Insecure. Feels vulnerable when left alone and encountering other dogs.

insecure when left aloneFeeling insecure is at the root of little Jasper’s problems.

Outside, he barks and lunges at other dogs, rearing up on his hind legs with all his tiny weight.

When left alone, he cries and barks. It has got so bad the lady, who lives in a flat, even wondered whether she could keep him.

She has had the dear little Yorkie for six months now. His first owner had died, he ended up in a pound and then he spent time in a rescue before coming to the lovely home he now has. It’s little wonder he feels insecure. (more…)

Good home. Only on a sheep farm could be better.

As I left, they asked me whether I felt they were a good home for their young Welsh Sheepdog, Taffy.

Taffy has found a good homeI can’t think of a better place for the recently adopted dog – apart from living with a sheep farmer maybe. She is very lucky to be re-homed by the conscientious and caring young couple who are doing their best to understand her needs.

Taffy has landed on her feet in a very good home.

From the couple’s own point of view, however, there is a downside. The reality of what they had done soon kicked in. Instead of having a dog they can take everywhere with them, they have lost their freedom. Taffy’s restrictions have overtaken their lives. (more…)

They leave her alone. She howls, paces, scratches the door.

Context is everything.

Beagle mix Maggie howls, paces and scratches the door when they leave her alone.  They had been advised that Maggie was probably bored.

howls when they leave herExperience really does count in something like this. We need to ask the right questions and do detective work.

There are lots of questions to ask – about the layout of the home, the relationship between dog and humans, how well she copes with stress and so on.

The separation problems gradually developed

Five-year-old Maggie was okay initially when they first adopted her eight months ago. The separation problems developed until they could no longer leave her without coming home to a wrecked carpet and damaged door. (more…)

Grumpy When Stressed. Big Changes. Adjustment.

Trigger has become increasingly grumpy over the past three months. He growls more readily than he used to and has now bitten a couple of times.Grumpy when stressed

They took him to the vet for a thorough check to make sure his change in behaviour wasn’t due to anything physical, and he has a clear bill of health.

Trigger and Biscuit are beautiful Dachshunds, lovely friendly little dogs, Biscuit age three and Trigger six months older. The young couple, conscientious owners, give them the best they can in terms of food, love and care.

Life has changed dramatically

The problems they are having now where Trigger and the resource guarding in particular is concerned will have their seeds in his genetics. Although previously lurking, the behaviour surfaces when he’s under stress. (more…)