Just got back from Columbia where Frank and I worked with Kodi a 10 month old Blue Heeler. They have had him since he was 9 weeks old. Not long ago he was attacked by a neighbor dog and has been very anxious of everyone and everything since then. In Mom’s submission she said that he was uncontrollable around other dogs and people and would even nip their 13 year old son.
About a month ago she took Kodi to the same Vet that has seen him since they got him. He was reactive to other dogs, people and staff but not to the point where he needed to be muzzled. He was given the shot that he was there for before the doctor saw him. Mom asked about his reactivity and if a shock collar may help. The doctor asked her “is this the dog you wanted for your family” and she said not the way he is acting now. The doctor told her to euthanize him and went as far as explaining the process to her. He said after that, when she was ready for a new dog he would point her in the right direction. So a Vet knowing the dog for 7 months and never having to muzzle it, a dog without a bite history, his first idea is to euthanize him. I told the Mom that if someone were to call me and explain and describe the Kodi’s behavior I would know right away that it was a cattle dog of some sort or a GSD. This is because of experience I know that these breeds are prone to this and I know to correct the behavior, if it can be corrected. You would think the Vet would have the same knowledge.
Upon our arrival Kodi was jumping up and barking at the window. I asked if they had a muzzle. They said yes but they had never used it and he had not bitten anyone. So Frank and I walked in, past and through Kodi and he followed us into living room as we sat down. He was totally fixated on us as he continued to bark. I had Dad place the Immediate Correction Lead on him and hand it to me. That was the end of the barking. Then I had Mom and Dad take the muzzle out of the box and put it on Kodi. I had animal handling gloves on and walked Kodi around the room. I stopped and reached down for him and he nipped several times as I continued to pet him. No matter how hard I pushed he just nipped and tried to get away. I could not get him to bite with anything more than his front teeth.
We went outside and did the silent loose lead walk. First I did it, then Frank, and then Mom. Then after a Focus Drill I had Frank walk right up to Kodi and stop just in front of him. Kodi had no reaction. Then we handed him off to Mom, who like most handlers had to encouraged to calm down and relax.
Frank and I were both able to walk up to and around Mom within six inches of Kodi without him moving a muscle or verbalization of any kind much less lunging or reacting. Then we went back inside and took the muzzle off. I had Frank go outside and to knock and ring the doorbell before coming in. Kodi stayed in the living room, looked at Mom and Dad and hardly barked.
The truth is that is may be the most progress I have ever made with a dog in an hour. Mom is comfortable and capable with her new handler skill set to keep working with him. His previous behavior in addition to what I observed leads me to believe that the likelihood of him biting someone is slim. As a matter of fact I believe the chances of them needing another session is slim. All we used were the same principles that we do with any other dog with any other behavior.
It would be hard to explain how happy I am that Mom paid for training instead of euthanasia. She said the doctor was ready and willing to do it that day.
Veterinarian services are not cheap or free, you have the right to ask questions. If you are dealing with a behavior issue and ask your Vet for advice and you intuitively don’t trust it, don’t take it and consider a new Vet. If you are not sure about a behavior issue, feel free to contact us. We don’t charge for phone consultations. Also ask your Vet what trainers they work with and why. If they don’t have one that is telling in of itself. You have to be the one to advocate for your dog.