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Biting while attempting to handle paws.
Duke is a 7 year old adoptee. He is somewhat fearful of people but in the year I've had him he has improved dramatically except in one area.... nail trimming or just today, getting a harness on him that required me to lift his paws.
When I first met him when I reached down to attach the leash he snapped at me so I used a slip leash instead. He does not resource protect towards any humans and is happy to just stay out of the way. I can leash him with ease now and even lead him by his collar.
I use a muzzle when I take him to pet stores that may have unattended children around who may run up to pet him.
He will let me touch his paws in a petting situation.
The last time I clipped his nails I had to muzzle him and hold him down and he emptied his bladder, bowels and glands all while trying to bite me. Then I just let the vet do it and sedate him but he still came home with his butt covered in poo then he puked in the car.
I'm looking for some suggestions on how to approach this.
Asked by
Duke
on Mar 1st 2009
Tagged
in Fears & Phobias
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- This question is closed.
Best Answer
Well I first must say that I feel sorry for him.
He must of had a rotten life. Usually stroking pups and touching them all over from the get go helps with this. But since he is very fearful of someone hurting him thats where the releasing of fluids come in. Does he really go for food like chicken ect? You can take several weeks desensitizing him. that would be stroking him slowly and gently on those areas and feeding him. After that talk to him calmly with little emotions. Some adopted animals take a long time to build a relationship with. Also muzzling him in the store is creating more stress on the animal. I recommend taking him in parking lots. And also not stopping, if you see kids coming he should be on your left and on a 4 ft leash, you block unwanted people and say no he bites. It is best to let people know, it is embarrassing but he really is not ready for stores. If he is body sensitive he needs work first.:)
Dieta answered on Mar 1st.
Other Answers
Answers
Holding him down was probably the worst thing you could have done. You've probably set him back in his progress towards being touched.
You can't expect immediate results in nail clipping just because he allows you to touch his paws while you're giving affection. You need to spend lots of time, like you did to help him get over his fears of the leash, touching his paws when not giving affection.
Sit down next to him and have lots of treats w/you. Try touching his paw and if he lets you, then treat and tell him he's a good boy. Keep doing this over many days. Eventually bring in some clippers and put those in your lap while you touch his paw and treat. Maybe you'll be able to put the clippers on the floor next to him, then treat. Do that for days. You're going to have to build up, taking weeks probably, if not longer, to being able to hold his paw in your hand. You have to earn his trust all over again. You handed yourself a major setback holding him down. Bring in a good trainer too.
Guest 404377
answered on 3/1/09.
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