Another dog behavior question

[dormars1979]

Hi everyone,

My husband and I adopted a 1 year old border collie mix last Saturday from a shelter. She is the sweetest dog I've ever met, so loveable and affectionate. She is very well behaved, although still rather timid. I'm wondering if she's going to come out of her shell more as she gets more comfortable in her new home. She seems very sensitive and submissive which is where the problem comes in - submissive urination.

She is not housebroken yet, so we are crate training her when we are not at home. When we get home to let her out, as soon as she sees us, she pees some in the crate, and then as soon as we get outside, she's jumping up on us and the pee is just flying all around. I don't mind so much outside, but I'd like to figure out a way to get her to not do it in the crate if possible...

I know I can't scold her for it at all because that would just increase her submissive feelings, so I've just been ignoring it. I try not to show any excitement or give her any attention until after she's finished urinating outside in order to try to keep her calm, but so far no luck.

Any ideas?

Thank you,
Doreen

 

[hiitdogs]

It may take some time, you have only had her since Saturday. It sounds like you are doing the right thing. It may take some time to boost her self-confidence, take her for long walks, hikes, bike rides, try and give her some kind of "job" like teaching her to get the morning paper, wake up the kids (don't know if you have kids), do obedience training......

Agility training is great in boosting the self confidence of shy dogs, she is a border collie mix, so I am assuming she'll have lots of energy anyway.

Just act normal around her, don't get excited or upset (it sounds that's what you are doing anyway), and don't feel "sorry" for her.

My dog, Tuxedo was very intimidated and scared when I got him. He was hiding underneath the bench in the dog park. Now, 1 year later, he is Mr. Self-Confidence Himself. He has made a complete 180. I just kept demanding things from him and kept him busy.

But it did take a while, so don't get discouraged! Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[andtckrtoo]

I agree with Carola - it will take time. One thing I would do as well as Carola's suggestions is in a two or three weeks (let her get settled first) start taking her with you whenever you can. Expose her to as many situations, places, etc as you can so that she gets used to changing environments and all kinds of people. Never baby her when she's fearful because she'll get the idea that she's right to be afraid. Just calmly walk her through things.

My first Aussie was very submissive and he was one of the best dogs I've ever had.

 

[HipChick]

Hi Doreen,

It sounds like you've gotten some great advice & I don't have anything to add (obviously, since I'm the one who started the other dog behavior advice thread) but I just wanted to pop in & say congratulations on your new addition. Our only other dog, who passed away around the holidays last year, was a border collie mix & she was a wonderful pet & companion. I guess the only thing I would echo is to give her time. We've had our new doggie, Skippy for about 7 months now & he continues to change on nearly a daily basis. But it took him several weeks to even exhibit a minor level of comfort in his new surroundings so I'm sure it will take yours awhile too. So congratulations again & enjoy your new doggie! By the way, what's her name?

 

[dormars1979]

Hi Carola, Christine and Kel,

Thank you all for the great advice. I was feeling bad for her, but you're right, I just need to give her time to feel comfortable here. I plan on enrolling her in obedience training as soon as the next local beginner level class starts up (in about 3 weeks). We already have been bringing her a couple places, like PetSmart which she seems to enjoy and to my mom's house nearby.

We named her Reina, and we both fell in love w/her right from the very beginning. We just want her to be happy here because it seems like she may have been mistreated in her last home. She is so sensitive to changes in voice tone, even when not directed at her, that if I even raise my voice in excitement or happiness she rolls over on her back.

She was scared to eliminate at all the first couple days, and every time we took her outside to go, she'd take about 20 minutes before relieving herself, and immediately would roll on her back as if expecting punishment. I'm not sure what her previous owners did to her, but she is definitely afraid. She's getting better w/that, and has started to go quicker and w/out the submissive roll over afterward. I guess it will just take some time for her to realize that we just want to love her and give her stability and a good home.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to give me advise.

Doreen