Whippet - Change In Character

[jazzi-girl]

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About six to seven weeks ago our 17 month old whippet has started acting differently. While out with OH she suddently for the first time shot across the field and started barking threatenly at a school boy who was walking with his mates. When Bob reached her the boy said she had bitten him, thinking the teenager was mistaken, OH asked if he was OK and he said yes he was and continued on with his mates. The next time OH AGAIN out with the two of them and Kadie ran over to a man we've seen before with a puppy pitbull. After she greeted the puppy she started barking at this guy and by the time Bob reached her he asked the guy did she just try to bite you and he laughed and said yes. After that we got a muzzel and decided she will always have to wear it from now on. Then a week before Xmas I left the house to take my son to his Tennis lesson and the dogs had just been let out in the Garden by my Mum, as I walked passed our gate it was shut! When I returned 20 mins later my Mum said just after I left the dogs got out and Kadie had bitten a boy playing outside (an 11/12 year old). I'm still confused how the dogs got out a shut gate literally two minutes after I had left, but was more relieved the mother of the boy took it so well. Anyway the only thing that all these people have in common is they have been wearing black. Indoors she is OK most of the time and very loving but about two weeks ago she started having what I can only describe as a fit of barking. She isn't barking at anything in particular, just seems to be listening and then barking while looking at the floor. My boys call it her tourette's moment. Nothing different has happened to her except six weeks ago she went into the vets to be spayed.

We find now that walks are a chore as we have to look out for people walking in black with or without dogs. Also both our dogs seem to have less respect for me, I feel they are running together and not coming back to me when I call. If I don't get them on the lead quick enough they run together charging towards and growling at little dogs and seem to be backing one another up. I feel a failure as a dog owner, some of you on here can own 8 to 10 dogs and I cannot control two! OH wants to rehome Kadie and go back to owning one Whippet but I do not want to give up on her. He doesn't come to that decision lightly, in the past out walking with him again the dogs have run off, we assume after rabbits and gone missing, the whole family were out looking for them and finally they returned back to the car park, which was shut four hours later. The only way we can have a relaxed walk is to keep Kadie on the lead but who owns a Whippet and keeps it on a lead for the rest of its life.

I know I'm going on a bit, but I just want the old Kadie to return can anyone give me advice on how to retrain this young lady and gain some respect.

Donna.

 

[FeeFee]

I'm so sorry you are having these problems, it must be very worrying for you.

It would be worth having Kadie thoroughly vet-checked in the first instance to make sure there is nothing physical going on that is changing her behaviour.

Otherwise, I'm afraid I don't think it's sensible to try to advise about aggression problems over the internet without having seen the dog(s), there are just too many factors to take into account and as Kadie has already bitten a child you can't afford to mess around with this. Rehoming her will just be passing on a problem to someone else - I really think you need to see a good behaviourist for help as soon as possible.

You could try either of these for someone in your area, or if you say where you are someone might have a recommendation:

Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors - APBC

Association of Pet Dog Trainers - APDT

Loads of luck, I hope you are able to find someone to help and sort this out :luck:

(Sorry, just seen you are in Essex - I don't know anyone in that area but will ask around for recommendations)

 

[jinnyfizz]

Please don't feel like a failure ........ you are not!!

I have 6 whippets and 3 lurchers and I would NEVER, EVER attempt to take them all out at the same time!! In fact, there are two which I would not let off a lead when out as I would never see them again!!

However, I am lucky enough to have my own land and so I don't have to worry about taking them out to let them have a run, but muzzling Kadie is the sensible option at the moment and seeking professional help is the next stage :thumbsup: It could well be that the hormonal changes after speying have contributed to this behaviour :unsure:

Rehoming isn't necessarily the right option, as mentioned above you could just be passing the problem on and this wouldn't be fair for Kadie

Good luck and I shall watch this topic with interest and hope that things will improve for you and Kadie :luck:

 

[TTT]

Sounds like you do need professional help with this one. In the meantime I would use a muzzle while outside and keep it on a lead. There is no shame in keeping your dog on a lead to keep it under control, it is the responsible thing to do. Good luck.

 

[~Annie~]

Have you talked to vet? That really is where you need to start. And if Kadie is insured you may find that some of the cost of a behavioural referral is covered. As already said it would be unwise of any of us to offer solutions without knowing your dog and observing her behaviour.

Something I would suggest though is spending some/more one to one time with Kadie ... exercise her on her own sometimes, away from her pack mate,maybe run through a bit of basic obedience with her on lead, and if you can find a safe place to do it let a muzzled Kadie off lead on her own for a good run as that should help her to feel a little less stir crazy.

Good luck, let us know how you get on, and don't despair x

 

[TillynPip]

What a distressing situation for you. I can only endorse what everyone else has said and don't think you're a failure. You're not, these things happen. I wouldn't go down the re-homing route, you don't know who will take her and what they will end up doing with her. If the vet passes her fit, seek professional help from a recommended behaviourist (your vet may be able to help with a recommendation). The very best of luck and let us know how your girl goes on.

 

[~Sarah~]

You have been given some good advice already, so I can't really add much.

I have 2 Whippets and a Collie X. We do let them all off together and their recall is usually very good. I always have treats to reward them when they return. We usually walk along the canal towpath, and don't see many people/dogs, but I always put them all back on the lead as soon as I see anyone.

I would certainly try to walk Kadie on her own and wearing a muzzle, and go back to basic puppy training, particularly working on her recall. Is there a local dog training club near you that you could go to?

As others have said, rehoming her doesn't really solve the problem unfortunately, so contacting a Behaviourist may be the best option.

Good luck and hope things improve. :luck:

 

[dabroad]

Your not a failure and don't give up! I would suggest taking kadie training getting her to meet alot of people and other dogs also take along your other so she gets used to still being around your other one plus people plus other dogs. It is a none fact that when you have two dogs they do egg each other on and tend to be better behaved seperated! I've been learning about dog behaviour for a while now and it's something that really interests me. Also obedience training will help with your athority too. You may find a few rules need to be set to get the respect from your dogs. Watch cesar mullan on t.v or buy his book he is such an inspuration to me. He has a pack of 37 dogs from a poodle to a great dane. He has italians and pit bulls together. He's amazing. It just means you need to put the time in. Find a good trainer in your local area who knows what there doing! Also her being spayed sounds like it may be a hormonal problem. if you need a chat pm me for my number. Good luck x x x x x

 

[jazzi-girl]

Many thanks for your replies, I have to admit I was on a bit of a downer when I posted last night. This problem has been escalating since the Summer with the dogs running off to find rabbits and only returning when they were ready. Can I just point out that we have no intention of rehoming Kadie and passing the problem on to someone else, it was just something OH said once out of desperation after months of bad behaviour from Kadie and now Jazz. He loves them to bits and much to my annoyance doesn't discipline them like I do indoors, they constantly snatching food off his tray while he eats, I cannot believe this man rides a horse for a living on the streets of London and controls that but cannot discipline a couple of Whippets!

The problem was I didn't know which direction to start with as regards to Kadie and your comments have helped, I was hoping a few more people would post to say they had the same problem so I wouldn't feel so useless, but that hasn't happened so I will roll up my sleeves and take the advice that has been given to me. Before the biting episode we had discussed a dog behaviourist but at the running off stage I said what could he/she tell us, they are chasing rabbits don't walk them there. Also someone suggested an E Collar, but we thought that would be ok for a Rotweiller but not a Whippet. I also was thinking of ringing the vets to see if this had happened to any other dogs after being operated on but assumed they would say no anyway to cover themselves. Once this weekend is out of the way I will ring them anyway.

Now we have settled on a different walking place WITHOUT RABBITS they have turned their attention to other peoples dogs, I hate being the person with two dogs that are a nuisance. My reason for posting last night was because Kadie was playing with a spanial (with her muzzel on of course) and then turned really rough with Jazz running in a the last moment and nipping the dogs backside. The man scooped up his dog fearing for its safety and my two had lost interest as it wasn't running, I clipped them on and left the park ashamed and apologising to which he said that's OK, but knowing it wasn't, I just knew something had to be done.

Anyway thank you again will keep you posted.

Donna

 

[jazzi-girl]

Your not a failure and don't give up! I would suggest taking kadie training getting her to meet alot of people and other dogs also take along your other so she gets used to still being around your other one plus people plus other dogs. It is a none fact that when you have two dogs they do egg each other on and tend to be better behaved seperated! I've been learning about dog behaviour for a while now and it's something that really interests me. Also obedience training will help with your athority too. You may find a few rules need to be set to get the respect from your dogs. Watch cesar mullan on t.v or buy his book he is such an inspuration to me. He has a pack of 37 dogs from a poodle to a great dane. He has italians and pit bulls together. He's amazing. It just means you need to put the time in. Find a good trainer in your local area who knows what there doing! Also her being spayed sounds like it may be a hormonal problem. if you need a chat pm me for my number. Good luck x x x x x

Thank you for that, I do watch the Dog Whisperer intently and have often thought how could he get to a a person that Kadie has set in her sights to bark and nip at, I would love to put her forward to be cured, in fact he is over here in February, a couple of friends of mine are going up to the O2 to see him in action. Another thing I am going to do in the New Year is find a good dog training class, I will love meeting people and their dogs even if Kadie doesn't, although she likes dogs its just when the smaller breeds run she loves to chase. Thank you again Dabroad, I feel better for everyones advice.

Donna X

 

[dabroad]

Thank you for that, I do watch the Dog Whisperer intently and have often thought how could he get to a a person that Kadie has set in her sights to bark and nip at, I would love to put her forward to be cured, in fact he is over here in February, a couple of friends of mine are going up to the O2 to see him in action. Another thing I am going to do in the New Year is find a good dog training class, I will love meeting people and their dogs even if Kadie doesn't, although she likes dogs its just when the smaller breeds run she loves to chase. Thank you again Dabroad, I feel better for everyones advice.

Donna X

That's ok no problem. Didn't know cesar was over here have to check it out. Have faith in her my bitch has been funny at points and turns into a different dog. I just takle it one step at a time xx

 

[Esty]

Hello

Just a couple of quick ideas in addition to what others have said, before I go to bed! Our two whippets are 15 months old and began to get a bit rebellious with regards to recall (no aggression towards others, though). We find if we only let one off lead at a time they are much more obedient. Also, we changed our 'reward food' to home made liver cake which must have a miracle ingredient in because their recall is sooo much better, almost 100% first time of calling. They can be called back from running towards other dogs if we have liver cake (though they are good with other dogs, sometimes other dogs aren't so good with them!)

Our dogs still get to play with each other all day, and run together in the garden. They have long walks and free run most days. Don't feel guilty at keeping her on the lead - she still gets her exercise, and much better than her biting someone and them reporting it

 

[jazzi-girl]

Thanks Esty, I used to reward them with pigs liver baked in the oven and cut into small pieces and if my memory serves me right, Jazz would have killed to eat the whole lot, the only draw back it made her a little bit loose at the other end, Nice! Maybe in a cake version it's kinder on the stomach. Where did you get the recepie from please?

Donna X

 

[Esty]

Hi Donna

There are a few recipes on the net but the one we use is

8oz lambs liver

4oz self raising flour

2 eggs

(some recipes say add garlic, other websites say it's not good for them - we leave it out, they still love the cake!)

Just blend everything together (it looks FOUL!). Put in a greased/lined baking tin and bake for 30-40 mins (it has to be brown throughout, no 'pink' left). I've got 160 degrees written on my recipe but thats for my dodgy too hot fan oven so probably nearer 200 for a reliable normal oven.

We freeze it in sections so you can take a bit out to thaw overnight without it all going off. Good Luck!

Obviously you still need to get to the bottom of the biting thing, and I don't know how you'll feed liver cake through a muzzle lol, but you may find if she feels you are getting control and being top of the pack that she stops trying to 'protect' you and the house. The link between her spaying and the start of the behaviour seems too close to be a coincidence but she may also have had a teasing/ threatening incident which means she's trying to protect you. Can people on the street see over/ through your gate to tease her/ make her wary? Did the boy who got bitten open the gate himself or reach over/ through and that's why his Mum didn't pursue it? Was she spayed halfway between seasons to avoid large amounts of hormones in her system? It's a funny rebellious age anyway, even without the spaying.

Esty

 

[Esty]

Sorry, just to add that the recipe is easily doubled (the packs of lamb's liver in Asda are about double so it makes it easier as you don't have to touch the damn stuff to halve it!) And I'm sure I read somewhere not to give dogs piggy type meat as the salt content is high so make sure you use lamb. I stand corrected if anyone knows better on that one, but sure I read it somewhere on here!

 

[dabroad]

Good idea esty i have also heard that all dogs go crazy for liver cake and yes you are correct about using pigs liver or pork for that matter all i know is it's not easily digested. Altough i do give mine thee odd sausage lol! Chicken, lamb, turkey and fish are the easiest to digest however pork or beef are not! Just a little pointer! I had my boyfriend phone me this morning telling me my 4 month old dog was off lead with my bitch as usual and he decided to run half a mile down the road to our front gate with my bf chasing him the whole way. Crossed every path we walked him on my heart was pounding just listening to my bf tellin me. So your now not the only one with a recall problem. lol thank god he was ok. little S**T! he'll go back on the flexi lead till i can convince him im better then running away. Pickle also went through he same rebelious phase at his age now she's great! Lets just hope he learns her ways! xxxx

 

[dabroad]

 

[jazzi-girl]

Hi Donna
Obviously you still need to get to the bottom of the biting thing, and I don't know how you'll feed liver cake through a muzzle lol, but you may find if she feels you are getting control and being top of the pack that she stops trying to 'protect' you and the house. The link between her spaying and the start of the behaviour seems too close to be a coincidence but she may also have had a teasing/ threatening incident which means she's trying to protect you. Can people on the street see over/ through your gate to tease her/ make her wary? Did the boy who got bitten open the gate himself or reach over/ through and that's why his Mum didn't pursue it? Was she spayed halfway between seasons to avoid large amounts of hormones in her system? It's a funny rebellious age anyway, even without the spaying.

Esty

Dear Esty

Thank you so much for the recipe cannot wait to sling on my apron and get creative in the kitchen, I usually slip the treats in the side of Kadie's muzzle and she turns her head to receive them, its funny how she's accepted it on her nose/face so quickly, also funny the amount of people who have said to me are you sure she needs that muzzle on, as she is so friendly and still wiggling her bottom puppy fashion when she first meets people, that why I'm so confused how this has happened so suddenly.

You also raised some good points, yes, our garden is open to the elements, people can see over, well if they're tall they can and the gates and fences at both ends of our garden are see through and also she does race out of the back door and down to the slatted gate with a purpose. As regards the boys, a big thank you for noticing that point about the boys letting themselves in, I have my suspicions but have no proof. One of the boys who lives in our road, (who was not bitten by Kadie it was his friend) has in the past walked into our house and straight upstairs looking for my youngest son catching me half dressed, don't worry I didn't shock him too much, I saved my blushes as I was nearly dressed. I have my suspicions they saw us leaving the house and knowing Aaron goes to tennis every Saturday, were coming in for a quick bounce on the trampoline, I didn't mention it in my previous post because it was dangerously near to rivaling War and Peace, as this post is too! I looked into the garden as I passed to go to the car, if my gate had been open I would have shut it knowing my dogs have no road sense. Anyway have left a message with a dog behaviourist this evening, will have to start the ball rolling.

Sorry for going on, thanks once again

Donna X

 

[eve]

I am sorry to hear about the problems you are having.

I have been having a lot of problems with Toddy' s recall since he was neutered in September. Because he was ill before and then had a severe reaction to the stitches, he has been on the lead a lot over the past few months. Since returning to liberty, he has been running off. Fortunately, he is not agressive. he does however wear a muzzle due to his habit of eating ANYTHING interesting (no matter how disgusting) which always upsets his stomach. He does not mind the muzzle which is a bonus.

I use the box style muzzles as the fabric ones do not allow whippets to pant properly after a good run.

Lilly on the otherhand is becomming more agressive. She is a very fearful little whippet and would not bite people but she has a bad habit of chasing other dogs and having a nip if I do not call her to me for the lead fast enough. This has become worse since Toddy has started misbehaving. I have decided at last to buy her a muzzle (Toddy's spare is too large). She will hate it but I cannot risk her taking a chunk out of someone elses dog. I am also going back to basics on the recall. Unfortunately, in Toddy's case 'playing' is better than a reward. I will persevere however.

I think Toddy's behaviour is down to his age as he is just under 16 months. My situation is not helped by my husbands constant spoiling of Toddy and his failure to realise that this may be adding to the problem.

I have to work on two dogs and a husband!

I have had similar problems with another whippet in the past. Perseverance and time seems to cure the problem.