Minihaha :
I hesitate to say anything in case it is seen as criticisms but Pidge try to stand back and look at the bigger picture.
A lot of Woody's behaviour sounds like typical working springer behaviour to me and is very similar to Zak's, but he hasn't had aggression issues ( I think he would have had under certain circumstances ).
Woody is only a puppy still and has seen many sudden changes in his routine and lifestyle. He had your undivided attention all day every day and went from this situation to spending long periods of time during the day some days in a crate, then in a travel crate at night and on a house like in the evening. Some puppies may cope with this kind of restriction , others won't (particularly those with strong working instincts), they can become destructive and frustrated and frustration can find other oulets in things like aggression.
Woody sounds a confused puppy . Pidge , I know you have done your best, some puppies are very hard work.
I am only saying this to give you some idea as to what the cause of the problem may be . I won't offer any advice, your head must be spinning with it....xx
I have to agree with Minni here in much of what she says.
Pigde... almost ALL Woody's behaviour is normal puppy behaviour, apart from the food aggression..BUT even there it can be worked on.
I know you have a behaviourist working with you..but to be honest Pigde..if he/she is advising having Woody PTS.. for the behavioural traits he is showing...I would be looking else where.
I would expect any professional to first... advise me to seek veterinary investigation, to see if any health problems are causing any of his behaviour.......have you been down that route.
I would also take up Shona offer , before you go down the road of even thinking of having him euthanized, as he is far from that stage, and I dont believe he is un-re homeable... I wonder who told you that
Originally Posted by
Pidge
Mate, you have no idea how hard this is. Neil described it earlier as abit
like having a disabled child. I hope I don't cause offence saying that, especially to Elaine but it really is.
He needs 24/7 attention and time and support and there are good days and bad days.
Sorry Pidge, with respect, and correct me if I am wrong,, you are both first time dog owners, along with having no children, and comparing him to a disabled child is offensive...and maybe shows a little naivety on your part in what is involved in owing and bringing up young pups.
Having a puppy any puppy is a full time job, that needs 24/7 attention... and you can compare it to bringing up children ALL children... as those who have them will tell you it is also a full time job, where you need to have eyes in your backside and never close them!!
Originally Posted by
Pidge
Shona, he basically has a problem with the following:
1. Unable to settle in the home -
scratches and gnaws at walls and coffee table in frustration, doesn't like going on bed or in crate. Gets over tired and over excited and doesn't know how to switch off. I have to stroke him soothingly or time him out in kitchen to settle him almost every night.
2. If told to do something he doesn't want to do, like get off sofa/bed etc he will growl and then bite, bearing teeth and gums.
3. Food aggression - unable to go near him when eating and get knuckle bones or denta stix (now banned) off him, if necc as he bites us.
4. He also barks at us when over excited and being told to do something he doesn't want to do.
The biting is the scary bit as it's now got quite bad.
.
I understand the biting is getting you down, and from what you are saying, I get the feeling you are becoming a little frightened of him... and he will be able to pick up on this... he will be reading your vibes and he knows he has one up on you.
Number 1 ... did you read the article I posted on rescue spaniels..Woody is beginning to show some classic signs of frustration, shown by working dogs who are not in the job they are bred for.
Some dogs have more working instinct than others,and Woody many be one of them, and I think you really need to ask yourself, can you provide that job for him.
The other points are all classic bolshy pup syndrome... all can be fixed, the food aggression needs a little more work, but I thought you where making progress.
I think some of Woody's problems are breed related.. but some are also typically puppy related..
The barking for attention, trying his luck with you , all can be worked on... but his working instinct may need a little more thinking about... and you need to be honest with yourselves as to whether you can provide it.
On the plus note, if you can get past the puppy stage , and get all your problems sorted , you will reap the benefits later on.
Believe me, Having Boxer puppies , what you described with Woody.. you can tenfold that... and they NEVER grow up
But please dont consider Euthanasia... he is a long way from that.. it might be you have to re home him to a working home...
But see your vet, have bloods done see if any medical problems are causing any of his behaviour.. and to be honest, if your behaviourist, has not suggested that... find another..
Because, if your behaviourist is giving up on him now, I would be asking how good he is.
And again...take up on Shona`s offer!!!!