[mrsmam]

for those of you that know me and meg she has been a bit growly towards me in the past when she has her mind set on doing somthing but i thought we were over that .this morning i went upstairs when i came down she had a pk of lockets i told her to leave she wouldnt i went to take them off her and she really layed into me i have nasty bite marks on my thumb witch bled alot its very sore .as you can imagine im very upset about this i love her so much but after this im afraid i will have to find her a new home im sooo heartbriken she dosnt seem to care what has happend i cant trust her anymore please advice

 

[Becs]

It sounds like Megan has guarding issues that can be overcome with professional help, should you want to continue to keep her.
If you do decide to rehome, be very honest with the rescue that take her about her problem.

Best of Luck,
Becs

 

[mrsmam]

thanks becs she has growled at me and hubby before if she dosnt want to do somthing .she has other issues aswell she growls and barks at kids strange pepole its like a nervous aggretion shes almost 2 now .she is adored by us all and it will break our hearts but how can i trust her again

 

[barney2007]

What help have you had in the past? Has anything had an affect? Sorry I'm not aware of Megan's history.

If she is wary of children and strangers it sounds like she needs some time spent on socialisation. There's a great thread running on this board with lots of of ideas of how to get a dog well socialised around kids etc. It can be done!

Do you have children of your own? Is that what you're worried about, that she may grumble at them?

How is your relationship with her otherwise?

 

[Becs]

All I can suggest is that Megan hasn't growled and bitten you because she is a nasty or dangerous dog. It's more likely that you need some help to recognise what's going on with her and how best to react to her warnings. Would you consider getting advice and help from a qualified behaviourist?
I don't think anyone should advise you without seeing Megan as she has already bitten and any advise could make the situation worse.

Becs

 

[barney2007]

I don't think anyone should advise you without seeing Megan as she has already bitten and any advise could make the situation worse.

Becs

Good point Becs :wink:

Yes agree, you really need to seek 1 to 1 qualified help ASAP. Whilst this may look a costly option, it will be a small price to pay in the long run if it helps and you gain a well adjusted, happy friend for many years to come.

 

[mrsmam]

hi i dont have young children mine are grown up ,she is a very loving girl that likes cuddles lots of exersize and food just like anyother lab really .i have been given advice on lf in the past and have worked on that shes a bit like a split persoality i really cant afford a behavourist i just dont have the money things are really tight .as for socializing where we live its very quiet you can go for days without seeing anyone but when we do well shes a differant dog. ihope im making sense. i have always had dogs but have never had this happen

 

[barney2007]

I've just had a quick look back at your history MrsMam and see this has been going on for sometime.

So have you not seen anyone in a professional capacity? I know it costs but I really, really think you need to, and need to do it now.

Advice over the internet or phone is just not going to cut it I'm afraid. Someone professional needs to actually see your dog and meet with you.

You can't let this carry on.

Can you be a bit more specific on where you live? Perhaps someone here will be able to recommend someone and also, which would be very good for Meg and cheaper, some dog training classes. Are you able to travel at all?

 

[Scubabe]

I really, truly believe that if you cannot afford a behaviourist then you need to think about her best interests - perhaps she would be better to be rehomed with someone who can afford a behaviourist to help her.

Hey, just a thought... do you have pet insurance for her? If so, which company and what level is it? *Some* pet insurance companies will cover a behaviourist visit as long as you have been referred by your vet. Is that something you could look into?

 

[Katz568]

Sorry to hear that things are still not good with Megan. You have been given so good advise so far and I agree with them that you do need to see a behaviourist ASAP. I've been there with a dog with aggression issues when they don't get their own way and I know just how hard it is to get over it.
What helped for us was getting back to basics and taking him right down to the bottom of the pile in the house. He wasn't allowed on the sofa or the bed etc, had to sleep downstairs at night in his crate, wasn't allowed through doors in front of us etc and was fed last after everyone else had eaten. This did help along with a behaviourists help and we did get on top of the issues but it was not easy (this was not one of my current dogs btw, it was a rescue crossbreed who came with these issues and lived to the age of 12).
Good luck, please keep us informed.
Katrina

 

[_Lorna_]

Sorry of this sounds very harsh but this is like groundhog day! You have been given lots of advice previously and are now back asking the same questions and getting the same answers!

 

[mrsmam]

what do you mean by that

 

[_Lorna_]

I mean you have been given all this advice before and not acted on it

Lorna

 

[mrsmam]

oh thank you for that we have worked very hard with megan we did go back to basics and i bought some books ive even talked with my vet i just cant afford a beavourist .if you think im just asking the same questions maybe i will just not bother in future .i havant been on here for a while because in my eyes the forum was getting very bitchy but i thought i would try again but maybe not

 

[barney2007]

I do stand by what I said earlier in that you very much need to find the money for 1 to 1 professional help. If you've bought books and been to the vets in the past, you can afford to get someone out to have a look.

What's the going rate, does anyone know? Maybe it's not as bad as you think :wink:

 

[LyndzNSteve]

My sister rescued a lurcher cross and he has issues bless him, she paid £75 for the behaviourist to come out for 30mins initially and she is in contact over the phone when needed. She lives in Surrey.

 

[Rivermeadow-KMH]

Just a thought - why not contact a resuce centre near you and ask if THEY have a behavourist? Perhaps you could help at the rescue centre in exchange for help from one of their staff? After all, if they helped you to sort it out, then it would be one less dog for them to try and rehome?

What ever you decide to do, the best of luck with it. I hope you get a happy outcome.

Katy

 

[Basil]

Sue,

I don't think Lornas trying to be nasty. But honestly this isn't a total surprise for you is it? Megans issues have been brewing for many months, starting with her growling at you on several occasions, refusing to move etc. You did say you couldn't afford a behaviourist a while back and whilst I admire your efforts in focussing on her training and buying books you really do need an expert as she has real problems....you have to do something now before the bite today becomes a really nasty attack and perhaps not even on you or a family member.
I think Ness is right, perhaps it is time to consider what is best for Megan - and I'm not saying that is re-homing because it's not for me to say, I just think you and your family need to giv it some long hard thought.

I know you love Megan but Di once said to me that often the hardest decision is the right one and it's so true.

Please try not to feel we are all against you, people on here can and will be very supportive through difficult times.

 

[xWendyx]

Are you still in touch with Megan's breeder? If so then maybe she/he can offer you some help and advice.
Good luck

 

[-Angela-]

Do you have pet insurance?

Hey, just a thought... do you have pet insurance for her? If so, which company and what level is it? *Some* pet insurance companies will cover a behaviourist visit as long as you have been referred by your vet. Is that something you could look into?

I think I asked this last time you posted you were having problems, or I meant to anyway. If you are really struggling for money (know the feeling) and can't cut down elsewhere, then try your pet insurance policy to see if that could help.