What training method should I use? Help me help this sad girl!!

[GatorBytes]

Did the fear of thunder start after the spay?

[Cusack's Human]

Originally Posted by GatorBytes

Did the fear of thunder start after the spay?

Yes, the fear of thunder was first and after the spay. Owner says it was a lot worse than it has been lately.

[GatorBytes]

Give this a read through
Thyroid Disease in Dogs | NZYMES.COM

The Effect of Hypothyroid Function Function on Canine Behavior

You can skim over the tech. stuff, it does get into symptoms - behavioural issues.

The thyroid and adrenals work in tandom - Sex hormones are only produced by the adrenals and the gonads, so with those removed the adrenals are left to regulate and balance.

[Cusack's Human]

Thank you!! Very interesting! I will definitely tell her to get the blood work done also.

[sit,stay]

Originally Posted by Cusack's Human

I think there is a new Sch club about an hour from here, would there be someone qualified there? That is if they got the club running. We could also drive to Atlanta if anyone knows of a trainer there.

A schutzhund club would not be my first choice to deal with this type of behavior. I have seen clubs that have great training and very knowledgeable members who could be a great resource, but I have also seen clubs that are dangerous in how little they know.

You need a certified behaviorist. You can have a trainer work with this dog all day long, every day for months, and never address the underlying behavior. If you are willing to travel as far as Atalanta, I would be willing to bet that you can find a qualified behaviorist there.

How involved is the actual owner going to be in this process? How are you going to feel if you put the time and effort (perhaps even money) into working with this dog, only to hand her over to an owner who is not invested at all in how they manage the dog? So much of the long term success will depend on management.

I would question how sudden the behaviors actually are. This owner wouldn't be the first to totally miss all the antecedents. If she does decide to try and rehome the dog, be very, very careful. I can't imagine an all breed rescue taking her on, and a breed specific rescue has literally thousands of dogs to choose from that haven't killed small animals already. The kind of private "home" that would be willing to take her on might want her for the wrong reasons. Tread carefully for her sake.

Good luck.
Sheilah

[GatorBytes]

Originally Posted by Cusack's Human

Thank you!! Very interesting! I will definitely tell her to get the blood work done also.

Here are a couple more links (easy read), but explains how typical T4 thyroid test is not conclusive enough, as there is a "grey" area pre-hypothroidism (skip vids and just read the article)

Dog Hypothyroidism Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Early Dog Spaying and Neutering Effects

This second refers to early s/n, and although not the case here, gives yo an idea of adrenals, estrogen as well as a nominal list at the bottom of natural remedies to prevent and or/manage disorders of the hormone system.

I used ashwagandha for my dog (rec. by my vet) for adrenal stress and also works on the thyroid.

Melatonin is a good relaxer for those thunderstorm issues and may help put the dog in a relaxed state when working with a trainer - if too much stress hormone circulating - then be more receptive.

One more thing - this dog - any dog, should not be alone for 12 hrs...you should not however, although commendable, take on this dog, despite the the safety risks to your dogs, I think the emotional risk to their health too may be a concern as they would be picking up "vibes" from the PB and that could increase their "fight or flight" reactions/hormones...perhaps this dog needs some dog walkers/visits too.