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Despite the fact I have had dogs all my life (over 40 years now), I finally have a dog I have been unable to train out of some extremely negative behaviors. We had him in an AKC class locally (Cary, near Apex) for awhile, but eventually took him out.
Jax is a great dog except for severe separation anxiety and an absolute terror of thunderstorms. He is like a demon if there is a thunderstorm and we are not home. He has broken his teeth because he so furiously tries to get out of his crate (in fact, he has broken several crates - each one in only one day). He has broken crates and gates, and has destroyed windowsills and door frames. Last Saturday was especially bad. We came home to a 4-hour cleanup job and a dog that had injured himself. And this was despite the fact he was on "doggie valium" as prescribed by our vet.
Some may call me nuts, but we certainly don't want to give up on Jax. Besides, Jax is my son's dog, and I made him a promise when we got Jax as a puppy. So we're trying to find additional help for him.
I actually looked up The Dog Whisperer info this weekend to see if I could talk to them about our furry little friend. But Ceasar is only taking applications/work in So Cal.
I then looked up Bark Busters, and I really like what I saw. But I don't know much about them personally. Does anyone have any personal experience with Bark Busters in the Apex/Cary area? If so, feel let me know. I'd be very interested in your experience.
I'm sorry to hear you are having so much difficulty with your dog, but I must commend you on being so dedicated on working with his issues.
I do not have any experience with Bark Busters here, but I tend to shy away from dog training places that are chains. I checked their website and their head trainer doesn't seem to be a member of any educational organizations such as the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers.)
Considering you have already gone the medications route, I would be looking into getting your dog seen by a Certified Behaviorist Specialist. Lots of dog trainers like to call themselves dog behaviorists, but there are actually something like under 100 actual Certified Animal Behaviorists who have been to school for such and normally carry PhD's in their field.
Luckily there is a Certified Animal Behaviorist right in Cary, which I was referred to when my dog was having some anxiety issues. They are very in depth and go through your dog's complete behavioral history. They are also much better equipped for dispensing medications as well than your regular vet, which is why my vet referred me to them because our initial trial at meds for my dog wasn't working.
I hope that this helps some, and if you need any more info please feel free to PM me or ask more questions. I really hope you are able to get Jax some help, I know how difficult seperation anxiety and thunderstorm phobia can be. You are an awesome owner, so many people balk at working with a difficu dog and I have to say how nice it is to see someone who wants so much to find help for their dog's issues!
I am not an expert but I would consider getting a CD of a thunderstorm
and playing it very low while playing with him and slowly every few days increasing the volume to desensitize him to the sound.
It is one of those "can't hurt/might help" things to try.
If you have not tried the cd route, ya manna do so prior to hiring a pet professional. Be sure not to draw attention to the cd storm or the dog for the first few tries. If all else fails, go your pet therapist route being sure to determine if they have successfully treated dogs with this condition AND HOW. Holler back if you need recommendations outside of Bark Busters! Good luck.
I have had similar issues with my German Shepherd, thankfully not with thunderstorms. I have also been to the certified pet psychologist near bond park in Cary. They were attentive and patient but only recommended putting the dog on "valium". I am not really comfortable with prescription drugs as behavioral therapy, becasue dont want my dog to be addicted to valium for life.
I tokk hime and continue to take him for basic training to Tarheel Canine in Sanford where he has overcome a lot of his separartion anxiety. I can now walk him outside and walk past people without him trying to lunge for them etc. They will socialize him slowly and I would recommend that you try them.
For those who asked, Jax is a Norwegian Buhund. I think he and his half-sister Ginger (our other dog) may be the only two in NC. It's a herding breed, but they're generally not hyper (well, other than during thunderstorms - although Ging is fine w/them). You can read about the breed (and even see pix of Jax) at: Norwegian Buhund Information and Pictures, Norwegian Buhunds (go to the 2 picture pages linked at the bottom to see Jax as a puppy).
I've tried cds and such. Jax isn't so bad if we're there, although he's obviously nervous. But he complete goes bonkers now if we are not around - especially if there is thunder.
Jax is 5 years old now. He was GREAT until he was about 1.5 - 2 years old. He got a little more anxious with separation over the past few years, but he went into psycho mode more recently.
I don't have any advice for you, but I do wish you the best of luck. My first thought, upon reading your post, was the Dog Whisperer, but then you addressed that. Too bad Cesar is not interested in coming to NC. Perhaps if you email him and say PRETTY PLEASE?!!!
We have a German Shepherd that is having some anxiety/aggressive issues and are working with a behaviorist who comes to our house and she has the same ideas as Cesar Milan. Direct message me if you would like her information.
Have you tried any medication? There are many good mdications out there for seperation anxiety/storms. Even if you use the mdication temporarly with behavior modification. As for as Bark Busters, they held a meeting at my work. I'm a Certified Vet Tech and work in animal hospital. Their approach sounds very helpful and from what I understand they guarantee it. It's worth a try but I would suggest medication in the meanwhile. Panic attacks are no fun and I understand what you're dog is going through. Don't give up on him as there are several other options.
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