WS - I'm so glad your pup is coming along and that you don't have to re-home him, which can be really psychologically damaging to them.

And kudos to Melanie for donating her services. We've used her as well and she is amazing with animals. She also does a great job of staying and caring for our home when we are away (although you have to book her early). The name of her business is Sit Stay -N-Play.

Posted 2 years ago #
ws4ever
Member Profile

I'm glad to see how many local dog-care businesses are thriving, and the cameraderie between business providers at Westcrest. It's so West Seattle. This blog is absolutely the best--Thank you, Tracie and Patrick, for elevating the level of play here vs. other blogs!

Posted 2 years ago #
westcoastdeb
Member Profile

How is the dear doggie doing? Have things continually gotten better? I am so happy to see someone stick out issues with a furchild rather than just give up and kick them out.

Posted 2 years ago #

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