Use of Mood Altering Meds

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Murphy's dominance issues have escalated and now we aren't able to leave him alone in the house with our son.  Over the weekend our son, Tim, walked into the den where his dad and I were with both of the dogs.  Murphy jumped up and lunged after him barking and backing him out of the room.  I was right there so I was able to grab his collar and correct him, but our son (who has Down Syndrome and is pretty sensitive) was frightened.  For the rest of the weekend he didn't want to leave his bedroom.  So this is a new level and much more serious than Murphy's dog reactiveness.  I now have Tim doing all of Murph's feedings and whenever he walks into a room where Murph is he tells him to stay and gives the hand signal.  I think this is helping, but I do not trust Murph with Tim at all.  So we're onto Plan B.  We are going to start using an e collar for our training.  Murph is not consistently respecting my corrections when we meet other dogs and that needs to change.  I'm also thinking that he may not be getting enough full out running exercise.  We take him for an hour walk in lots of different places each day and then short potty trips, plus the treadmill if the weather isn't good.  His walks are mostly mental exercise because he is expected to walk right by my side.  So we're going to take him to state land a couple times a week and just let him run.  That may or may not help, but it's worth a try.  I haven't done it in the past because I was not 100% confident in his recall.  I have been keeping him within about a 12 ft radius on these off leash walks.  He will always come to me if he's fairly close.  The ecollar will give me more confidence in this situation.

So that brings me to the question of meds.  I am going to schedule an appointment for Murph with a Vet Behaviorist who practices out of the Specialty Hospital that we used when Guinness had Pancreatitis.  They do a full exam and blood work up before providing a diagnosis.  It will be good to rule out physical causes of Murphy's dominant behavior.  In a brochure that I got from the Behavior Clinic they talk about the use of psychotrophic meds.  They also talk about dietary changes and use of tryptophan for dogs who display dominance aggression.  I have been hoping to avoid this with Murphy, but perhaps it's time.  I think my biggest concern is potential side effects.  When people have side effects to these drugs they are able to talk about it but with a dog we would never know.  The meds could be making Murph feel anxious or uncomfortable and he wouldn't be able to let us know.  Anyway, I have lots of concerns but I'll never know for sure until I go and talk to this doctor.  I'm just wondering if anyone else is using these "mood changing" drugs with their Doodles.  I'd love to have some first hand feedback.

[Phoebe's Mom]

Oh my, Jane, what a predicament.  While I have no advice to offer, please know that I am thinking about you and Murphy as you try to find your way through this difficult time.  I wish I had something more substantial to offer...

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks so much!

[Leslie and Halas]

Oh, Jane, I'm sorry you're having to go through this.  I don't have any advice, but I hope the vets can point you in the right direction and help with this difficult decision.  In the meantime, I hope the running helps him burn off some of that energy.  And I hope Tim can continue with the things you're having him do, because maybe that will help him to at least not be afraid of Murphy.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks Leslie....I'm hoping the running will exhaust him!

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

Jane

I do not have any information nor have I used any of those types of drugs but I just want to encourage you. I am sorry for what you have gone through and are going through with Murphy.  I can't imagine what would have happened to him if he had been adopted by someone else.   I can also understand how frightened Tim must have been.  He is being very brave by feeding Murphy now and even being around him.  Please keep us updated and know that I'll be praying for you and for the vet that he will have the knowledge and wisdom to make the correct diagnosis for Murphy and the best way to treat him with the meds.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Colleen, thanks for the encouragement and prayers!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Jane,I am sorry to hear about Murphy reacting to Tim. Who needs that? Outside reactivity is one thing but at home it's beyond the pale, if you ask me. My first hand information is from having used these medications on humans for many years. They can make a huge difference and I believe they can do so for dogs as well. The side effects, if any, can be minimized by the old adage, "Start low, go slow." The medications I would first think of, the antidepressants, also take a while to work so you should not expect immediate results if you use them. And I may sound harsh, but Murphy feeling uncomfortable or anxious is better than for Tim to feel that way. Side effects, and desired effects, generally get better with time.

I have e-collars but so far, years later, only Luca has had any training and that was for recall. On vibrate alone, a refresher course works wonders. On my perpetual list is to do more of this sort of training with both doodles--oh well.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thank you F!  I just got an appointment for 9/17.  It will be so interesting to see what she has to say.  You are so right that Timmy's feeling have to be the highest priority.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hugs to you, my friend.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks, K!

[Jennett Pulley]

I have no advice whatsoever and in fact, I feel as if it is not my place to even comment as I am new here. 

I've read a few of your posts about your beautiful Murphy and coming from the perspective of someone who used to be an exceptional ed teacher to children with autism and down's as well as extreme emotional disabilities, I had already mentally likened you to one of my parents who is of brave heart and soul, caring for a family member that many would struggle with, with the patience and love that many couldn't handle.

Knowing you also have a child that has exceptional needs makes my heart warm and fuzzy for you.  What a lucky young man he is to have a mom who is obviously blessed with the patience and intelligence to be creative and flexible as you discover what is best for him.

I don't have to tell you that your son comes first.  I have no doubt that every step you take with Murphy will be with his best interest in mind, but you must NEVER feel guilty for trying everything and anything it ensures the safety of your boy.  I know you know that, but I think sometimes we need to hear someone else say it.

Hugs to you.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

What a really sweet response....thank you for these kind wishes, Jennett.