[harley]

My boyfriend adopted a lab GSD mix a couple months ago, he is now 11 months old and very large (100+ and still growing).

The shelter said that he had been adopted and returned 3 times because of "behavior issues and wasn't house trained". They said that they believed that something had happened to him at the second house because he came back very different. When we brought him home he glued himself to our other dog and anytime a guy walked in to the same room he would pee, shake, and look very stressed out. If anything moved in the same room he would run and pee through the house same with any noises. Everything scared him inside the house and outside (walks are impossible).

We have been taking him to training and working with him, he has come a long way. He is much better with guys he's shy but not nearly as stressed out as before, the radio and tv can now be on as long as they are pretty mellow no bangs. Not to mention just the basic training that he has done (quiet areas he can do sit, stay, down, shake, high five, and speak).

My boyfriend took a job that required him to move a couple hours away for the next year and we decided with the trainers input to split the dogs so the lab wouldn't be able to continue using our other dog as a "crutch". They have been separated for a month now and he has regressed so much. I knew it would happen but I didn't realize how much. (They are still together on the weekends.)

I'm sorry my question: Has anyone had these issues with a dog they had/have and how have you coped with it? Any suggestions?

I know it's going to take time for him to work through his fears and build more confidence and that he has progressed so far. But it gets so frustrating that I can't even take him on a walk down the street because if something moves he will freak and pull me in the opposite direction. He looks so miserable and stressed from things dogs normally love.

[cigwyllt]

You say he is really stressed and anxious but really he is a very lucky dog. Sure he has had an awful start and has a long way to go but he has committed owners and clearly you are doing all you can to get him through this.

Try not to feel frustrated. It must be upsetting for you but you can consolation from the fact that you are clearly providing him with a safe place to return to - he must feel comfortable at home with you to want to return there when he gets scared.

It is still very early days but you have seen an improvement and even though he is regressing right now you know that he will get over it. Keep going with the behaviourist's advice and remind yourself of the great job you are doing.

[kj_burnham]

okay..i dont know how much this helps. but normally a growing lab will be abnoxious. they will start to act a lot better as the mature. but the peeing problem..it could be because of previous owners..but..it really could be a number of things. But reguardless of the reason why it happenned, you should look for how to stop it. it will take some time, but the dog will stop peeing like that once it feels it is at home. Once he starts feeling more at home if he still pees..i would have to reccommend obediant school. i dont think an eleven month old is too old. they are like kids until they are 2 years old.

I hope i helped

[aksdgff]

yes, it's never too late. just keep working with him and the trainer and keep it very consistent! never give up on him.

what kind of trainer are you taking him to? try a behavioral trainer if you aren't already. they will focus on his problems.