Can Anyone Help

[tbpss]

Prince

I have been trying some of the things that you have suggested. We have a finished basement that we hardly ever use and has been kinda taken over by the dogs. I have been putting Prince in the basement for a doggy time out but I have not seen any improvements. We have also been trying to reward Prince when he lets the baby touch hiim and doesn't freak out. Our house run in a circle and we have gated off the portion that the baby is in while he plays. Prince sits and cries to be in with us which I can't stand to hear him upset and end up letting him in with us. To the question of whether or not he gets along with other dogs and cats. My other dog Apollo and Prince are the best of friends which brings me heart break when I think of separting them. As for cats, he doesn't do so hot. I have been dealing with the scared thing with Prince since the day that he arrived. He is afraid of men, the door bell, boxes, loud noises, ect. I have made very little improvment with him in his three yrs with us. I have called several no kill shelters in the area and everyone is full. I just can't take him to the humane society. He is such a loving dog. I thought about running an ad in the news paper but who is to say that the person that adopts him will be nice. I truely don't know where to go or what to do. When Prince has nipped in the past or ran Blake over I have given him a sern no put him in the basement for a while, let him upstairs when the craziness has stopped and he will go and do the same thing all over again. Thank you for all your concern. I have asked all my family members. I even have called the ones we do not even really talk with. I have tried my co workers who all have said they would keep us in mind.

I don't know what to do with the allergies either. I have pulled all carpet out of my house, hoping that will help the hives. I hate to do anything drastic with Apollo if Blake is going to grow out of all of this but my house is in a mess trying to fix our problems

Thank you for your concern

 

[heartsong12]

I really don't have any other good ideas for you. But I wanted just to encourage you. It must be one the most difficult things you had to go thru. I am sure you love your dogs very much and I know that there is a differnce between not wanting to cope with the problems of having a new baby and an older dog and be concerned for the safety of your child. And I know it is difficult finding a good home for a pet. Recently one of my dog's litter mates was rejected because thier little girl was not longer interested in her. She was 1 year old. The beeder took her back and we are looking for a good home for her, but everyone wants a puppy.

JUST REMEMBER THERE IS SOMEONE OUT THERE WHO NEEDS A GOOD BOXER!

They may not know it yet.

 

[kiwilyme]

Will one of the rescues in your area at least consider listing him as an available dog for adoption while he remains with you till he's found an appropriate new home. Just a thought..I can only imagine how your forced into making such a tough decision. Very hard dilemma to be in.

 

[abradbury.5]

Have you tried working with a behaviorist? In addition to the problem Prince is having with Blake, the behaviorist might be able to help you work through some of Prince's other problems/issues. I agree with the person that said you should treat Prince like an older child having trouble adjusting to the new baby. You might not see a big difference in a week, and you might just need to try a few different things--the same idea has ten different (kind) approaches. One will click with Prince.

 

[Hs'ing Mom]

I just wanted you to know that you have my sympathies! I have 2 toddlers and an older child myself. I would be *very* nervous if my boxer snapped at any of my kids. You have a very hard decision to make (I've been there) and you must do what you feel is right for your family.

Good luck in your decision making! Go with your instincts.

 

[Holden's Mom]

Your plight for you and your family and Prince is a tough one. Did you try Southside Animal Shelter, on Indy's south side? How about Tails A'Waggin in Boone County? Home for Friendless Animals? All are no kill shelters and all have websites. I also like the idea of asking if they will at least give you a courtesy listing, or let you foster your own dog while working on rehoming.

Pam and Pete

 

[rog1006]

Did you put Prince on a leash and collar? Try that. Then he can be with you and the kids without being out of your control. Then you can immediately PRAISE for the positive things you see and immediately redirect and correct the negative. I have done this and it works. By excluding him from the pack, it can sometimes have a negative affect on the dog as they are then isolated. Have you done any training work with him? I say that because simply teaching a dog commands makes them more confident which makes them less nervous of everything.

 

[Hs'ing Mom]

That sounds like a good idea. Although, make sure if you are carrying the baby around, to be careful and not let the dog accidently throw you off balance. (Queen of clumsiness here! LOL!)

If I'm packing one of my toddlers AND holding the dog's leash, it's harder for me to keep balanced. Be careful!

 

[rog1006]

That sounds like a good idea. Although, make sure if you are carrying the baby around, to be careful and not let the dog accidently throw you off balance. (Queen of clumsiness here! LOL!)

If I'm packing one of my toddlers AND holding the dog's leash, it's harder for me to keep balanced. Be careful!

Just hook it to a belt loop! It works great!