We have just gotten a new 11 week old unwanted Airedale puppy. We have had her for 2 weeks. The last inside dog we had was a poodle.

Background: She was the runt of the litter and has a neurological problem, poor depth perception. She has been doing great adapting to us and our other pets, walking outside, listening to commands: come, sit, no, good girl and such, and becoming potty trained.

I can tell the difference in a play growl and a specific 'I am not happy growl'. She has been doing this for the last week, usually after she has been playing hard and it's time to stop. Since she has the nerurological problem she will get really wobbly after she has played too long and bumps into things, I am worried about her of course and not the things she bumps into. Of course we have been stoping play time before this happens.
We have been training her to use a kennel, since I am not home some evenings when I have class. However, during the day there is always someone home. Of course she is going through the puppy bite and chew, bite and chew and toys seem to be working really well there. She responds when we tell her no to furnature or human body parts :shocked:
It's that low growl she just began doing to me and Mom.

I have read on the web many different things to try: grabing on the back of the neck for one.
I have noticed in the last few days she has really responded to the No but I am unsure of the grabing of the neck, should I do this, will this hurt her? I tried this once or twice and really didn't feel comfy really because I more worried about hurting her. I would like to know what would be the best way for me to help her not do this.

She was from a litter (Mom suspects puppy mill and the poor thing was dirty and covered in fleas) given away and this person didn't have the time to take care of her, so we took her. I really want to do what's best to train her well and give her a good home.

Thanks
Angel Hugs and Love

ARRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHH!!! poor baby. What sweethearts you and your family are for taking her in Betty!
Dumb question - what did the vet say? Neurological issues are really touchy.

Given the neuro problems, I would certainly comtinue to use voice commands/control before grabbing her by the nape of the neck. A firm, louder than her growl NO to refocus her attention would be the first thing I would try.

Remember - she may not be growling at you - with poor depth perception, she could be growling at an unfamiliar shadow, or a noise from outside, something that you aren't even aware of.

best of luck, hon, and let us know how's she's doing.
When do we get pictures?

Gren,
who will not rant about puppy mills :twisted:

:rockerdud what Grennie said.

Can you tell us a bit more about the neuroligical problem. The back of the neck or cheek thing is very good for a dog who is healthy because they have all those muscles there and it's what four footed mama would do, but if there is a weakness there I wouldn't even use a regular collar on 'er, harness would be appropriate.

I'll think on it and see if I come up with any ideas...g

Thank you both Grenwich and Gabi.

She is such a sweet pup and really is getting the love and care she needs. We had our last inside dog for 13-14 years. As things worked out we where wanting one and this one just came to us.

The doctor said she will adapt to her disability, cerebella hypoplasia
http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/decerhypo.html
As for the neck thing, I dont really think it works for me. I am not comfy doing that and I know she can pick up on my uneasiness. Therefor, I am not in control of the situation and she is (because she is aware of my hesitation). What has been working, and been doing it today, is a firm low NO!. There is no hesitation and I am confident and I know she can pick up how serious I am being. I have a higher pitched voice so I had to lower it. She actually is doing well.
I think the voice thing will work better because of her jerky movements, it never dawned on me what she might be seeing/sensing and could be causing her to growl.

I do have pics but just have to post them.

Thank you both.
She is our third resuce dog.
We have 2 outside begeals. They make wonderful guard dogs and family pets. One wouldn't hunt so her owner was going to 'put her down' (in a very inhumane way) and the wife called us and asked us to take her (had her for almost 7 years now). Dad liked his prior begeal and when he didn't see him around and asked what happened to him and he was told (inhumane killing again). He became upset and said he would have taken him. The side of her mouth is crooked so we assume she had been kicked as a pup. Our other dog was a stray young begeal dog that we found in the big snow storm of '03 starved to death, pretty much emaciated. More than likely let go after he wouldn't hunt.
Unfortuantly, the letting go and dumping/killing of hunting dogs just because they wont hunt is pretty common in this area. I think it's just a total shame (I better not even start). I dont really think people are aware of this issue. The lady at the pound told me that the largest group of dogs they have are begeals. The good news is they are placing more as pets now a days.

Angel Hugs and Love

I am happy your pup has a family now. I just don't understand the throw away mentality for animals. It is very disheartening.
Daneille

I just don't understand the throw away mentality for animals. It is very disheartening.
Isn't that the truth.

Betty - I'm glad she'll adapt, and wow that's a great link. I bookmarked it.
Again - (((((((((((Betty and pup))))))))))))))
I would imagine it's just going to be slow going training her - she will probably need a little more patience than the average Airedale pup. I'm sure you'll be fine.
And I've been meaning to ask - what did you name her?
We'll be waiting on pictures.

Gren