Discussion
I'm a little concerned for one of adopted Yorkies - he's very nervous and it seems to be getting worse.
I took on 4.1/2 year old siblings, brother and sister same litter 9 weeks ago. Mostly they've been fine, though Ted has suffered a little with colitis, which has cleared up since a course of antibiotics and a bland diet of chicken and rice. Stella is more active, especially as she's a keen ball chaser - Ted not so much. When I take them for walks he's never as keen to leave the house, and the last couple of days he's been getting more reticent. Last night he wouldn't budge so carried him out, but he was shaking like a leaf. Carried him 100 yards to the usual path, but when I put him down he just wanted to go back home. Same again this morning.
Just picking up the poop bags and leads is enough to send him cowering to their basket. He just sits there shaking, giving me sad eyes.
The odd thing is, before now even though he was less keen, once we get to the fields he's happy as Larry and runs about. It's the leaving home/outward walk he doesn't like. I can bribe him with treats, but that's not solving the issue.
It's not just that though, he's generally quite jumpy. For example, he's scared stiff of TV remote or mobile phone - just have to pick them up and he flinches. He looks so sad. I just wish there is something I can do - they're otherwise fantastic additions to my world.
Any bright ideas?
I took on 4.1/2 year old siblings, brother and sister same litter 9 weeks ago. Mostly they've been fine, though Ted has suffered a little with colitis, which has cleared up since a course of antibiotics and a bland diet of chicken and rice. Stella is more active, especially as she's a keen ball chaser - Ted not so much. When I take them for walks he's never as keen to leave the house, and the last couple of days he's been getting more reticent. Last night he wouldn't budge so carried him out, but he was shaking like a leaf. Carried him 100 yards to the usual path, but when I put him down he just wanted to go back home. Same again this morning.
Just picking up the poop bags and leads is enough to send him cowering to their basket. He just sits there shaking, giving me sad eyes.
The odd thing is, before now even though he was less keen, once we get to the fields he's happy as Larry and runs about. It's the leaving home/outward walk he doesn't like. I can bribe him with treats, but that's not solving the issue.
It's not just that though, he's generally quite jumpy. For example, he's scared stiff of TV remote or mobile phone - just have to pick them up and he flinches. He looks so sad. I just wish there is something I can do - they're otherwise fantastic additions to my world.
Any bright ideas?
That is so sad, poor little fella. The first thing with any behaviour issues is to rule out pain. Pain, especially when it isn't acute and doesn't show physically (like with a limp or something) is often tricky to find and can come and go but symptoms will show in behaviour and general mood changes. One of my guys had 4 years of shoulder tendon pain which has been an absolute nightmare to identify find and then treat - for the first year his only symptoms were behavioural (similar to what you describe and it would come and go - he also would react to movement around him through protecting his pain area and jump if I picked up a remote or something - he has never been badly treated). So first step is to get to a vet for a thorough examination and chat about your observations. If it isn't pain then you need someone to help you identify the issue and help him overcome it in a positive way. I would definitely get a qualified behaviourist in - suggest ABTC (they will ask for a vet report anyway). http://www.abtcouncil.org.uk/accredited-animal-beh... - I'd act sooner than later to work out what is going on - good luck 
ETA: especially as you say there is a recent change in last couple of days I'd rule out physical before addressing anything. Also that with foster or adopted dogs they can take several months to settle in (I've had 3) they all took different time for 'things' to surface which we had to help them through.
ETA: especially as you say there is a recent change in last couple of days I'd rule out physical before addressing anything. Also that with foster or adopted dogs they can take several months to settle in (I've had 3) they all took different time for 'things' to surface which we had to help them through.
Edited by parakitaMol. on Wednesday 7th August 17:39
Stick with it, but maybe cut out the walks and take him in the garden until he is confident that the lead doesn't mean going for walks.
Then start with putting the lead in and rewarding, then out if the door and rewarding etc etc and slowly add bits.
It took me 2 years to get my dog comfortable, but he still doesn't really like walks, and would prefer to stay at home.dont get me started on getting him in the car though, that took agess
Then start with putting the lead in and rewarding, then out if the door and rewarding etc etc and slowly add bits.
It took me 2 years to get my dog comfortable, but he still doesn't really like walks, and would prefer to stay at home.dont get me started on getting him in the car though, that took agess
i found a 90lbs Pitbul on the street in an industrial estate back in 2008 who was like that. He had a s
tty life prior to coming to my house and was beta to my 2 10lbs min pins. He pretty much lived under the coffee table and under the bed for the first two years of his life at my house. When we bonded, he became like glue and was always right next to me.
Door bell rings, or crack of thunder and he'd be back under bed or coffee table.
tty life prior to coming to my house and was beta to my 2 10lbs min pins. He pretty much lived under the coffee table and under the bed for the first two years of his life at my house. When we bonded, he became like glue and was always right next to me.Door bell rings, or crack of thunder and he'd be back under bed or coffee table.
Don’t try to coax through his fear /discomfort of whatever it is. You need to take him back to a point where he IS comfortable/happy and forget the walk. The trouble with internet advice on what to do (no matter how well intentioned) is that you can inadvertently make things worse. Dog behaviour is definitely one of those areas.
I could give you loads of strategies but I won’t because I cannot ‘see’ what’s going on. Your description isn’t enough.
If it’s not a pain thing and it is a fear thing you really need real life help from a Behaviourist in situ, (not online here) as the tiny observations of what he’s doing and timing of them are very important in understanding. So are the steps to resolve. There could be 50 things... for example he’s scared of passing a squeaky gate, he’s got a tummy pain, he’s scared of the surface on your path, he doesn’t like the neighbors dog, his harness doesn’t fit and hurts. All sorts of things.... if you focus on overshadowing (where the food gets them through but they aren’t actually learning) with chicken to get him to the final destination then you’re not really moving forward.
There’s no way ANYONE can give you steps to help without observation of the situation. The chances are you’ve missed something - or assumed it’s one thing and it’s actually another. This means you’d be trying to rectify the wrong thing or continue making him do something he’s worried about.
Hope this is useful- good luck
I could give you loads of strategies but I won’t because I cannot ‘see’ what’s going on. Your description isn’t enough.
If it’s not a pain thing and it is a fear thing you really need real life help from a Behaviourist in situ, (not online here) as the tiny observations of what he’s doing and timing of them are very important in understanding. So are the steps to resolve. There could be 50 things... for example he’s scared of passing a squeaky gate, he’s got a tummy pain, he’s scared of the surface on your path, he doesn’t like the neighbors dog, his harness doesn’t fit and hurts. All sorts of things.... if you focus on overshadowing (where the food gets them through but they aren’t actually learning) with chicken to get him to the final destination then you’re not really moving forward.
There’s no way ANYONE can give you steps to help without observation of the situation. The chances are you’ve missed something - or assumed it’s one thing and it’s actually another. This means you’d be trying to rectify the wrong thing or continue making him do something he’s worried about.
Hope this is useful- good luck
Thanks for all the helpful replies.
Now that pain being the potential cause has been mentioned, I think I'm going to take a video of him running. I thought he just had a quirky run - he walks and trots fine, but when he runs he definitely favours nearside rear leg. When I thought a bit more, he flinches a little when I comb or brush his lower back. He's fine being touched or stroked, but there's something about being groomed that makes him react. Didn't connect with his anxiety before.
I'll take the video (and comb) to the vet and see what they think.
Now that pain being the potential cause has been mentioned, I think I'm going to take a video of him running. I thought he just had a quirky run - he walks and trots fine, but when he runs he definitely favours nearside rear leg. When I thought a bit more, he flinches a little when I comb or brush his lower back. He's fine being touched or stroked, but there's something about being groomed that makes him react. Didn't connect with his anxiety before.
I'll take the video (and comb) to the vet and see what they think.
The more you say, the more I think that pain *may* be the cause. The videos and vet visit are a really good idea!
People often miss these signs because we are humans and we naturally assume a human rationale first. Behaviour changes are so often attributed to situational issues initially - we like to explain things but we often get it wrong.
My agility dog is a really steady, happy balanced dog - very experienced and focussed in the ring. Last year he started being a little more tetchy with other dogs proximity when queuing for our runs ringside, I took him to my canine massage friend initially to investigate - the massage therapist found a tight spot deep in his lumbar muscles. Long story short he's had massage, laser, acupuncture, physio and hydro - and pain relief. Now out of pain his behaviour is back to normal balanced little dog. He didn't have a limp, he didn't show any physical symptoms - other than a whisper of a head turn when stroking his back - very easily missed and attributed to 'being a bit funny with other dogs" or "excited to be doing agility" (I hear this so often yet I see other things going on with the dog) ! I only acted quickly to investigate pain because of my background/training and knowledge - I am so glad I did. If I had started feeding him chicken when other dogs were passing but not investigating we'd still be in the same place and he'd still be uncomfortable maybe his behaviour would be patterned now so harder to change it. Often it is a long journey to establish the cause of subtle behavioural issues but keep asking yourself why, quietly observe him and note all the little things down so if you do see someone you can tell them. You will get to the root of it I am sure. it will be worth it x
People often miss these signs because we are humans and we naturally assume a human rationale first. Behaviour changes are so often attributed to situational issues initially - we like to explain things but we often get it wrong.
My agility dog is a really steady, happy balanced dog - very experienced and focussed in the ring. Last year he started being a little more tetchy with other dogs proximity when queuing for our runs ringside, I took him to my canine massage friend initially to investigate - the massage therapist found a tight spot deep in his lumbar muscles. Long story short he's had massage, laser, acupuncture, physio and hydro - and pain relief. Now out of pain his behaviour is back to normal balanced little dog. He didn't have a limp, he didn't show any physical symptoms - other than a whisper of a head turn when stroking his back - very easily missed and attributed to 'being a bit funny with other dogs" or "excited to be doing agility" (I hear this so often yet I see other things going on with the dog) ! I only acted quickly to investigate pain because of my background/training and knowledge - I am so glad I did. If I had started feeding him chicken when other dogs were passing but not investigating we'd still be in the same place and he'd still be uncomfortable maybe his behaviour would be patterned now so harder to change it. Often it is a long journey to establish the cause of subtle behavioural issues but keep asking yourself why, quietly observe him and note all the little things down so if you do see someone you can tell them. You will get to the root of it I am sure.
it will be worth it x Edited by parakitaMol. on Thursday 8th August 09:20
LordGrover said:
Thanks for all the helpful replies.
Now that pain being the potential cause has been mentioned, I think I'm going to take a video of him running. I thought he just had a quirky run - he walks and trots fine, but when he runs he definitely favours nearside rear leg. When I thought a bit more, he flinches a little when I comb or brush his lower back. He's fine being touched or stroked, but there's something about being groomed that makes him react. Didn't connect with his anxiety before.
I'll take the video (and comb) to the vet and see what they think.
May be wise to get a chiropractor to take a look, they may be able to align anything slightly out.Now that pain being the potential cause has been mentioned, I think I'm going to take a video of him running. I thought he just had a quirky run - he walks and trots fine, but when he runs he definitely favours nearside rear leg. When I thought a bit more, he flinches a little when I comb or brush his lower back. He's fine being touched or stroked, but there's something about being groomed that makes him react. Didn't connect with his anxiety before.
I'll take the video (and comb) to the vet and see what they think.
Jasandjules said:
LordGrover said:
Thanks for all the helpful replies.
Now that pain being the potential cause has been mentioned, I think I'm going to take a video of him running. I thought he just had a quirky run - he walks and trots fine, but when he runs he definitely favours nearside rear leg. When I thought a bit more, he flinches a little when I comb or brush his lower back. He's fine being touched or stroked, but there's something about being groomed that makes him react. Didn't connect with his anxiety before.
I'll take the video (and comb) to the vet and see what they think.
May be wise to get a chiropractor to take a look, they may be able to align anything slightly out.Now that pain being the potential cause has been mentioned, I think I'm going to take a video of him running. I thought he just had a quirky run - he walks and trots fine, but when he runs he definitely favours nearside rear leg. When I thought a bit more, he flinches a little when I comb or brush his lower back. He's fine being touched or stroked, but there's something about being groomed that makes him react. Didn't connect with his anxiety before.
I'll take the video (and comb) to the vet and see what they think.
Apologies for jumping in on your thread m'lord! I've also got a bit of a nervous dog (in some situations) so thought I'd jump in here rather than starting another thread.
My pup is a 1yr old cockapoo, very friendly, loves to play and run and is in good shape. There are a couple of issues I'd like to help him through though... First is that he has become very wary of strangers for no particular reason that I can see. In the park he'll run up and say hello to anyone and any dog, but anywhere else and he'll very rarely accept a stranger straight away. I'd quite like to bring him to work more often but I don't want to make him scared for a whole day being in a new environment with loads of strangers. The only "traumatic" experience I know of that may have caused this, was he ran away from his dog walker back in Feb (nearly 2 miles back home through busy London) - but he wasn't nervous of new people immediately after this, it took a couple of months. I also realise that some people don't know how to approach dogs properly, ie diving straight in trying to pat them on the head, which doesn't help.
The second issue is he has developed a dislike of the car. He will happily jump straight in, but as soon as he's in he isn't happy; won't respond to his name, won't look up and just generally doesn't like it. He's not shaking or anything but he is not a petrol head like his dad. I'm 99% sure he is scared of things appearing and disappearing in the windows quickly, so would a covered crate do the trick?
Third is he gets a little anxious on noisy streets (buses, cars etc) which can be hard to avoid in London. I avoid busy areas as best I can but they can sometimes be unavoidable... Any tips for this?
TYIA!
My pup is a 1yr old cockapoo, very friendly, loves to play and run and is in good shape. There are a couple of issues I'd like to help him through though... First is that he has become very wary of strangers for no particular reason that I can see. In the park he'll run up and say hello to anyone and any dog, but anywhere else and he'll very rarely accept a stranger straight away. I'd quite like to bring him to work more often but I don't want to make him scared for a whole day being in a new environment with loads of strangers. The only "traumatic" experience I know of that may have caused this, was he ran away from his dog walker back in Feb (nearly 2 miles back home through busy London) - but he wasn't nervous of new people immediately after this, it took a couple of months. I also realise that some people don't know how to approach dogs properly, ie diving straight in trying to pat them on the head, which doesn't help.
The second issue is he has developed a dislike of the car. He will happily jump straight in, but as soon as he's in he isn't happy; won't respond to his name, won't look up and just generally doesn't like it. He's not shaking or anything but he is not a petrol head like his dad. I'm 99% sure he is scared of things appearing and disappearing in the windows quickly, so would a covered crate do the trick?
Third is he gets a little anxious on noisy streets (buses, cars etc) which can be hard to avoid in London. I avoid busy areas as best I can but they can sometimes be unavoidable... Any tips for this?
TYIA!
The issues you describe are likely to require quite long-term 'therapy', best approached via a behaviourist, although people with more behavioural experience than me may be able to offer advice.
A starting point, though, may be DAP products (plug ins at home/work and maybe a collar for out and about).
A starting point, though, may be DAP products (plug ins at home/work and maybe a collar for out and about).
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