posted 08-01-2002 11:36 AM           

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We have an eight year old female desexed golden coker spaniel with which we are at our wits end. We received her as an overweight 3 year old, absolutely unable to stay outside and obsessed with food. She is now a reasonable weight and will stay outside after much whining and inumerable screen doors. However she is still obsessed with food and follows us everywhere whining when she thinks it is time to be fed. She is obsessional in other ways and has an insatiable demand for attention. Walking was a nightmare till we got a Halti. This make it bearable. Prior to this she would pull so hard on her check chain, she would lose consciousness and/or vomit. Training is almost an impossibility because of her "strong will". She is also adorable, affectionate and playful with many enadearing features. But we need help. It is like living with what we imagine is living with a child who has and attention deficit disorder. Our friends compliment us about the changes they have seen in her, but they do not live with her. We have tried Barkbusters also. Once an idea is in her head, it seems impossible to change. For exanple, she has now decided to bark at birds and her first action to race to where she last saw one on the wire and bark, even if there is no bird. She will not stop barking for quite some time. If she starts behaving badly such as whining in the car, she will not stop until we let her out, where she will just run and bark. She will not repsond to any command when she has a fix on something. Is there any medication/treatment/therapy that will help us/her live a more satisying life together. We think often of giving her away, but are caught because that would be unfair on her and others but would relieve us of a burden (and we would miss her positive side).

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posted 08-30-2002 08:59 PM           

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you should find i new home for your dog. you might feel bad about giving her away but the truth is you would be doing her a favor

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posted 08-31-2002 11:51 AM           

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See a vet about her behavior and anxieties. There is a list of meds available as with a human in this condition. You can also look into de-barking her with the vet.
As for peaceful walking exercise, I really like the choker with prongs. It's called the Herman Sprenger Prong Training collar, wonderful non-hurting collar with instant results. Had a Doberman who was hyper too. I got it through a catalog to save money, like Jeffers Vet for($10.00).
She just might be happy running around on a farm if you choose not to keep her afterall. Your decision as owner should be respected. We are all different in our tolerance/abilities. Best wishes.

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posted 09-21-2003 06:51 PM           

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Re: Out of control golden cocker...
I too have had the same issues with my golden cocker male (neutered) that I rescued some years ago. Seek medical and behavioral help. YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY, and it will be worth every penny. Medically one of the reasons, that she could be so hungry is low thyroid/ Cushings Disease, or any number of medical issues related to this breed. Behaviorally there is a lot training, specific changes in our behavior as owners, and yes, medication can do. Good Luck. I have never regretted the time, effort and training that I took with my golden boy...he is my precious sweet heart.
Classy

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posted 09-21-2003 10:07 PM         

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Personally, I would have the dog examined by a vet to rule out any health related problems that could be causing such behavior....then I would get involved with a dog trainer or behaviorist. I agree with you that "giving her away" would be unfair to her and to the potential new owners. If you do decide to re-home her please make sure that the possible new owner is aware of her many behavior problems and is willing to work with her. Just out of curiousity, where did you get her and were you made aware of her behavioral problems before you adopted her?

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posted 09-22-2003 06:11 AM         

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Sean: They would not be doing her a favor if the next family has as many problems with her. It will just happen all over again.

I agree with the other things that were said above. Seek the help of a vet, and then a behaviorist. If nothing works after that, then perhaps you should seek a new home, but make sure the new people know about her problems and are willing to work with her.

A Gentle Leader collar might be a thing to try for walks.

Also, try looking for a cocker spaniel rescue in your area - they would be a good resource.

Jamiya

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posted 09-22-2003 11:50 AM         

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i agree a new home will not solve anything someone posted one day about a dog behaviourist she said she fond one which was good not to exspensive and a great deal but i forgot who it was im sooo sorry get a behaviourist the person who said give her away you will be doing her good is sooo stupid unless you dont want the dog anymore or having fianactial problems or you just dont like her then thats the point but...there is always!!! nearly away aound getting rid of a dog
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keep me update at blondebabe69121@aol.com if any1 has pictures of there dogs /pets send em to me my lil sis is making an animal webpage and is looking for cute dog pictures there competitons too the page is www.matmice.com/home/huskey

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posted 09-23-2003 02:06 PM           

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I agree with nern here. I also think training is NOT impossible...but exactly what you will need. I would have the dog evaluated my the vet, but you stated you have had the dog for 5 years, so even if the vet finds a physical explanation, I still see that after 5 years of behaving a certain way, the dog will need some training for modification. Research until you find the right trainer, this is what will be time consuming. I have an article on ADHD in dogs, how to recognize it and how to tell when the dog just has alot of energy thats not being relived and/or other issues may be present. I think it would be a good place for you to start, if you would like it, let me know and I will e-mail it to you.
Maisey

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posted 09-23-2003 02:59 PM         

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Marigold - I would also rule out med problems, I have heard of a type of ADD with dogs and they put them on a prozac type med with great results, which might be an option.

Maizey - welcome to the board, but just a tip you might want to change your name as there is a regular poster by the same name except with an S. and it might get confusing.
Honeybear

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posted 09-23-2003 05:51 PM           

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LOL Honeybear! It's me!!! I haven't been able to post for several days, it won't accept my password...so I registered again and just used a z instead of an s and a different e-mail addy. At leaste until I can use the other.

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posted 09-24-2003 09:08 AM         

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Maisey - I thought that was you, I was thinking it was too much of a coinsidence of 2 maiseys in the Northwest! And I have been on vacation for over a week and now I am back
Honeybear

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