We have a 17 year old Bijon that has turned into a real problem. He used to be a very sweet dog but now he nips at you when you try to pet him or touch him. His hearing is pretty gone and we don't think he sees to well anymore, either. We try not to "sneak" up on him, and if your careful he will let you give him a belly rub. But for the most part he is hands off. He has bitten both my wife and I on the face while we were holding him. He didn't break the skin, but WTF.
Over the last year or so, he has also started peeing and pooping in the house. Never used to do that unless we ignored his wimpers or had left him home alone. Now it is almost a daily thing that he will pee somewhere in the house, usually on one of the carpet runners we put down to help him walk. He has trouble on smooth surfaces. He also poops in his sleep!
I'm about ready to put a .22 in his ear but my wife would kill me. I mean it, she would murder me, dead, they wouldn't find my body. How do I teach an old dog new tricks, or at least get him to remember the ones he used to know?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bob ramberg, July 26, 2021 09:13 AM

Sadly, this doesn't sound like a training problem; it sounds like health issues due to his age.

Unfortunately, I don't think that this is a situation that will improve. Most likely his body systems are beginning to shut down, in combination with loss of hearing and sight, and he may be very sensitive in areas where he didn't used to be. He may also be loosing mental capacity as well. 17 is well past where most dogs make it.

Wished I had better news for you.

quote:

Originally posted by WaterburyBob:
Sadly, this doesn't sound like a training problem; it sounds like health issues due to his age.

Agree. A 17 y/o dog is like a 100 y/o human.

My suggestion is to go to your vet. Have your dog checked out and bring a written list of the issues, because at least here in St. Louis, you can’t go in with your dog. Hence the written list will help your vet diagnose the issue(s).

It sounds like he is in pain and is very sensitive to handling. And possibly asking for help with leaving little hints.

Hope your .22 statement was in jest/ frustration.

He has the beginnings of CCD. Cannine Cognitive Disorder.
Or Dog Dementia.

quote:

Originally posted by h2oys:
My suggestion is to go to your vet. Have your dog checked out and bring a written list of the issues, because at least here in St. Louis, you can’t go in with your dog. Hence the written list will help your vet diagnose the issue(s).

Seriously, whats the logic behind that rule if i may ask? Sounds ignorant!

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:

quote:

Originally posted by h2oys:
My suggestion is to go to your vet. Have your dog checked out and bring a written list of the issues, because at least here in St. Louis, you can’t go in with your dog. Hence the written list will help your vet diagnose the issue(s).

Seriously, whats the logic behind that rule if i may ask? Sounds ignorant!

I believe that rule is nationwide. To minimize COVID transmission.

Yes, the .22 comment was in jest.

The dog gets some arthritis medicine in the morning and a pain medication in the evening.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:

quote:

Originally posted by WaterburyBob:
Sadly, this doesn't sound like a training problem; it sounds like health issues due to his age.

Agree. A 17 y/o dog is like a 100 y/o human.

Doggie dementia with a heaping load of general pain.

Pain, confusion, old age.

I'm not a vet but it sounds like it's time.

I'd be biting at that age too.

quote:

Originally posted by irreverent:

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:

quote:

Originally posted by h2oys:
My suggestion is to go to your vet. Have your dog checked out and bring a written list of the issues, because at least here in St. Louis, you can’t go in with your dog. Hence the written list will help your vet diagnose the issue(s).

Seriously, whats the logic behind that rule if i may ask? Sounds ignorant!

I believe that rule is nationwide. To minimize COVID transmission.

Nope, not here in Central Florida. Just had my old man in for shots and I went in with him. Of course I had to wear the almighty mask.

quote:

Originally posted by Lord Vaalic:
Pain, confusion, old age.

I'm not a vet but it sounds like it's time.

Probably a pretty good guess.

quote:

Originally posted by irreverent:

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:

quote:

Originally posted by h2oys:
My suggestion is to go to your vet. Have your dog checked out and bring a written list of the issues, because at least here in St. Louis, you can’t go in with your dog. Hence the written list will help your vet diagnose the issue(s).

Seriously, whats the logic behind that rule if i may ask? Sounds ignorant!

I believe that rule is nationwide. To minimize COVID transmission.

Correct.

17 is up there for a dog. The dog is tired, probably angry sometimes and with the vision/hearing problems, scared. I'm with some other posters in that it may be time.
I've been there and it'll hurt like Hell as I'm sure you know.

Hi Bob,

I sent an email to the address in your profile with some information for you.

Hope this helps you and your wife.

Kevin

Wow, central Fl is welcoming owners w pets? That’s the first place I’ve heard of it since this shit hit the fan, but I’m no expert.

All sincerity- it is difficult to decide when it’s time to go, but this pup sounds like he had a great life. At 17, with biting, pooping, peeing inappropriately, I would say it’s decision time. Talk to your vet. I had to euthanize my 17 yo girl last year around now.. she was doing the same things. Heartbreaking to say goodbye, but she wasn’t really happy here either. I wish you the best.

It indeed sounds like aging and maladies have gotten the better of him. When you’re in a lot of pain, you get grumpy and/or angry. Humans do this as well. As others said, not a training issue but more of a needing of understanding and adjustment on your (and your wife’s) part and a good long discussion with a good vet. They may be able to ease his pain and mental decline some which might make it better for everyone. The urine and bowel problem is just that, a problem. He’d be in adult diapers if a human. You’ll have to adjust where he can go with the understanding that he can’t control them bathroom habits like he used to. Wish you guys the best.

my 17 yr old mini Aussie exhibits the same issues

he's senile, basically deaf except low frequencies, he sees in some in bright light aspects only, anything dim, he's basically blind now. If I could diagnose dementia in dogs I’d say he has it in mid stage

I make sure to tap the floor first before trying to pet him, if I do without doing so he's startled and will snip in the direction of what he feels