Submissive dog; what to do?

[SydneyB]

I'm fostering a 2 (ish) year old terrier at the moment. He's very puppy like, and if you raise your voice, or ask him to do something that he feels unsure about, he immediately turns onto his back. He's even peed a little.

I'm at a loss what to do- I'm more used to dealing with dominant dogs! I've been trying to build his confidence (rescue dog- no idea about his past life), and he seems to be responding to playing, and basic training very well. What else should I be doing?

At the minute, I distract him with a squeaky toy, but I'm nut sure if it's the right thing.

Whoops, sorry for the long post! Thanks.

 

[CAYLA]

Yeah i think you are on the right tracks, you definatley need to distract him from the submissive behaviour...... upon reading up on the subject while ago, basically submissive dogs are very sensetive to any form of dominant behaviour i.e

DIRECT EYE CONTACT
STANDING DIRECTLY OVER THE DOG
WALKING TOWARDS THE DOG USING DIRECT CONTACT

I remember the text mentioned.... greeting the dog on its level, but never over praise..... a quick rub under the chin and good boy, apparently patting or stroking the head is seen to be more of a dominant approach!

Obviously you would have to be more sensitive in terms of not raising your voice/speaking in a harsh tone.

If the dog places its self in a submissive position or begins to urinate.... you need to ignore the behaviour and immediatly walk away/turn your back..... giving a command i.e name and command like come..... only when the dog is up on its feet in a sit or stand position should you offer praise or a treat..... this must be quick and not prolonged.

This dog has probably been subject to a little to much dominant behaviour(hard to tell..as you mentioned when has come as a rescue, with limited past history)

Most first reactions would be to make lots of fuss and show pity...... i think this would inevitably ex-huberate the problem.

 

[CAYLA]

ps the third example should have said walking towards the dog using direct EYE contact. SORRY

 

[milor]

....of course he could just be naturallly submissive - to be honest there's not a lot you can do to change his nature and submissive dogs are a whole lot easier to deal with than dominant ones

 

[SydneyB]

Cala, thank you for the advice. I'll keep that in mind when I'm with him.

Milor, that's true- it's just that he seems so sad still. I'd like to be able to build his confidence a little if I can.

 

[fruity]

I know this sounds odd but him being submissive is good for the future really as he'll see you/his owner as his rock! A submissive dog also tends to have a better recall and never runs off.He sees you as top dog which shows he's intelligent as dominant dogs can be very difficult to handle in all situations.I own 2 JRT one is 3 and the other is 9wks! They are both naturally submissive but that doesn't stop them from having character! I can trust them both with ANYTHING,where as i handle 6 very dominant dogs everyday and it's hard work,(i am a dog handler/walker) i cant take them certain places as they see everything as something to get assertive about not in a dangerous way but a nurotic sense.It's not easy.I think the above advice is great.Keep on loving him the way you are and he'll soon come round,he'll cheer up,it sounds like your doing the right thing.