My poodle wont play, requires constant, constant petting, and seems nervous???

Question
Hello,
I just adopted a small poodle four years old.  I say small and not toy because I believe she is a toy with some birth deformities.  Her hind legs appear to be too long for her body, one leg seems slightly shorter that the other, and her head seems a little small for her overall size.  She weighs just under 2 lbs.  My question is whether or not it's normal for her to require constant petting.  She will make you pet her by pushing her head under your hand every day all day if allowed.  She will not play...AT ALL. She just stares and does not seem to make actual connection with anyone.  She hides under furniture and acts as if she does not understand anything you say to her.  I've know her for about 1 yr. prior to adopting her so she's familiar with me and my family.  I'm wondering if in your experience, does she sound as if there are more birth issues than are on the outside?  Could she possibly have some type of autisium?  Is there such a thing in animals?  She exhibits very disturbing behavior.  She just does not seem to connect with anyone or anything.  The constant petting is the only thing she participates in and it is by her need to focus on just that one thing that has me concerned.\\Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

Answer
Hello Lana,
Your dog does seem to have some issues as far as not interacting like a normal dog would.  I have never heard of autisium in dogs before but I have heard of conditions similar to this that was brought on by trauma, brain injury, lack of blood to the brain (during birth or from injury) to name a few things.  

Try taking her for a walk if she will go for it.  I don't know how well she walks with her leg deformity, but if she walks ok, try walking with her everyday to help stimulate her.  You don't have to go far, but just enough to get her out and change her surroundings a bit. Again, if she is comfortable with it.  She may not understand what is going on, but she will be able to get out and smell around and take in a few different sights.

Also try doing the Doggie Exam with her.  
Sit with her in your lap.  Lay her on her back with her head towards your stomach.  To begin with, just rub her tummy and get her to lay quietly.  Once she will lay quiet for the petting, start to go over her body.  Rub on her head, ears, massage her face and mouth, go down her legs, and gently start to work her joints.  Move her shoulders up and back, then move down and work her legs.  This exercise is very beneficial because it does a number of things.  It shows the dog that you are dominate because your head is over hers and she is submitting to you, it helps her relax and is very comforting for her and you, and it helps build her bond with you.  For her it can also open those lines of communication that seem to be closed off right now.  Working her limbs may strengthen her legs and may encourage her to interact more with you.  

Another thing you can try with her is to contact someone in your area that does herbal medicine.  Sometimes Acupuncture will help with problems like she is expirencing.  Contact people in your area that practice Acupuncture and see if they also work with pets.  If they don't ask if they can recommend someone who does.  There might also be some herbal remidies that may help.  

For now, that is about all I can suggest to you.  I do hope that you can get some help by the suggestions I have given you.  If you have other questions please feel free to ask.  

Thank You for using AllExperts.com,
Kim