I'm fed up!!!

[Angelique]

Since a few of us have pinpointed this as "submissive urination", and the dog is being "triggered" to show submission at the sight of the leash and coat. It might help to concentrate on getting the dog out of this, what might be called, "conditioned" state of mind.

Looking directly at, and approaching your dog "head on", with the addition of the visual "cues" of the coat and leash, sounds like the pattern which could be changed, so you and your dog can have a fresh start.

Even you turning to the side and initiating a more playful, and less direct contact with your dog could help. I think removing the signals that he is associating with a need to show submission, and choosing another approach could really be of great benefit.

Keping your body language loose and calm, a serene expression on your face, and your voice low, could also help a lot.

I'm sure some of the others here can come up with some positive reinforcement techniques and exercises, to help break this cycle and get you back on track.

 

[Saje]

Maybe it would help to let the dog run around the house with the leash on? Giving lots of praise of course. And maybe sit around with your jacket on. Is he different when you are outside in your coat?

 

[Doberluv]

I think Angelique and Saje both hit the nail on the head. Fantastic. If you interrupt that chain of events which has led up to conditioning your dog to feel this way and change the routine, his brain ought to create a different pathway for a new and better condition....that is, no mistreatment or unpleasantness associated with your jacket and leash. There is the jacket and leash still, yes, but what is happening at the same time is something wonderful, gentleness, a little quiet, unobtrusive play, treats and just hanging out as you were. Then after a while, go outside. See how he does. Let us know.

 

[yuckaduck]

I'm glad to hear you are working on things. Also do not pay attention to people who get upset with you. Puppies are frustrating! There were times when I could have handed Yukon's lease over to anyone who walked by, even threatened my hubby to tie him up on the porch and when someone stole him and found out what a turkey he was; charge them to bring him back. Get rich quick scheme!

Now he is 9 months old and he is the best dog ever. I just needed to by my time and keep working with him. He came around but it took along time.

 

[Gilshuman]

The reason a dog does not pee in his crate is because he does not want pee in his bed. The fact he is peeing all over himself is a sure sign that he is very disturbed from the abuse he has suffered. I suspect you are right that it his submissive urination - he can hold himself in his crate because he feels secure and safe in there (its his safe place). Be gentle and patient, dont make a big deal when he does this - it will just worsen the problem. Take him out of the way before you clean the pee up off the floor, seeing you frustrated cleaning it up will make him more anxious. He needs to feel, safe , secure and relaxed. You have taken alot on and it will take alot of time, love, patience and trust - once you truly become his "safe person" it will get better. Good luck.

 

[RobHedrick]

Ok......

Don't bother explaining.. I have your type pegged out pretty good. I take in hundreds of your dogs every year and find them new homes.

Hahaha don't think you know me from one post you read. Just because you may think you know the "type" of person I am from 'one post' does not give you the right to patronize me - it's quite uncalled for.

I happen to be great with animals, and I've raised a few pups in my day. I asked for help here because I was experiencing a problem that I've never encountered before. I explained to you already the "I was frustrated at the time" and I'm not going to do so again - if that can't sink into your head, I'm sorry for you.

Your attitude here is uncalled for, and obviously not tolerated by the community, or myself. If you can't be helpful, or respectful to someone's situation I suggest you go elsewhere.


Have a nice day. ~Rob

 

[RobHedrick]

Hey, take it easy. It isn't unusual to get frustrated with puppies. It doesn't mean he won't get over the hump and become a great dog owner. I don't know anyone as obsessed and in love with dogs...all kinds of animals as I. I have always had dogs and horses since I was a baby. As a young child, I stole peoples' dogs, I wanted them so badly. LOL. I have been intensely in love with them ever since and have always "had a way" with animals and I was told that as a child. My dogs are like my children, but of course, they're dogs.

I would never think seriously in a million years of giving away one of my dogs. But I'll tell you what. There were moments when my Doberman Pinscher was a young pup that I had fleeting thoughts of seeing if he could be accepted into the space program for an experimental trip with the astronauts. But I got past that short lived phase and moved on. This dog and I have the strongest bond I've ever had with any of my numerous dogs that I've had or have. He's well mannered and we're into all kinds of training. He's a partner and my best bud. I'm crazy about this dog. Of course, I love my other dogs too, but there's something different, a tighter bond with Lyric...can't quite explain.

You just never know what changes may take place with Rob and his dog. Being frustrated momentarily with a puppy is not unusual. True...he needs to set the dog up for success with potty training, preventing accidents and being very watchful. And the more he learns, the easier time he'll have. Then in another month or so, if he still feels this frustrated, maybe that would be the time to think about a new home. I don't think one fleeting moment of frustration indicates a bad dog owner. I hope Rob gets the help he needs to develop a happy relationship with his pup. He's asking for help right here. And he won't get it if he is cut down before he even starts.

Thank you Doberluv. This is why I love reading your posts; you always seem to shed light on the subject, and that makes me more confident somehow. Thanks for that..

I know what you mean about a "tighter bond"; I love my dogs equally, but Sheila (my German Shepherd) is "my girl" - we have a bond that is like no other, it's like we have a special connection and we understand each-other. I'm sure one day when Oz is older (I hope) we'll have that same bond.

Good news update: I have been following your (everyone really) advice with the potty training, and it's working well so far..

He is still doing a little submissive urinating, but it seems to be only in the morning, when I approach him while he's still in his crate. So my solution to that: I usually talk 'baby talk' and sound really up-beat and playful before I approach him. LOL that probably sounds silly but it works because he isn't as skittish when I do that.


~Rob

 

[RobHedrick]

That wasn't necessary Rhino. Rob doesn't want to give his dog up and if you had read through his posts you'd know how hard he is trying. He did take in a dog with issues and not everybody knows how to work through those problems. But he does have an idea of where to go from here. All he needed was a little support.

 

[Zoom]

One thing I've notice with submissive dogs is that the sillier you think you sound and look, the better they respond. It's good that you're so commited to this pup!

Have you tried calling the pup to you when you have the leash instead of you going to him?

 

[RobHedrick]

Maybe it would help to let the dog run around the house with the leash on? Giving lots of praise of course. And maybe sit around with your jacket on. Is he different when you are outside in your coat?

LOL I have done both of those things recently. I let him wear the leash in his crate because he feels safe and comfy there. And I also wear my coat in the house and while we play games.

I think the submissiveness is triggered by me actually putting the coat on, rather than me wearing it. He acts just as fine and normal whether I'm wearing it or not, it's just when I put it on he's scared..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If I didn't reply to everyone's posts, my apologies. But I do read them all! and take in all the wonderful info you've given me - thanks everyone.

I've found where my puppies leg was hurt: apparently his toes are bothering him - he whines when I touch them there, but they don't feel broken or anything too serious. Hopefully he'll start using his leg again in a few days..

I'll keep posting updates when I can, or if anything else changes.


Cheers to the community! ~Rob

 

[Zoom]

Oh, one other things. Many vets (or at least mine) offer a payment schedual option. They would rather wait a bit for the money than have you wait to get your dog treatment out of financial concerns. I love them dearly for it! Check with your vet and see if maybe that have something similar?

 

[RobHedrick]

One thing I've notice with submissive dogs is that the sillier you think you sound and look, the better they respond. It's good that you're so commited to this pup!

Have you tried calling the pup to you when you have the leash instead of you going to him?

Actually that's what I do now LOL. I forgot to mention that..

Yes, I'll act silly; I still have to approach his crate to open the door - but I back up and call him cheerfully: "C'mon Oz, let's go outside bud" in a happy tone. It seems to work well.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[RobHedrick]

Oh, one other things. Many vets (or at least mine) offer a payment schedual option. They would rather wait a bit for the money than have you wait to get your dog treatment out of financial concerns. I love them dearly for it! Check with your vet and see if maybe that have something similar?

Will do...

 

[Saje]

I think the submissiveness is triggered by me actually putting the coat on, rather than me wearing it. He acts just as fine and normal whether I'm wearing it or not, it's just when I put it on he's scared..

I wonder if it's a colour thing?

 

[oriondw]

I wonder if it's a colour thing?

I think it might be related to the fact that when the coat is being put on, the person looks much bigger and threatening.

 

[Saje]

I think it might be related to the fact that when the coat is being put on, the person looks much bigger and threatening.

that could be.

i'm getting an image of a bull being teased with a red blanket. lol

 

[Rhino]

Your attitude here is uncalled for, and obviously not tolerated by the community, or myself. If you can't be helpful, or respectful to someone's situation I suggest you go elsewhere.


Have a nice day. ~Rob

I'm not going anywhere, but if you expect me to appoligize for making that comment after I just got done feeding two dogs that were given up in a "heat of the moment frustratin", you are sorely mistaken.

I'm glad for you and your puppy that your temper got the better of you and made you SAY something that you regretted. Let's hope you don't act on that and make this situation worse.

 

[tessa_s212]

Rhino, I do believe you owe him an apology. I work with rescues as well, but what you said was clearly uncalled for.

 

[Saje]

I'm not going anywhere, but if you expect me to appoligize for making that comment after I just got done feeding two dogs that were given up in a "heat of the moment frustratin", you are sorely mistaken.

I'm glad for you and your puppy that your temper got the better of you and made you SAY something that you regretted. Let's hope you don't act on that and make this situation worse.

There is not 'situation.' He had a problem and he's working through it. Everyone needs to vent. I know that I've gotten extremely frustrated with my dogs. Adult rescues can be extremely difficult and they often have problems that even experienced dog owners have never dealt with at all.

If you have as much experience as you say why don't you provide some constructive advice for Rob rather than jumping on this thread and making judgements.

 

[RobHedrick]

I wonder if it's a colour thing?

LOL I thought dogs were colorblind, no?