AboutAnne Springer, BSc.,CPCT, IPDTA, APDT Expertise I'm happy to answer questions about the Aussie breed and temperament, and basic information about working lines versus show lines, training your Aussie, grooming your Aussie, and what it's like to live with a dog breed that's smart and versatile, but isn't for everyone.
Experience Professional trainer, and Aussie owner.
Education/Credentials B.S., Diploma in Dog Obedience Instruction, Graduate, NY School of Dog Grooming, CPCT
Question QUESTION: We rescued a 4yr old male aussie mix 2 years ago. Unfortunately we weren't able to get any background info except that he was owner surrendered. He was neutered by the rescue agency.
Everytime we have work done around the house, he has loose stools and accidents all over the house. If seems to be worse if we are outside and he is left inside. If I take him outside with me he tries to bite. Unfortunately, I can't have him gone everytime the gardeners are due, is there anyway that we can resolve this issue?
ANSWER: Without actually seeing the dog, it's just an educated guess, but it sounds as if he is an anxious dog and depends on your presence for security. Such dogs, left on their own, sometimes do try to use their mouths as a defense, or as a way to move people away from their personal space, or from a valued human, area, or possession. The more your dog feels that you are not providing "back up", the more he has to take matters into his own paws, so to speak, which is not what you want. Training helps, as does managing his environment so that he cannot injure anyone. If you were my client, I would also have you make an appointment with a behaviorist who is also a veterinarian (look on the Animal Behavior Society web site). Some of these dogs do well on medications like Clomicalm while a behavior modification plan is developed and implemented. If you cannot bear the expense of that, then containing him while strangers are about is prudent. Aussies have strong herding and guarding instincts, and that does get them in trouble sometimes, whether they are confident or anxious dogs, which is why reputable Aussie breeders are so careful where they place them - not a breed for everyone.
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QUESTION: I have no problem keeping him away from strangers, but the loose stools is the major problem. Will the Clomicalm help with that or is there something we could add to his diet to make them firmer?
Answer Clomicalm does not help with that per se, but the dog would be less anxious, so it might help indirectly. Some people have had luck with pumpkin (not the kind with all the pie spices in it, the plain kind). Losing control of the bowels or expressing the anal sacs are ways in which the dog relieves himself of the excess baggage when he is nervous and thinks he or his social group is in danger - part of the "fight or flight" response. If this were my dog, I would probably take him to day care, board him, or build him an air conditioned shed away from the house where he could stay when strangers are in the home. If that isn't practical for you, perhaps you should speak to the vet about getting him some medication help. Please be aware that some Aussies have the mutant MDR1 gene and it may not be safe to give them certain drugs, including ivermectin (Heartguard) and acepromazine. Washington State University sells a test kit so that you can determine if your dog has the gene - I think it's about $75 to test.
