adopted 4 year cocker

Question
QUESTION: Hi we have just adopted a 4 year cocker from a breeder (used once for bredding)she is beautiful and lovely nature but seems overly timid and submissive. We think she might have been abused as she cowls a lot from us and runs away.  how can we gain her trust. If she is always wagging her tail does this mean she is happy. also how do we train her without making her more nervous




ANSWER: Can you explain what "overly timid & submissive" means with some examples?
And how long have you had her?  Where does she sleep and is she housebroken?

Yes, tail wagging usually means "happy".  And training, believe it or not, makes a dog feel more secure.

If you can expand a bit more I can help with some suggestions as to how to make her feel less fearful.

Sadly, a lot of breeders aren't very nice to their dogs and they get no attention or socialization - just live in a cage and produce puppies.
Delores

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QUESTION: she ducks at any movement, non responsive to any commands. Have started to teach her to sit giving a treat each time. runs away from everyone except me. we've had her now for 3 days. we gave her a blanket in her own corner she likes the spot and sleeps there during day. the breeder told me she was house broken but haven't noticed any cues (a few messes) the breeder also said she like chasing balls (dosen't seem to know what a ball  is) she seems like a lost soul, following me everywhere. i think she is happy, i talk to her all the time.  Haven't heard her make a sound. presume because we are new adn surroundings are new. can you suggest anymore info.

ANSWER: I'll guarantee you she wasn't bred "once" in 4 years.

Have you had her checked out by a vet?  It's possible she could have a hearing problem.  But 3 days is a very short time and most rescue dogs take about 2 weeks or so to settle in.

So now for some concrete suggestions:

1.  Feed her 3x daily and have others in the house feed her as
   well as yourself.  Dogs "connect" to the person who feeds them.
Use the same words every time "Name plus "dinner" in a happy voice.
You call her - then have the other person call too and have them put the bowl down until she'll come no matter who calls her.

2.  If possible, let her sleep with you or in your room.  Anxious dogs feel safer sleeping with their "pack".

3.  Walk her often.  She needs the exercise.  Go together with the others in your house at first and once on the walk, hand the leash over to the other person.  Have them give a few treats during the walk.

4.  Sit on the couch with other person.  You call her but they give the treat.

5.  When you're teaching - once she "sits" have the other person give the treat and praise.

This way you're not overwhelming her with forced contact but teaching her that these other people are "with you and are okay".  Initially they should simply silently give the treat and not attempt to pet or chat.  When she appears more comfortable and will readily come to the both of you, then they can give her a pet.

I think you'll be surprised at how much she'll improve within a few weeks.

I'd also like to know what you're feeding her?  For treats I love the Solid Gold brand - most doggie treats are the nutritional equivalent of Twinkies but these are actually good for her and are soft so easily broken up.

Food I highly recommend:  Innova EVO - Merrick - Newman's Organics and definitely not an all-kibble diet.

Go slow with a big food change by adding a bit more of the new food every day.  Most dogs are fine but the odd one will get loose stool if you make a big change abruptly.
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi, thanks, we are in new zealand, so food slightly different from vets. The breeder told us brisket bones in morn and vege,rice & meat at night.  I saw a vet today to book her in for desexing and a check up next week.  They suggested she was probably underweight as she is under 10kgs so we have started weaning her onto advance puppy biscuits. have been using luncheon as a treat for sitting.

Answer
I'm totally in favor of homemade food and it's all my own dogs get BUT this must be done properly.  NO packaged lunch meat - it's totally loaded with sodium.  And cooked bones are a no-no.  If you want to give bones, get some raw from your butcher. (Knuckle bones)

If she's underweight, I'd go for a first rate dog food and feed her 3x a day and go above the recommended feeding amounts.

What meat are you using and how are you cooking it?  Vegs must either be cooked or put through your food processor raw.  You must add a calcium supplement - a tiny bit of two types of salt - and some specific oils.

If you want to give extra meat for treats - use cubes of chicken which has been simmered 'till done (no skin - no bones).

The breeder's advice is bad and that's how she got in this condition.
Delores