Territorial? Reactive? Insane? What's going on?

[Tabitha]

I think OP already went this route and got new puppy.

That's why I made a second post saying that I had misread part of the post and that I had just realized that she had already gotten another dog.

Would be top ten of dumbest things to do with your dog in my book. Getting new dog to fix problems of current dog inevitably ends up compounding problems, not resolving them.

I did say in my first post that he needs more training before she gets another dog, that was before I realized she had already gotten one.

 

[Mikos_Mom]

I think OP already went this route and got new puppy. Would be top ten of dumbest things to do with your dog in my book. Getting new dog to fix problems of current dog inevitably ends up compounding problems, not resolving them.

Just FYI.... We didn't get Pippin to "fix" Miko. I'm quite aware that the puppy will only end up taking on Miko's bad habits. We got Pippin because #1 it was very obvious that Miko was lonely without another dog around and #2 Tasha had been DH's dog for 11yrs - he absolutely adores shih-poos and wanted to heal his own heart by getting another one right away

 

[Tabitha]

Just FYI.... We didn't get Pippin to "fix" Miko. I'm quite aware that the puppy will only end up taking on Miko's bad habits. We got Pippin because #1 it was very obvious that Miko was lonely without another dog around and #2 Tasha had been DH's dog for 11yrs - he absolutely adores shih-poos and wanted to heal his own heart by getting another one right away

I would probably do the same thing in your position.:sadsmile:

 

[Toffee's Mom]

I would really consider a dog trainer if I were you, and definitely positive training classes. It's tough to give suggestions without seeing the dog, etc. But my question is what do you guys do when he exhibits those 'odd' behaviours?
Trying to 'correct' them can often make them worse so it may seem like it was out of the blue but could the subtle signs have been there, but were not recognized before?

Also good suggestions already regarding routine and lots of Individual one-on-one attention, and more stimulation for the brain hopefully.

Let us know how it's going!

 

[Mikos_Mom]

I would really consider a dog trainer if I were you, and definitely positive training classes. It's tough to give suggestions without seeing the dog, etc. But my question is what do you guys do when he exhibits those 'odd' behaviours?
Trying to 'correct' them can often make them worse so it may seem like it was out of the blue but could the subtle signs have been there, but were not recognized before?

Also good suggestions already regarding routine and lots of Individual one-on-one attention, and more stimulation for the brain hopefully.

Let us know how it's going!

I was thinking about consulting a trainer. My ex-DH was dating a trainer and I was hoping to pick her brain... but they just broke up, so I guess I'm SOL on that front.

As far as how we react... The insane barking is definitely causing insanity in us too. I have to admit that it gets chaotic. He's barking and carrying on, we're yelling "NO!.. QUIET!" Rationally I know it's ridiculous and counter-productive, but in the moment it's really hard to keep my head on straight.

I'm going to start with dealing with his energy levels ... there's no point in a ton of training when he has a ton of pent up energy. Once he's good and tired out, we'll see exactly how many problems we really have to deal with.

Thanks for the input!

 

[k9kreationz]

Hugs. I so get it. I do.

I recall reading something, somewhere, that when the alpha dog passes or is gone out of the house (as in given away or what not), the next dog tries to fill their shoes by being alpha. Sounds like Miko is exhibiting a lot of Tasha's behaviors. And it seems like Miko isn't liking the new job. I bet it is tiring for him to be on edge all the time.

Definitely rule out anything physical, especially the barking/growling when startled. That made me wonder if he's injured in some way.

And I'll say this, do what you can to get this under control. I put it off with Koji for so long that I'm pretty sure it's ingrained in him to react to everything now. I talked to two animal communicators and they both said that he just reacts, he doesn't know why (no fear or protection issues), it's just a "reaction" now and he can't help it (control it). Which means, I can get it under control with a lot of training, but he'll never NOT be on patrol (on edge). I allowed it for too long, so now it's become an ingrained reaction. Ugh!

Good luck. Definitely try the wearing out too. He could be stressed out from everything going on at home. And feeling your stress because of his actions. Which is a viscous cycle.