|
|
squatting when picked up
by Mike
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Hiya,Missy is about 8 mos old. She has been potty trained for several months now and didnt have any accidents. For the last 2 weeks when I go to pick her up she squats and pees. Its like shes afraid of me or something. I never yell or hit her, so I dont know why she would be afraid. Anyone have a clue what might be the problem??
DISCUSSION:
Hopefully your pup is just going through a stage. The best thing, I feel, is to ignore it. Don't even give evidence of being upset by it, and hopefully it will go as fast as it came. As long as she doesn't begin urinating frequently, or any signs of not feeling well, I wouldn't worry about a urinary tract infection. If some signs appear like that, a vet visit is in order.
Theresa Meyer
Mike: The only thing I can think of is she is afraid of something. Did she recently have an accident in the house and get yelled at? Do you live alone with her or are there others who may have corrected her for having an accident? Hmmm... that's really all I can think of. Hopefully someone will be able to shed more light on this situation for you. Take care!
Angel
Mike, this could be a form of submissive widdling. Does she wet herself when she gets excited or when you come home, too? The solution for that is to make your homecoming uneventful. Stay calm, etc. Don't make too much of them. They usually outgrow that. Don't know what to do for her peeing when you pick her up. Perhaps if you get down on the floor and entice her to you. Like Theresa said, though, make sure there's nothing physically wrong first. Good luck.
Marie
I agree with Angel. If there is someone else that is around her, they may have disciplined her harshly or just outright abused her in some horrid way. Opal posted a story a while back with a similar situation. My mother-in-law's dog was abused before they adopted her and reacted in the EXACT same way you are describing or would bite and snap. They were able to win her over with their love and affection after three months.
Carrie
Hi Mike. Your Missy is submissive peeing. If you hover over her she is trying to tell you in a most humbling way that you are "the boss". My Sophie used to do that as well. Try approaching her in a way she feels less threatened. I got Sophie out of that submissive habit by not standing over her to greet her. I would sit down at her level (well, not quite THAT low) and have her come to me. Try that for awhile. I'm sure that is all that it is. Let us know how she is doing later.
Teri
Why NOT get down that low, Teri? Lie down next to that puppy and talk very softly to her. My Maya was the shyest dog. I figured she needed a boost in self esteem so I got down on the floor, literally face to face and taught her how to play tug and how to growl. (a little agressiveness training!) Well, after a few weeks of this I heard a whisper of a growl, so faint I had to listen VERY carefully. After that, she began to have a little more confidence, and grew into a VERY confident dog.
When she was a year old, out of nowhere she peed on my then boss -- who was a mean person masquerading as a nice person, and she started rolling over for big dogs on the street and peeing all over herself. I was very firm in my "no" and this annoying new thing disappeared as inexpicably as it appeared in her behavior. After that short spurt, it never happened again. In the meantime, I wouldn't exactly ignore it. I would say no firmly (not too loudly though) and bring her to the paper and praise her. No harsh corrections which might make her feel the need to pee more in your presence. Let's hope this is a phase!
Isabel
Isabel - you made me smile when I read your post. I did what you did (face to face), but what I meant was that she was so little, not matter how low I got, I was still "taller" than her. smile. I agree with Isabel taking time to work with Missy will bring results. Good Luck.
Teri
Mike, I can definitely empathize with what you are experiencing. Years ago we had a dog of a different breed that began such submissive wetting when she was near my husband. He has never mistreated an animal, but for her own reasons, our Lacy felt the need to prove her submissiveness to him. After explaining to my husband my suggestion of loving her when she wet in his presence, he thought I was crazy. However, he followed my suggestion, and Lacy never again felt the need to prove submissiveness. So indeed, immediately bend down to eye level and pet your baby. Don't excite her, just love on her. This is exactly what dogs do in the wild. We sometimes need to "speak their language" rather than asking them to speak ours.
Sunny
Thanks to everyone.I started kneeling down to her level when I pick her up. That seems to work, she runs right over and attacks with kisses.Havent had any accidents in 3 days this way.!!! Thanks
Mike & Missy
Visit the Largest and Most complete Maltese dog website in the World
Please bear in mind when reading topics pertaining to health issues, that most of these questions were answered by helpful Maltese owners with no formal education in veterinary medicine. When in doubt seek a professionals advise.