@rainbowgirlx
1) Spraying can be a sign of insecurity and it seems the fact that he is nervous around people confirms it. Cleaning up urine need to be done with an enzymatic cleaning solution or a solution of biological powder – the stuff you use in washing machines as these have enzymes that break down the odour molecules, thus removing the smell.
He only sprays in other people’s house – well, hopefully, once he realises that your house is his house, he will stop. If not, close supervision, perhaps even have him on a lead attached to your waist to prevent him from practising the behaviour. Distract him as soon as he starts showing too much interest in one particular place, before he starts lifting his leg.
I haven’t used belly bands, and I don’t think I ever would. They don’t cure the behaviour and they, apparently can lead to kidney problems. Keeping the dog’s mind occupied might be a better option – so stuff a kong, plenty of suggestions online and there is a recipe enclosed with the Kong. Also plenty of physical exercise to tire him out – does he like chasing a ball?
Mental stimulation is absolutely essential for collies – they are intelligent and love learning new things.
2) Nervousness around people – some dogs respond to Adaptil plug ins, collars, sprays. However if he is quickly and easily aroused he will not respond. So, again, training, getting him used to people at his pace, with positive reinforcements so he learns to see new people as friends rather than something to worry about.
3) Walking - very important that dogs get out of the house/garden/back yard and can do what dogs need to do – sniff, scratch, pee, poo, run, chase balls, paddle, swim, dig, play with other dogs. Some people find head collars useful, others prefer harnesses. Either of those must fit correctly so they either don’t ride up into the eyes, or chaff under arms. So perhaps take him to a pet shop and see if there is somebody competent to advise you on the best option.
I think you are beeing very kind to your friend but you are taking on a lot of problems. Why hasn’t your friend worked on sorting them out for the last 2 years? Perhaps they could offer you some help with the dog once they hand him over to you?
I wish you the best of luck, and please keep coming back to keep us updated.
1) Spraying can be a sign of insecurity and it seems the fact that he is nervous around people confirms it. Cleaning up urine need to be done with an enzymatic cleaning solution or a solution of biological powder – the stuff you use in washing machines as these have enzymes that break down the odour molecules, thus removing the smell.
He only sprays in other people’s house – well, hopefully, once he realises that your house is his house, he will stop. If not, close supervision, perhaps even have him on a lead attached to your waist to prevent him from practising the behaviour. Distract him as soon as he starts showing too much interest in one particular place, before he starts lifting his leg.
I haven’t used belly bands, and I don’t think I ever would. They don’t cure the behaviour and they, apparently can lead to kidney problems. Keeping the dog’s mind occupied might be a better option – so stuff a kong, plenty of suggestions online and there is a recipe enclosed with the Kong. Also plenty of physical exercise to tire him out – does he like chasing a ball?
Mental stimulation is absolutely essential for collies – they are intelligent and love learning new things.
2) Nervousness around people – some dogs respond to Adaptil plug ins, collars, sprays. However if he is quickly and easily aroused he will not respond. So, again, training, getting him used to people at his pace, with positive reinforcements so he learns to see new people as friends rather than something to worry about.
3) Walking - very important that dogs get out of the house/garden/back yard and can do what dogs need to do – sniff, scratch, pee, poo, run, chase balls, paddle, swim, dig, play with other dogs. Some people find head collars useful, others prefer harnesses. Either of those must fit correctly so they either don’t ride up into the eyes, or chaff under arms. So perhaps take him to a pet shop and see if there is somebody competent to advise you on the best option.
I think you are beeing very kind to your friend but you are taking on a lot of problems. Why hasn’t your friend worked on sorting them out for the last 2 years? Perhaps they could offer you some help with the dog once they hand him over to you?
I wish you the best of luck, and please keep coming back to keep us updated.
