BISS GCh Ciera Homebrewed Jack Rabbit Slim, NW3-2
I want to tell this story for others. It is
awful to feel isolated when you have a difficult dog. I personally struggled for years with this
dog and I am pretty sure Chopper was not comfortable either. I think in general we don't want others to think we have failed or judge us. I have no problem with that. I know exactly who I am and what is in my heart and my desires for my dogs. Other people's gossip or opinions do not bother me and the information I share may help others.
Chopper has been a challenge for me since he came out of the womb. He is the dog I would have returned to the breeder but I am the breeder. As sometimes happens 10% of your dogs get 90% of your attention, as is in this case. He is 9 now (I think). I have learned a lot. I have learned that it is not my fault and not everything can be fixed. I have learned that he has a very high arousal level in addition to high drive. There were times that I did not think I could last 15 years with him. I have even momentarily contemplated euthanasia.
The good Chopper has a great work ethic, when working. He is flashy and cool looking with a larger than life way about him. He is sweet and lively and can be charming. He is my best trained dog. He adores me. He is super smart. He has no social phobias. Bold and fearless is his motto. He gives the impression of confidence. He is good with people and was always good with my girls. I felt like he could sense or hear my heartbeat, like he was a part of me.
The difficult Chopper literally
cannot be crated without screaming tantrums starting at any time for no reason. He does not have separation anxiety but he
does have some sort of crate anxiety. He has never slept past 330am without
starting to scream. I am dead serious.
Around 6 years old he started to pester the girls so I began to manage
interactions heavily and eventually keep them all separate. He tried to hump me
often. He could never be unattended in
the house because he was so busy and into EVERYTHING. He never ever settled. He literally could not stop. Everywhere he went was full throttle,
hi-speed, and hi-impact.
I did eventually neuter him to see if he would mellow and he did not but he quit humping me and that was worth it. Usually around 6-7 years old dogs find their zen, he did not. Eventually I started to kennel him. It was a huge relief that he actually seemed to be content in the kennel. The biggest problem was his inability to be crated at night and screaming like a banshee starting at 330am. It is so disruptive and to live with this for 7 years was unreasonable. I probably could have put up with the other issues if not for that.
About 2 years ago I asked in this group for feedback from people who had used Prozac on their dogs. What was life before and after? I got some great information. In most cases it was a last chance before tough decisions.
Now Chopper has been on Prozac for at least 2 years. It is not a quick fix. It has taken a lot of work. Old patterns and habits die hard and Prozac needs time to build up. Today I can play fetch with him without worrying about getting bit. He no longer runs everywhere, he walks. He will lay down and rest while I work. He can be in hte house like a normal dog. I still cannot crate him at night so he sleeps with me. He no longer wakes at 330am usually 530-630. I am slowly integrating him back with the girls. He is not aggressive, he is just annoying to them. All of the changes are subtle but they have made a world of difference. Some days I feel bad I did not do this sooner. I made the decision to try Prozac because my heart would break if my senior Chopper could not be a closer part of the family.
In Bull Terriers we talk about bad wiring in the head. We cannot always fix everything. I did try something called Neuro Feedback on Chopper. It is a process that helps to straighten the neural pathways in the brain that helps with how one reacts to situations. There is a vet up here who works with shelter dogs and has had some success. Usually neuro pathways are damaged from physical or emotional trauma. Chopper was born this way. Neuro feedback is actually gaining ground with people. I had it done to me before I did to Chopper.
Today I am
grateful for the drug. He is still 100% Chopper but easier to live
with. Prozac has taken the edge off. My only regret was that I was not more open minded about it sooner. I wasted a lot of time feeling guilty for
not being able to fix him. I suspect he
will be on this for the rest of his life.
He is more relaxed and content. He is part of the family and life is calmer. Chopper is sleeping next to my desk as I type this. I never imagined I would see this.
