I've had my 3 yr old rescue dog for a little over a month. She is crated during the day. She used to avoid being in the crate while I was home, now it's the only place she goes. She rarely comes out. She also doesn't get excited about eating the way she did when I first got her. She's been through a lot in a month, guests visiting, and an overnight trip that included 6 hours in a car. This behavior has been going on for about a week or so. I also own a cat and she and the cat only get along so well, with the Cat often swiping and hissing at her. Should I be concerned?
2007-01-04 06:27:55 · 8 answers · asked by Dan A 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Thx for rescuing the dog ;O) Bless your heart.She is now used to the crate as her spot.She probably was excited about eating because she was hungry,,maybe too nervous to eat where she was.Now she knows that she will be fed & all is good.I think she'll be ok.Her & the cat are getting to know each other & will be fine too.
2007-01-04 06:32:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your cat is showing who the boss is! And that's ok. Hissing and swatting are ok with cats because that's a dominance thing. If your cat where attacking by biting, that's a different story.
As for being in her crate, do you think maybe she thinks that's 'her safe spot'? Most animals have these (our dogs goes to the corner of the sofa) and you mentioned you did have people coming in and out alot. Being a 3 year old rescue, and not knowing 100% of what her life has been like before getting her, she may have 'needed' to hide. Maybe from a toddler that picked on her, or an abusive owner? It's hard to say because they don't tell us the answers :o) Just give her some time. It's still a pretty new place for her and coming from a shelter, I'm sure that was an intimidating place (and loud!)
I'm sure she'll warm up. Please don't force her to play or cuddle or come out of her crate. Give her another month to get used to everything, and I'm sure she'll be great. She'll love you because you saved her! She just needs some time. Just try to keep her on a schedule (when you wake up, come home from work, eat, go to bed, etc.... like having a newborn :o) because then she'll see how things are and what to expect.
2007-01-04 06:42:33 · answer #2 · answered by kellicam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not unusual to see "regressive" behavior in a dog that was rescued from a shelter. She sticks to her crate because she feels safe there; it's become her "den". With the transition in your new home, being exposed to a lot of new people, and long car trips she HAS been through a lot, and may just want some time to herself where it's quiet and safe.
If this behavior is associated with a fever, vomitting, diarrhea or extreme lethargy (being sleepy all the time) she may be ill and need veterinary attention.
If she's healthy otherwise, just let her be for a while. Don't "invade" her crate or try to drag her out of it (because then it won't be "safe" to her anymore, and you'll just end up with a dog with a lot of displacement anxiety).
Coax her out each day for about 20-30 minutes of full-body massages and playtime; time and attention that's just for her.
When she's feeling more secure, she'll spend less time in the box.
2007-01-04 07:20:19 · answer #3 · answered by Fetch 11 Humane Society 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not know the details of what life is like for her in the home but yes there has been a change for her. How much attention does she get? Does she get lots of excercise? What is used to stimulate her mind? Do you make her do any work ? For example making her sit before she gets a snack? Making her learn a new trick before a treat? Dogs do like to have a job to do and this gives them confidence and pourpose. Do you scold her for things she does wrong or do you ignore it and praise her for the things she does right? Is there any things that may cause her stress? Lots of company or changes in the house can stress her out. It is only a week but generally dogs are quick to change. The good news of course is if there is anything missing for her once you put a little effort into changing it she will snap out of it quickly.
I would suggest you start over again , start feeding her from you hand, then move into making her do something for her food. Add an extra 30 minutes a day for a walk and see if that gives you any changes. On the walk you can have her wear a pack and have her carry your water bottle or something. She will like that. Have her do something you know she can do well and give lots of praise for it, this will give her confidence.
2007-01-04 06:41:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well dogs are actually called den animals and a crate is your dogs den it is where they feel safe from any harm or people. Your dog might jsut be over welmed with all attention and trying to adjust to her new enviornment which is normal but if it last for anymore then 2 weeks i would bring her to vet just to make sure she is okay she may suffer from some anxiety or maybe even depression (yes even dogs get depressed). . .also try alot of out door play with her she might need more excersise to release tension from the cat (vet told me that abou tmy puppy and my cats my cats hate her so to make her feel better so after an episode if she didn't bark back we bring her out side for about 30 min-45min) good luck!
2007-01-04 06:37:17 · answer #5 · answered by tluckie313 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing you should do with a new dog is take it for a long walk. Do a long walk as often as you can and your dog will bond with you.
Also - I suggest you change the dogs diet. Maybe it does not like the food you are giving it?
I think when you are at home you should move the crate.
2007-01-04 07:07:18 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Make sure she always has things around her that are comforting to her. She needs to feel secure and too many people and places make her confused and worried. a blanket that is just hers would be good so that if you go somewhere it goes too. When you have people over, ask them not to notice her until she comes out to them. She just needs to feel that this is home and that takes a while.
2007-01-04 06:34:25 · answer #7 · answered by superliss2 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
dogs go through seperation anxiety.....and maybe with you being gone during the day she may misses you....so try to before you leave to play with her and show her you love her then do the same when you get home.....she may be adapting to the new changes so try to comfort her through them......if it doesn't get better within a week or 2 try talking her to the vet....tell him what is goin on that way he can try to help u.....
2007-01-04 06:32:59 · answer #8 · answered by shortytinindy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋