Another

Question
QUESTION: Hi Labman,
Please help us --We have adopted a 4 1/2 yr. old Doxie from a breeder 4 months ago (after her litter was weaned).  Having always raised pups, we didn't realize what a kennel dog is like. She's a sweet, shy girl but totally untrained.  We did finally have a trainer come in and have done pretty well with housebreaking.
Our huge problem is leash training--she is terrified!  She will roll over on her back and almost "play dead", then she gets the leash between her paws and holds it Away from her neck.  I have to try to pry it away from her paws and she grabs it again.  If I try to walk with her and drag her, she rolls like an alligator.  The trainer said she is just trying to get her own way--I think someone has abused her and this is her way of protecting herself.
I have raised many Doxie's but this is a 1st for me.  She came from a breeder with about 9-10 other dogs and before that a kennel of about 70 dogs (puppy mill?)
I am on a fixed income and cannot afford to have the trainer back or spend alot for obedience training--besides she will only go on her back.
She is very timid and has REAL TRUST issues but is getting better each day.
Thank you in advance, Carol
PS  she has been spayed, had all her shots, is microchip, etc. so for us it has been a real commitment and we love her.

ANSWER: Sometimes it is difficult to get puppies moving on leash.  I have had very good luck with dropping back and running past the puppy in baby steps while calling ''Go, go, go!'' in an excited voice.  You can also try a drag line.  That is just a short leash the dog is allowed to drag around the house to get used to it.  You do need to keep an eye on her.

I want to thank you for taking her and giving her such good care.  I hope I can help you.

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

QUESTION: Thank you for your help.  Abbey is not a puppy and isn't impressed with anything except attention given the other two dogs.  She is starved for affection but in her own world as far as "coaxing" her to do anything.  She is not food motivated--I've tried almost everything but I do remember in the past using a drag line.  Then what?  Eventually pick it up and work with her?  It's been 12 yrs. since I've gone thru obedience classes and we used choke chains then.  Now I know better and especially with this dog.  She is very sensitive and I wouldn't want to frighten her more.
I didn't know that dogs could be neglected like this and I've owned Doxie's for 30 yrs. or more.

Answer
The running in baby steps is highly effective with puppies.  I suggested it hoping it would work on an older dog too.  I am a little concerned about how she is adjusting.  I wouldn't expect her to change too quickly, but after 4 months, I would hope she would be doing better.  

My strengths are in getting puppies off to a good start.  There are those with far more experience in retraining older dogs.  Perhaps a Dachshund rescue would at least be willing to and able to give you the advice she needs.  Rescues are dogs that lost their home, but were taken into a foster home to be retrained as necessary and placed in the right home for them.  You may find a rescue near you starting at
http://www.akc.org/breeds/rescue.cfm  Needless to say, rescues are overwhelmed with far more dogs than they can ever save.  These people love their breed, and one of them might be delighted to save one more by telling you what you need to do.