2006-11-01 06:08:44 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Laying on her back is the most submissive posture.. she has likely been abused and is preparing for the worst, and trying to win favor by being as submissive as she can..she needs corrected VERY gently, and very rarely..use a positive praise method for training and discipline..such as, when she is behaving inappropriately, give her a diversion, such as a chew toy, or squeak a squeaky toy..
to win her trust and build her confidence will take a lot of patience.. You will know that she is healed when she no longer does this..
You may never develop a trusting relationship if you ever smack her, even a little bit..
the former owner likely yelled at her, and then hit or kicked her..so yelling or raising your voice will definitely make her expect to be abused.
I have rescued many such dogs..
2006-11-01 06:17:48 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How are you scolding her? Since she was adopted, she may have previously been in an abusive situation where she learned this defense mechanism. Here's my suggestion: When she does something you don't want her to do, such as chew on your shoes, say "No!" in a lower tone than your normal voice (dogs respond to tone of voice), then redirect her attention to an appropriate chew toy. When you do this, give her a treat. As with children, the reward system works much more effectively than punishment alone.
Your goal should not be to make her feel bad for doing something that is inappropriate, but to reward her for doing what is. Dogs respond really well to food, so use this to your advantage in the learning process! Also, it's important to understand that your dog may have learned negative behaviors from her previous home, so patience is key.
Good luck!
2006-11-01 14:17:54 · answer #2 · answered by lalalola775 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My ex wife used to do that. What a coincidence.
Actually the clinched teeth is also a sign of submission. It is a more significant sign than the exposed stomach. The teeth are not really clenched, the muzzle is just wrinkled in a kind of "smile" that indicates submission. Many times a dog will do this along with a tail wagging and head low like a child trying to cajole you.
2006-11-01 14:16:42 · answer #3 · answered by FrogDog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before anyone jumps to any conclusions about the dog's previous treatment, there are many dogs I know of who were NEVER abused who are simply very submissive by nature who roll over at the slightest sign of displeasure from their owner.
Yes, the back roll CAN be a result of overly harsh punishment in the past, but it is not a sure thing.
When the dog rolls over, it means it is trying to appease you. It might not fully understand what it was being yelled at for in the first place, but it is signalling that whatever it is you want, its willing to try to give it to you.
With dogs who act like this, they shouldn't be yelled at in a loud voice. The person doing the corrections shouldn't stand immediately over the top of the dog. Instead, a low, firm voice is needed with the scolder standing back a foot or so.
If the scolder shouts and stands over the top of the dog, the lesson they are trying to impart might never get through.
2006-11-01 14:28:15 · answer #4 · answered by Lori R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would take the advise of Chetco. I adopted a dog like yours. He is a mixed terrier. I have had him almost twelve years and it took a long time for him not to be afraid. No yelling or hitting. It just takes them back to the time they were abused. Just praise them whenever they do something that pleases you. The clenched teeth are a sign that she is extremely nervous and afraid. Always reassure her that she is a great dog and that no harm will come to her. Use a gentle and happy voice with her.
2006-11-01 14:34:26 · answer #5 · answered by Animaholic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She lays on her back, she is being submissive but her teeth clenching indicates otherwise. She most probably might bite out of fear. Is she a timid dog or a dominant one? If she seem to be timid, a stern NO is good enough. Don't yell, don't scold her too loud. If she is dominant, you need to bring yourself up as her leader.
2006-11-01 14:36:12 · answer #6 · answered by pots 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually when a dog lies on it's back, exposing it's belly, it's a sign of submission. The teeth clenching however may be her was of showing you that while she's submissive she still is showing a little aggression. Kind of a mixed message.
2006-11-01 14:12:40 · answer #7 · answered by Donna Lu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your dog lies on her back with her mouth shut she is being submissive.
If your dog lies on her back with her mouth open or teeth showing, she is showing signs of aggression.
You have to establish the Alpha role with her. She may be showing other subtle signs and you're not recognizing them. Is she running up the stairs and leaving out the door ahead of you? If so, don't let that happen. Reverse the roles. You are to be the Alpha.
2006-11-01 14:31:10 · answer #8 · answered by Charlotte C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She's submitting to you. That's a good thing. It makes it look like she fears you or like you abuse her or something... but it's just the way dogs say "okay, sorry, I screwed up boss". They behave the same way in groups of dogs... one dog is the leader and the others will roll over and submit during play, etc.
2006-11-01 14:11:42 · answer #9 · answered by kittikatti69 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to find another way to prevent misbehavior. She's showing you you're the boss...you don't want to get to the point where she's so submissive she pees.
Does the group you got her from have any background on her?
2006-11-01 14:17:55 · answer #10 · answered by bookmom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋