An Aled update.

[TheresaW]

Just though I'd give you a little update on Aled. He's been with us 2 weeks now, and I think he's happy, and is settling in well.

We're not pushing it with the horses, giving him lots of fun chasing his ball, and they are the other side of the fence. He's been getting quite close, and they are totally ignoring him (Ollie has got bored), and although he keeps an eye on them, he isn't barking or getting stressed by them.

He and the cats are totally fine with each other, he even let ginger have a lick of his chewy earlier.

He comes and drops his ball out our feet when he decides it's playtime.

He had a vet visit middle of last week. Had some unwelcome visitors. He was such a good boy. Thorough check up, first target is to lose 3kg. Met lots of other dogs in the waiting room, much tail wagging and snuffles.

Only real issue we've found is, if he gets in a small space, he can become quite possessive and aggressive. We have a big cupboard under the stairs which is all shelved out, and we use as a pantry. Door was left open, and he went in there. All the dog and cat food, as well as tinned stuff and the fridge etc is kept in there. When we went to get him out, he proper growled and turned on us. Lesson learnt and door is kept shut. He goes to my Mum a couple of times a week, and one day last week he stole the fish food pot off the side. He took it under the dining room table, and when she tried to take it off him, he gave her the same growling and snapping. He didn't eat it, just got very possessive. He's not food aggressive at all. Any ideas how to deal with it?

A few pics of the monster!

Not allowed on the furniture!

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Not sure what is the best way for you to deal with it but wanted to say that I think it is a confidence issue. We had a Dottie who had to have an op. Vet had to ask us to get her out of the cage when we went to collect her, saying "You didn't tell me that she guards!". Well no, we didn't because we didn't know that she would do!

However when one of our current Rotties had an op, we did warn the vet that although she has never done it at home, we did think that she might guard, when feeling unsure and woozy. When I went to collect her, I took her out of their cage because it was in the notes.

Hopefully, when Aled settles in he won't feel the need to guard. Does he have a space to call his own? Perhaps you could train him to come out for a food reward, rather than trying to make him come out.

 

[Mince Pie]

I'd try distraction, get something really tasty and exchange it for what ever is being guarded/coax him out with it.

 

[TheresaW]

Thanks for the advice. It's only happened those couple of times, but if it happens again, will try the distraction/treat idea.

When we are at home, he seems to like sleeping at the end of the sofa next to the wall. Don't know if he would guard the area, as just leave him be there.

 

[Moobli]

He is lovely and I am glad he is settling in with you so well.

I would also exchange whatever he is guarding with something super fabulous that he can't resist. Also, be aware and try to make sure he doesn't get the opportunity to guard if possible.

 

[Clodagh]

Theresa, did you see the post in Tack Room about collies and Ivermectin? Just a by the way...

 

[TheresaW]

I have seen it now. As he's not 100% around the horses, it shouldn't be a problem. Knowing how quick he eats anything dropped on the floor at home though, will be making triple sure he's not around when I worm them.