Are my shelter dog's true colors finally showing causing him to misbehave or is it just temporary?

Question

We adopted a eight month old Wheaton Terrier mix from the shelter last month. When he first came to the house, he was so quiet, snuggly and sweet.

He was extremely well behaved and kind of quiet. Then, one day he vomitted up a bunch of worms. We took him to the doctor and had him treated for Giardia and worms immediately.

Now, after two weeks of treatments, he's gotten extremely hyper and doing things he's never done before. For instance, he pulls really hard on his leash when we walk him; jumped up in the bed and started l*****g wife in the face; tried to jump up on the couch while I was watching TV; jumped out of the backseat of the car (luckily we were in the garage) etc.

The only positive change has been that he intiates play now.

What's going on here?

Answer 1

you have got a puppy what do ypu expect. the dog was probably scared at first and feeling ill because of the worms. go to training classes with him to sort out his behaviour or seek some advice from the shelter. i had a terrier mix puppy and it was mental i found it really hard to train because they are really hyper but they are intelligent and if you persavere you will have a really lovely dog. make sure he has things to do all the time. i used to put treats in hollow balls because it takes them ages to get them out and keeps them busy you can make it yourself or buy things like that from pet shops

Answer 2

Well, its a terrier.. what do you expect?  The dog may have been quite because he was sick.  He needs some training.  I see a lack of training.  

All will be better in time.

I <3 terriers.  I'd love to see pictures.

Answer 3

that's just your pups personalty showing, which for most people should be a good thing,if its a really bad thing for you , take him to a puppy school, make sure he has lots of toys and give him lots of attention.

best of luck

Answer 4

Hi,

i think its a matter of he's feelin' good again. I am training an Arabian horse that was from a neglect situation. When the man first got him he was ridden over to his house, and was fine. But, over this past winter he has fattened up, and is feelin good. So this spring when they wanted to get him riding again he was bucking people off left and right. So, i would just say hes back on his feet!

Answer 5

He is a puppy and now he is feeling better.  Dogs don't just train themselves, you have to work with them.  Attend a Puppy Kindergarten class with him at your local training facility or a Canine Good Citizen class.  

Make sure he is getting plenty of exercise, is there a place to play ball or frisbee with him (enclosed tennis courts are great for this).  A tired dog is a happy dog.  By taking him to class they will teach YOU the positive training methods you need to know to get him to do what you want him to.  Like a child he needs to know his boundaries.  In class you will learn how to teach him a reliable sit, down and stay, how to walk on a leash, go to his "spot" or bed, how not to jump on people and many other important behaviors that will help him fit right into the family and be a welcome member.

Remember negative attention is as good as positive attention to a dog, so no yelling, hitting and punishing a dog for bad behavior.  Learn how to mark and praise good behavior from him.  If he is part terrier or poodle or golden, he is a very smart dog and will be easy to train.

Good luck and have fun. (and thank you for rescuing him!)