Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Is there such thing as intellectual disability for dogs?

I am not trying to be sarcastic or funny, I am genuinely starting to wonder if my dog is.

For general background, I already had a dog (Dodo, maltese, female, now 14 years old) when I got my second dog (Tori, unknown mixed breed but probably half maltese, male, now 11 years old).

I actually wasn't even thinking of getting a second dog. If I ever did, I was thinking of getting a rescue. but I was in a new city and visiting a new pet grooming shop to get a haircut for Dodo, when I find puppies on display that seems to be from a puppy mill in really poor condition. The cage was not kept in hygenic condition, the puppies seemed to be in bad health. I looked at the puppies in horror and owner offered me to take a puppy for "cheaper than other places" but I declined and came home without even grooming Dodo, I just couldn't let these people handle her. BUT there was one really small puppy there that I just couldn't pass, so I went back the next day to grab him before he died. He had skin infections, ear infections, eye infections, malnutritioned, and doctor said this puppy only looks to be at best 3 weeks (as the puppy couldn't see clearly or walk straight). Many weeks and months of hospital visits and care got him out of critical condition, but we found out that the dog had weak digestive system which required special food and chronic seizures for unknown reasons.

Tori, does not respond to his name. and he is 11 years old. He actually responds to all sounds, and will just wag his tail and come to me regardless of what I say. But if we are in a crowded setting and I call his name, he will not respond. He will just be friendly and follow anyone who is walking. I almost lost him a couple of times because of this. I don't think he understands the difference between family and strangers.

He doesn't know how to listen to any commands. I've tried to train him all different ways over the years and nothing worked so far. He doesn't even understand "sit" or "wait".

Tori doesn't seem to have a sense of other living things? Whether it be human or dogs, he will just walk right over them, step on them, and pee on them. If I immediately try to correct his actions by tapping his nose and saying NO, he will stand there and tremble, as if he has been tortured. Training in general is very difficult as Tori seems to also have an attention deficit, and is incapable of locking eyes with me or stay in one place long enough for me to reinforce any habit.

He will pee and poo all over. Inside, outside, wherever. I know there are some stubborn dogs that have problems, but I have never seen a dog that will pee and poo on their own bed (and just sleep with it too). Like I said above, this dog understands nothing I say. No discipline or treat or tone of command works. Last night, Tori was sleeping next to me on top of my bed, and he suddenly woke up and stood up. Decided to pee right there on spot, and went back to sleep on top of his pee.

I just don't have any explanation of my dog's actions. Why treats and compliments, or discipline and reinforcement does not fix him for 11 years. My other dog is completely obedient and trained.

Is there such thing as intellectual disability for dogs? It just seems like the only valid reason for my dog's behaviors at this point. The vet said nothing is wrong with his health.

submitted by /u/10pmonsunday
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from Pets https://www.reddit.com/r/Pets/comments/oje3zu/is_there_such_thing_as_intellectual_disability/

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