Help with bulldog behavior
Submitted by goatheaven on December 26, 2013 - 8:31pmNeed some advice from some experienced bulldog owners. I have posted before about our new addition Riley and her behavior but things have taken a turn for the worse. She has become extremely anxious. The vet could not even handle her. She is so reactive to all stimuli. She is getting worse as time goes on. She even barks at the second hand on a clock she has discovered on the wall. She never fully rests. She is extremely wild and can not stop to the point of breathing really hard. We socialized her from the day we brought her home with travel, people, other dogs etc. We took her to puppy training class. She is extremely smart. We love her and will do what it takes but we are exhausted. There is never any down time in our house! She is only 8 months old. The vet gave her a med called Zylkene and said we may have to try something stronger if we can not get this worked out. I know some will say this is puppy behavior but I have raised 2 other bulldogs and 3 other breeds that have not been like this. The vet and I are afraid she will have a heart attack because she will not stop. She only rests when she is completely worn out and simply can not go. Walks and play time work her up even more to a frenzy. Any suggestions? Exhausted menatlly and physically. Thanks
How old was she when
you got her and did you buy her from a breeder local, who you know. Or did you buy her online and have her shipped to you. Are you familiar with her parents and her pedigree and those dogs temperments?
How was she in puppy class?
Is she crate trained?
Sounds like she needs alot of obedience training. Toys that stimulate her mind and a job to do. Much like you would do with a cattle dog/herding dog (ie Border Collie, Ausie, etc).
I would find a behaviorist that can help you with training methods.
I personally don't believe in doping them up to try to obtain a wanted behavior. Have you noticed a difference with the drugs? Often times they do just the opposite of the behavior you are trying to obtain.
What are you feeding?
and level of protein?
Treadmill
if you have one try and get her on it daily for 10 minutes at a time. nothing crazy for speed but enough to where she is walking. Will be an activity and most importantly, get her tired. Sounds like changing the food would be worth a shot but assume you went down that road already.
Good luck.