LAST CHANCE LOLA!!!

First topic message reminder :

Hi all thought I'd update on our disater yesterday!
With Lola biting me yesterday, I went and bought a muzzle which she wasnt happy about but its for her safety as well as others.
She was ok on the walk and I booked an appointment with the vet/behaviour thereapist.
The looks we were getting were heartbreaking. I wanted to cry, the looks on other people faces were like
'a staffy with a muzzle - typical' I honestly cried, I felt the need to explain myself to them!
I just am so frustrated.
She was doing SO well!!
My husband has had enought of her antics (he doesnt do training/walking etc so doesnt have as much tollerance as me!)

Her new food is arriving tomorrow so will begin the transfer to her new food.
Hopefully that should sort things out.
Im putting her behaviour down to the fact she hasnt been well/diet issues & stress. I HOPE!!

Kisses from lola

Glad things are going in the right direction for you both

I just want to swear and scream!!
Lola is one problem away from going back to the rescue home.

We were out for our evening walk and she wont poop on the lead so I let her off and she did her business and then went exploring into bushes and started eating something in a carrier bag and then did he play stance and went to bite again.

I'm at my wits ends, I cannot cope with her anymore....
Im so torn!!

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

mrsxg wrote:I just want to swear and scream!!
Lola is one problem away from going back to the rescue home.

We were out for our evening walk and she wont poop on the lead so I let her off and she did her business and then went exploring into bushes and started eating something in a carrier bag and then did he play stance and went to bite again.

I'm at my wits ends, I cannot cope with her anymore....
Im so torn!!

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

She went to bite you again?!
Have you tried the long lead, not the flexi, but the long training leads, so she may feel less restricted then.
Did you go to get her back and she went to bite you, and maybe it could be the way you go to clip her up.
If you go over their heads, standing over them or crouching down in front of them, I know a few dogs will bite from fear, but maybe go up alongside her, not looking at her, crouching down and just gently hook her collar or harness.
Not reaching over if that makes sense. Or if in front of her, crouch and look away, ignoring her but clipping her up quickly and quietly with a quick "come on then, Lola!" when you're all clipped up.

This sounds quite bad =/

Believe me they can feel your tension.

mrsxg wrote:
Lola is one problem away from going back to the rescue home.
I'm at my wits ends, I cannot cope with her anymore....
Im so torn!!

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

You don't mean that, patience and one step at a time.


Deep breath, not saying its easy, by god when Moo had diareah every night in the house when I got her I was at my wits end. But we got there eventuallly.

Its worth it, hang in there Xx

Yep I know I shouldnt get angry and shout at he but its kinda hard.
She wont even poop on a flexi extending lead so I dont think a longer lead would work
No I'd crouch down and put some treats in my hand called her over, got her to sit and then I would stroke her chin and slowly move my hand round to her harnes and she'd flinch and go to bite.
Im sobbing my eyes out because she was doing so well and the has these crappy days and its just too much

mrsxg wrote:Yep I know I shouldnt get angry and shout at he but its kinda hard.
She wont even poop on a flexi extending lead so I dont think a longer lead would work
No I'd crouch down and put some treats in my hand called her over, got her to sit and then I would stroke her chin and slowly move my hand round to her harnes and she'd flinch and go to bite.
Im sobbing my eyes out because she was doing so well and the has these crappy days and its just too much

Hmm, okay.
Nah, anger is fine, just don't direct it at the dog. Possibly just keep the muzzle on 24/7 and if she needs to go let her go in the garden and be sure to pick it up. I think she's sensing your desperation and might be taking advantage of it.

Please give it time. Honestly I was the same when I got Moo. Clearing up poo at 4am every morning was so draining, I was seriously at my wits end with her, couldn't seem to cope, and certainly not what I wanted.

We got there, eventually

Persevere, you will get there also Xx

does it only happen outside the house off lead? can you not keep her on the lead until she has to poop? i've never adopted an adult dog so all my lot go on command, i just say poop poop and they go keep her on the lead for a few weeks and practise putting her lead on and off at home and giving her the sausages she liked?. if you know clipping her on outside causes a bite then maybe she has to be a dog that stays on the lead?.

mrsxg wrote:Yep I know I shouldnt get angry and shout at he but its kinda hard.
She wont even poop on a flexi extending lead so I dont think a longer lead would work

A long training lead is different to a flexi lead because the flexi always maintains a pressure on the dog's collar. With a long line you clip it on & then drop the lead so she trails it around. Then if you need to get her back & she won't come you pick up the end & gradually real her in.

Is it only outside that this is happening?

Aw such a shame, one step forward and two steps back
Can you ask your vet to recommend a behaviourist in your area that could help?

She's fine during the day off the lead, its night-time she's a bugger!!
She is into EVERYTHING! xxx

Definitely long line. You need to be able to direct her away from whatever she's interested in without making threatening moves towards her.

If that doesn't work you may have to look into a one-to-one behaviourist to help you.

how are you and Lola doing?

Thank you all for your help, guidance & support just now! It means a lot to Lolly & I
She's getting good at peeing on command but pooping on command is taking a bit longer.
She started peeing & pooping overnight again aswell which is frustrating.
I hope as she gets older & when she's spayed (when we can afford it) she'll settle.
I don't wanna give up on her, I'm trying to be firm but not baby her either.
She's still a madam trying to get her harness & jacket on. I can't understand why though! Surely she doesn't want a sore neck from pulling & to be freezing!!

glad there is at least some progress. hopefully she builds on that. gotta start somewhere!

Hang in Hun!!!

She will be well worth it. Ive have worked on rescue staffs for many years and if they have a terrible start in life it really does take them time to adjust to love and care especially if they have never had it, it is my most challenging behavioural work I do within the rescue (bull breeds are my speciality).

Take small steps and dont push her too hard. Once you get good responses from her introduce another skill and reward her all the time for her good behaviour.

Im sure you will crack her soon, but if you want any help of advice please contact me and I will advise where possible

Two suggestions
Rather than the muzzle which you would have to remove for to her play/eat/drink/pant I would recommend the head halti, you get so much control out of it and she can wear it all day (correct size) no irration nice and comfortable for her and peace of mind for you and easy control of her when she plays up, simply grab the part the lead attaches to raise her head to yours to give corrections or prase (no judging eyes off people).
Keeping her on lead during walks will add a little more structure/looking to your for directions (a little more guidance respect for you) rather than her dashing off and doing what she wants.
She won't defecate on lead, miss the morning walk just once (or first toilet walk) feed her up (usual time) and take her out, plonk your back side dog and wait. She will go, you just got to be just as stubbern as her.

Well I've ordered a long lead & waiting for it to arrive.
Up so early as once again she's done a pee, poo & had diarrhoea in the kitchen again *sigh*
So back to the basics again
We've been working on heel & during the day she's fab but at night! I swear she has selective hearing!!
She has so much progress & then it's like were back to the start again!!
I know she'll be worth it just so damn tired!! Lol
Suppose I'll have to get used to it!!

MissRogue wrote:I would recommend the head halti, you get so much control out of it and she can wear it all day (correct size) no irration nice and comfortable for her and peace of mind for you and easy control of her when she plays up, simply grab the part the lead attaches to raise her head to yours to give corrections or prase (no judging eyes off people).
Keeping her on lead during walks will add a little more structure/looking to your for directions (a little more guidance respect for you) rather than her dashing off and doing what she wants.
She won't defecate on lead, miss the morning walk just once (or first toilet walk) feed her up (usual time) and take her out, plonk your back side dog and wait. She will go, you just got to be just as stubbern as her.

Good asvice there from Clare as usual!

mrsxg wrote:Well I've ordered a long lead & waiting for it to arrive.
Up so early as once again she's done a pee, poo & had diarrhoea in the kitchen again *sigh*
So back to the basics again
We've been working on heel & during the day she's fab but at night! I swear she has selective hearing!!
She has so much progress & then it's like were back to the start again!!
I know she'll be worth it just so damn tired!! Lol
Suppose I'll have to get used to it!!

Y'know it sounds like she's in a state of high anxiety. I, like Clare, would sugest keeping her on lead during your walks for a while, especially once you have the long lead (What length did you order, btw?).

Also, get some lavender essential oil & rub a little bit on her firehead just before bed at night, and put a couple of drops on her bedding. It should help her to relax & sleep well, so hopefully no accidents!

It's 50ft long the lead

have i mentioned how adorable Lola is?!

A 50ft line is the perfect length for training recall on etc, but I would not reccomend using them on head haltis as when they decide to run they are pulling on their nose and jaw, sensitive areas of the face when it pulls tight at the end, also repetative yanking and pulling will damage the dogs neck and face.

Use the training line on her harnes and you should be fine. I have to walk mine on lines in our local park as it is restricted to on lead at all times. I also use them in training classes for recall training along with toileting issues also.

If I can help please get in touch

Claire

she does melt your heart

Aww she certainly does

hi my name is ian i would just like to say well done and stick in i am sure u will get there if u put the time in and it sounds like u r its ppl like that r helping to change the reputation that staffs have so well done and good luck p.s i am new to the forum

Good luck her, i would definatley go to some training classes to go through the basics it helps both dog and handler.

I also think its important your OH goes so he can help with consistency it may also help strengthen their bond if he see's her working well or at least improving in classes.

A small involvement your OH could do is feed the dog this will also help the dog show some respect to the person feeding her i think it is important that everyone helps train and discipline the dog it helps the dog improve quicker and understand boundaries better.

Keep up the good work

Thank you all

Meant to ask where you ordered lolas food from? the Dog Food Shop in Dundee sells 15kg bags of Harringtons for £15.Do you think a slip lead would work or would she still nip?.

I get her food from asda 5kg bag

Awww! How's it going?

how are things going?

How is Lola doing now on her new food? I agree with the sit comment when putting her food down. We do it all the time with Pixee. We had to first give her a treat when putting her harness on all at the same time. Now she will sit till her harness is on and then she gets the treat. Why do some dogs eat poo I will never know!

Herman eats too fast. my mom has been known to put her hand in his food bowl to slow him down.

Hi all, sorry I've not replied in a while, only home from the hospital yesterday.
She was very distructive while I was in hospital, but it's because she wasnt getting walked as much.
She was VERY excited to have me home
We get her to wait before eating and use the release word.

She loves her new food not nearly as many farts!!! Poo is less stinky too
She's been eating some sort of red berry in the back garden. Then her next 'poop' is dirrhoea

Good to hear from you :3
Maybe to stop the destructive behaviour, maybe crate her? It's not a cruel method in my eyes, but stop destructive behaviour when out :3

But good to hear from you, and good luck.

mrsxg wrote:Hi all, sorry I've not replied in a while, only home from the hospital yesterday.

what happened? why were you in the hospital?! if it's not my business i understand, just hope you're alright now

watch the red berries in the garden - they can often cause upset tummies to doggies.

Glad you are home and I bet lola missed you like crazy !

go easy on yourself. hope you're better now. =}>-

Good luck, i think with consistancy, love and patience, you'll get there.

Herman's Human wrote:

mrsxg wrote:Hi all, sorry I've not replied in a while, only home from the hospital yesterday.

what happened? why were you in the hospital?! if it's not my business i understand, just hope you're alright now

Thank you for the concern, very bad flare up of my chronic pain condition x

hope you're some better now. thanks for the update.

No problem
I'm coping with lolly & hubby.
Lolly has been giving me lots of cuddles and licking away my tears

mrsxg wrote:Thank you for the concern, very bad flare up of my chronic pain condition x

mrsxg wrote:No problem
I'm coping with lolly & hubby.
Lolly has been giving me lots of cuddles and licking away my tears

Hope you're feeling a lot better; does it happen often?

It sounds like Lola's settling down a bit more, though?

Im on morphine now so im controlling the pain better now, still have good days and bad days. It doesnt happen that bad very often but im trying to deal with it best I can.

Yeah she's been fab!!
She's been incredible what a difference with her new food, she's so much more responsive