my dog cowers, has to be dragged, and acts like the floor will disappear from under her. what should i do?"

Question

I just got her from the pound. she is long-legged, a little bigger than a jack russell. she will barely move from one position, resists leash-pulling, and splays her legs out like she doesn't believe the floor is really there. she acts this way on all materials: carpet, tile, outside. she likes her bed though, and only cowers and shivers if i try to move her. she is not in pain, when she does move on her own her motion is normal.

I just got her from the pound. she is long-legged, a little bigger than a jack russell. she will barely move from one position, resists leash-pulling, and splays her legs out like she doesn't believe the floor is really there. she acts this way on all materials: carpet, tile, outside. she likes her bed though, and only cowers and shivers if i try to move her. she is not in pain, when she does move on her own her motion is normal. she is not scared of me, she likes being pet. I am looking for info on how to get her comfortable on the leash; everything i found has to do with dogs pulling owners, not visa versa.

i don't drag her, i pick her up. but i did try saying "come" and just walked forward slowly so she had to move. she did'nt like it.

Answer 1

lol relax i had the same problem!! with my rat terrier puppy BOTH of them behave like this lol so you do get TEPMTED to drag them but DONT DO IT, this will only make them more afraid of the leash and give them an irritated neck and you dont want that! instead heres what i did my puppies would NOT walk on the floor tile for some odd reason nor on my living room carpet, i found out it was because they need to sniff around they want to know "where the heck am i?!" let her sniff around a bit before bringing her to a diffrent area, take baby steps let her know "hey ive been here before!" there for she wont be scared, one of my puppies learned fast, the other one was just as u said "shivery" keep talkin to her and let her know your there for her, pet her when she moves, keep your legs close by her (when your wearing no shoes or shorts that would be better) take time and walk her around your house talking to her. and before you know it just like mines! they know where the door is to lead them outside, they know where my room is, they know where my older brother is, where the big tv is, and where the kitchen is and are not afraid to go there now !

it just takes time, and everynow and then let her get use to the leash by keeping it on her (WHILE YOU WATCH HER) while she runs around and walks around with it.

best of luck!
-Syetta

Answer 2

Problem 1) DO NOT DRAG HER!!! This is more than likely the source of her problems.

Try using different techniques to get her to move. Since she was at the pound, she may have emotional problems. Try a choke-chain collar. These are easy on the dogs and humans. You need to let her adjust to her new surroundings. If she doesn't improve in a month or so, call your vet, and see a trainer, they may be able to help.

Answer 3

Poor Pup!!

This is a highly treatable condition. She's new in your life, and you in hers. Relax and be ready to make a good friend in her.

First, get some hotdogs. Cut one or two of them up into 1/2-inch squares. Put them in a plastic bag and be prepared to tempt her with them and give them to her one at a time.

Let her leash go slack and reach down and pet her, making her feel as secure as possible. Then stand, take a hot-dog piece and place it in your fist, where she cannot get it but can smell it. Hold your fist in front of her nose and say, "Jackie (or her name), STAND" and immediately pull your hand back from her nose, parallel to the floor. She should stand to follow your hand. Once she's up, say a praising "Yes!" and give her the hot-dog piece.

Next take another hot-dog piece and say, "Jackie, let's go." Walk slowly with the hot dog in your fist in front of her nose for about 15 feet, then say "Yes!" and give her the hot_dog. If she resists and sits back down, do the first exercise again, but don't give her the hotdog until she has taken a few steps.

Email me if this works and you'd like some further tips. Good Luck.

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Answer 4

That puppy is scared! Maybe you should get down on her level and spend some time with her. Set yourself up a pallet of blankets beside her and read a book or a mag with her. Maybe even read to her so she gets used to your voice. She just left the shelter where it was probably loud and unpredictable.....Show her that life will be safe with you and try to get her into a routine so she will know what to expect. Make sure to give her lots of love, talk to her and just spend time with her---even if you are working on something else, just acknowledge her and make her feel like you know she is there.

It really sounds as if someone beat/abused her pretty bad at some point. Try not to make sudden movements or raise your hands over your head while near her. I fostered a dog who thought that if he came in the house that he had to stay on a 2x2 bathroom rug or he would get in trouble. He would pee himself out of fear if he accidentally got off the rug. I quickly broke him of that learned habit. I got in the floor with him and showed him it was okay to roam around.

Please give puppy some time and don't take her back. She's just scared!

Answer 5

SO which is it, you drag her, like you said before everyone called you on it, or you pick her up, like you said when you changed your story?

Your dog is scared. She may need months of gentle care to get her to trust you. Start by allowing her to be wherever she wants (within reason) and give her treats for responding to you. Call her name. If she looks up, give her a treat. Tell her she's a good girl. If she lets you pet her, give her another treat. Slowly work up to other things - but again, SLOWLY. Get her to trust you and eventually she'll come around.

And congrats on rescuing the dog and saving her life. : )

Answer 6

Since you got her from the pound,you have NO idea of what the poor dog has been through. She is totally frightened right now. She needs to get used to her surroundings,know that she is NOT going to be hit or hurt by anyone,especially you. Remember,you are a STRANGER to her right now,she has to learn to TRUST which might take some time. She has NO idea of what is going on,she is A DOG Not a Human being,she has to accept where she is,that this is her HOME,which she may NEVER have experienced before. You do NOT know what she came from or how she was treated in the past. Give her time,LOTS AND LOTS OF LOVE,THEN MORE LOVE,also ALWAYS GIVE HER PRAISE AND HUGS AND HOLD HER gently and speak to her with SOFT VOICE . Hope it works.

Answer 7

She is scared! Sounds like she's had a tough life. You just need to be patient with her, and maybe tempt her out of her bed with treats. Also, try not dragging her, rather try and entice her to go for a walk, as she will feel much happier about it if she does it of her own free will.
good luck!

Answer 8

She is just scared if you just brought her home and DO NOT drag her around. maybe when she was owned and not in the pound someone abused her. be extremelt nice to her and just coax her with food or something. DO NOT DRAG HER!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 9

I suggest you take her back to the shelter. She has some social issues that are beyond your abilities. She will need socializing by someone who is very familiar with this behavior.

Instead, get a very well socialized dog, that is used to being around people.

Answer 10

She is scared of you quit dragging her.