Behavioral Problems

Question
I have a resuced 2 yr Wheaton/Bichon, male neutered. Although you would never know it as he loves to mount pillows at least five times a week.I do not know his history. When first brought home he was quiet then started barking, leash walking was almost impossible even with a choke collar and gentle leader. He seems very excitable.  He is exercised several times a day and has playtime too. In the evening a light bulb goes off in his head and he becomes wild. Running through the house as well at nipping at family members. He will follow commoands such as sit, down, paw but refuses to come or stay. Recently he has started to bite the sofa cushions. I have owned dogs for the past 45 years and have never had so many problems as with this dog. Please help. Thank you.

Answer
Ellie -

First off, I'm so sorry you're faced with this mix of problems !

Secondly, I would like to know how long you have had him, and his approximate size.... and have you considered obedience classes with him - not just because he's disobedient, but because it's an excellent way to establish the roles in the relationship and to get an objective eye on him (which I can't do through the computer).

and I want you to know that behavioral problems in a 2 yr old male terrier of any persuasion is not uncommon. They have usually been permitted to run the household in their former home, and become what I would consider spoiled brats who are too full of themselves.

I take it that this stuff looks like excitement and lack of control as opposed to fear ???

does he pull on the leash or throw himself around like a hooked marlin ??

In the meantime, let me run through a couple of ideas....

First - the mounting thing. It can take up to 6-8 months for hormones to work their way out of the body, and unfortunately, by that time, many dogs have developed this as a habit more than anything.  While the strictly positive trainers would object, I have used a squirt gun (or bottle) to rehab some rescue dogs of things like this or marking.

another way that we often recommend for foster homes put the dog on a leash and make them follow the person around for up to 2 weeks.  That way the dog re-learns the pack order and the wishes of the humans without having to have any confrontations.... and if the children are large enough (12 ) they should do it too once it's working out OK with the adults.

One way to work with him if he's just too strong is to try a corrective harness instead of head halter - like the Sporn harness or the ones that hook onto the leash on his chest.  The trick is that the second he starts to pull you forward, you turn right around and walk the other direction.  

Most dogs will throw themselves around for 5-10 minutes and then cut it out.

OH - one last thing - What and how much are you feeding him ?

Beth (wishing she could do more)