QuestionI have a 5 month old Isabella dappled Dachshund. She is loveable and playful, but the second you put a collar on her she stops whatever she is doing and sits/lays there. She will not move. She looks terrified and when she does move, she is rubbing to get the collar off. She looks like she is playing dead. The second you take it off, she is back to normal. She also will not go outside with it on. I do try to keep it on her but it is just so sad! Can you help?
AnswerShe is getting what she wants when you take it off. She is smart and like most puppies she hates a collar. You can get a halter but she will hate that as well. Just keep it on her - she will not sit there forever and she will get used to it. You need to make sure it is not tight but loose enough for her to a little paw caught or her teeth under it so she gets her jaw caught. This is truly typical of dachshund puppies. We have had similar problems with adults who have never had a collar on because they were kept in a cage all day. Give her her treats and treat her like she is normal. Encourage her to come walk around the house with you but if she wants to just sit there, let her. If she wants to be with you or play or eat, she will get up. Not sounding harsh - I love my dogs too but do not let her get away with it. It will be harder now that she had your sympathy and gotten it off with that behavior. Carry her outside with the collar on. She should be getting leashed trained and this will help but she will fight that too. She really will get the idea - you just need to be patient and you may go through a couple of collars. Best wishes and let her know who is the boss for her safety and well being.
