Any Dog Psychologists out there?

[iceman]

See,

I have a couple of dogs. I've always had dogs. But one of the dogs I have now is terrified of me. I mean, terrified. I've never hit her, I've barely even scolded her.

But she will dump her entire bladder and run away if I even say her name in italics.

Any ideas on how to calm her down, desensitive her a bit? She's sweet and loving, but the peeing on the floor is getting old.

[duph]

Sounds like your dog may have been hit by someone before. Is it just when you first get home, or all the time? Either way, don't try to "get her over it" by forcing the issue with extra attention, it'll just get worse. If anything give her less attention for a while and let her aproach you. Have treats handy and be generous when she does come to you. It'll probably take a long time, but after a while she will come around. In the meantime, buy lots of carpet cleaner and deoderizer. Sorry to hear it, but you're gonna need a lot of patience.

[Buster Highmen]

All dog psychologists are out here.

[Pinner]

checking in...


bacon-- world's best canine behavior mod. works on a few humans i've met too

[Alioops]

Duph (Doh!) pretty much nailed it. Maybe the dog has been abused in the past, as it seems she is pretty submissive. Maybe she is not so terrified and it is more a respect issue. She gets excited or even intimidated when you get home and pees. Ignore her completely when you get home and eventually she will overcome the problem. My budddy experienced the same problem and it worked for him.


Mmmmmmm...........bacon

[truth]

First, it's common knowledge that italics and dogs don't mix, so WTF you were thinking is beyond me, however, bacon and italics are great with eggs and toast and on occaision some fresh squeezed orange juice which is not to be confused with Orage juice...totally different juices.

[Snow Dog]

Originally posted by iceman
See,

I have a couple of dogs. I've always had dogs. But one of the dogs I have now is terrified of me. I mean, terrified. I've never hit her, I've barely even scolded her.

But she will dump her entire bladder and run away if I even say her name in italics.

Any ideas on how to calm her down, desensitive her a bit? She's sweet and loving, but the peeing on the floor is getting old.

Submissive peeing is common in dogs that are, well, submissive. It doesn't say anything about past abuse. She thinks that you are displeased with her (in her mind anyway) so she shows her submission to you by peeing. You need to show a little affection without letting her pee (otherwise she will associate peeing with affection). Put your hand (or foot) under her stomach and lift so she can't squat to pee while praising her or giving her a treat. She'll learn that she doesn't have to pee to be accepted.

Dogs are also tonal -- as in the tone of your voice matters more than the words. A low pitch is anger (growling) and a high pitch is praise. If you have a low voice then she may think you're angry even when you're not.

Liver makes an excellent dog treat. Cook it up, cut into treat sized pieces, and put in the freezer. No need to thaw and dogs love it.

If you search the Net for "submissive peeing" there's all sorts of stories and advice on modifying their behaviour. Some of it useful.

[watersnowdirt]

Iceman - sorry to hear that. I'm sure it's not only frustrating, but disheartening. But I agree with the others, with the right approach, she'll get through it.

Sounds like snow dog knows what he's talking about, but barring that, i would HIGHLY recommend finding a reputable dog trainer and doing a couple of private sessions. They can be pricey, but it's really worth it, and they sort of act like a dog psychologist and can nail the problem right away and recommend a course of action. I got Sophie from the pound and she had all sorts of anxieties. We've worked through many of them with the help of two very good trainers who came to my house for 1 hour sessions.

Patience and practice are definitely key. And bacon too

[Buster Highmen]

Doggie Depends would be cheaper.

[DINMS]

*6 months later*

Help, I'm adicted to my dogs prozac.

*6 months and 3 senonds later*

[phUnk]

Is the dog new to you or have you had him/her for a while?

[iceman]

No, she's almost four years old and we've had her since she was a puppy. She's always been timid and submissive towards me, but it's getting worse. When she was a pup, it was an occasional drop or two, it was dealable.

Now she's grown and the problem is much worse. There's obviously a dynamic working where my desire for her to not piss on the floor is part of the reason she's doing it (iceman: good dog, nice dog, just don't piss on the floor, okay? dog: pisses. iceman: SHIT!!!! dog: pisses again), and I guess if I could just be totally accepting and loving, she might cut it out. But, see, I don't like dog piss on the floor.

[fez]

Originally posted by Snow Dog

If you search the Net for "submissive peeing" there's all sorts of stories and advice on modifying their behaviour. Some of it useful.

do we really need to go there?

[skiguide]

it's likely submissive peeing, and all the advice above is good - but since it's become an increasing issue just recently - rule out any urinary tract/bladder problems with the vet as your first step, if you haven't already.

[Rusty Nails]

Ice,

Damn. That's some brutal mental anguish. Inspiring a canine to wet itself by your simple existence. Seriously cool. I bet chicks dig that kinda alpha male thing.

Serioulsy -- my dog is also very submissive and did that the first couple days I had her. I would put her outside with yummy treats inside the door. When she was inside, she got a yummy treat (I use small hot dog slices) every 15 minutes. When I put her outside, she would stay out for an hour. After two full days, she quit peeing in the house cuz it meant no treats. I never raised my voice or got upset with her because I knew she was in a new environment and had been beaten before (got her at the pound).

Hope it works. Prolly won't. My dog more than likely just ran outta piss.

Rusty

[iceman]

Heh, nice to see your name, Rusty.

Thanks for the advice, but this situation is a little different - she has BECOME terrifed of me over the past year, year and a half. Before that, all was well. She's a little over four years old now. It's odd, that's about all I can say.

[Snow Dog]

Originally posted by iceman
Thanks for the advice, but this situation is a little different - she has BECOME terrifed of me over the past year, year and a half. Before that, all was well. She's a little over four years old now. It's odd, that's about all I can say.

Maybe it's the new aftershave. Smell matters. A change in facial hair can bring back bad memories too.

[jayfrizzo]

Kill the bitch.

J-

[iceman]

Originally posted by Snow Dog
Maybe it's the new aftershave. Smell matters. A change in facial hair can bring back bad memories too.

Aftershave? Facial hair? Hey, I'm not even Canadian!

[Snow Dog]

Originally posted by iceman
Aftershave? Facial hair? Hey, I'm not even Canadian!

Would you like to be?

[altagirl]

From what I've read, I'd also go with completely ignoring her, especially when you first get home. She'll see you playing with the other dogs and eventually will gain some confidence. Then give her treats and stuff, but don't force it.

[iceman]

Originally posted by Snow Dog
Would you like to be?

I wouldn't mind, actually. Especially lately.

[altagirl]

Also - have you taken her to the vet since her behaviour change? If she had some sort of injury that wasn't obvious, maybe it hurt when you pet her or something and now she's afraid of you? Of course with that amount of time passing, hopefully whatever it is would have healed by itself by now. Just a thought.