[majestic47]

first, I wanna start off saying this is my first dog. he's a little more than a year old, got him from someone that got him as a stray. ever since me and my wife got him, its been one problem after the next. we've dealt with the most of the other problems except for this one. ever since we got him, whenever I approach him(he so far only does this with me) he rolls on his back and pees, occasionally getting an erection(he's nuitered, though). I didn't know any better, and I ended up hitting him. to which he'd respond with more peeing, to which I responded with more hitting. ended up pooping himself too. this went on for maybe a month.

I know you are all already saying I'm horrible for even thinking of hitting a dog. I know I was wrong and I really don't want anyone bashing me for it. its not what I'm looking for. I've learned that him peeing himself like that is basically his way of saying "please don't hit me." and I now know to never hit a dog. but now the problem: even though I dont hit him anymore, he rolls on his back and pees; before I stopped hitting him, he wouldn't let me take him for walks anymore. if I try to walk him, he tries to run away. I go walk one way, he stresses himself to get away. I keep the leash short, hoping he'll learn, but he doesnt. I try to give him treats when he's walking with me, but he won't even accept them.

also, whenever my wife leaves he house, he barks at the door a little, and if I call him he runs and hides. if my wife is home and we're sitting on the couch together, he'll come cuddle me, lick my face and what-not. but if she gets up, he immediatly runs after her. I've tried ignoring him for periods of time to see if he'll eventually come around, I've tried giving him extra love when he cuddles with me, I've tried calming him when he starts peeing(but he will not stop being submissive until I leave him alone)... is there anything else I can possibly do? is there a better way to get him over his fear?


so in short, he started with this problem, it got worse because I would hit him for it, and now that I don't do it I can't get rid of it. my wife thinks he might feel this way towards males, but I don't know. please help.

[ChrissyBz]

Food is the key to a dogs love. It's a lot more complicated than that, but it's a good start. I'll leave the complicated parts up to someone with more experience. Start treating him any time he comes close to you. There's a really similar thread going on right now. by Guitar Picker 226

Here's a link. http://www.dogforums.com/2-general-d...ad-i-need.html (Please read!! I need help!)

[poodleholic]

Dogs are very forgiving, so don't give up hope that you can establish a good relationship with your dog. You will need to be consistent, persistent, and above all, patient.

Whenever your dog is close by, walk quietly, don't make eye contact with him, and just go about your business; don't approach him directly. If you talk to him, just say "Hi (his name)" in a calm, casual tone of voice. Once you're close to him, very gently crouch down to his level (or go down on one knee), presenting to him sideways (this makes you very non-threatening), then calmly and softly praise him, and tell him he's a good boy. All family members and visitors should do the same.

Do everything you can to boost your dog's confidence. Positive reinforcement obedience training does wonders for building a dog's confidence. An untrained dog doesn't know how to communicate with humans, or how to behave, but, the trained dog understands what is expected of him, and the words you say to him. Socialization at training classes, doggie daycare, at the park, or just going with you on errands or to visit friends will boost his confidence, too.

Incorporate basic obedience (Sit, Stay, Fetch, Come, etc.) into your daily life and when your dog obeys, he gains confidence through your praise. Just don't overdo the praise (this can result in a puddle!). A simple "good boy" and gentle pat is enough.

Dogs, especially shy or submissive ones, are very sensitive to body language and tone of voice. Bending over a dog is a "dominant" posture that may provoke an accident. Instead, get down to your dog's level by crouching or kneeling, preferably at his side rather than head-on. Because your dog has learned to fear you, it's especially important that you become aware of your body movement, and tone of voice. Move slowly when close to him, with no sudden movements. When speaking to your dog, use a calm, confident, and moderate tone of voice. Avoid very high or low extremes in pitch. Don't "coochy-coo" or babytalk to your dog either. These tones can create excitement that results in submissive peeing.

Shy or submissive dogs are often intimidated by direct eye contact as well. Look at your dog's face without looking directly into his eyes, and only for very short periods. Yawn, and turn your face away from him. Yawning is a calming signal dogs use with each other. So is turning sideways.

Minimize the occasions your dog makes you feel like scolding him. Think about what your dog does that causes you to scold him (i.e., does he get into the garbage, steal your socks or chew on your shoes?) By simply putting a lid on the garbage, or into a closet, and by having all family members pick up after themselves, and put things away so the dog has no access, these occasions will then be eliminated. The easier you make it for your dog to do what you want, the quicker he will learn, and his confidence will grow. Discipline, scolding, and physical punishment will reduce his confidence, and worsen the submissive peeing problem, along with eroding your relationship with him.

You already know not to scold or punish your dog for this submissive peeing. Just take a deep breath and remember that he cannot be held responsible for something he doesn't understand (or even know he's doing). His basic insecurity and lack of confidence can be remedied over time. How long it will take is impossible to say for sure, as every dog is different. With most dogs, following the above will show a noticeable difference within a fairly short time. It depends on your patience, committment, consistency, and willingness to stick with it.

I wish you all the best, and do keep us posted on your progress!

PS What's your dog's name, and what breed is he?

[majestic47]

his name's todd and he's a mutt, but he's mostly dachsund. thanks for your reply. theres a lot of good info in it that I'll be trying to use.

[Dogsareme]

I second the previous reply Very good info.

I just wanted to add a few times a day get some REALLY REALLY good treats that only YOU will give your dog(bite sized treats). Sit on the floor, lean back, don't look at him and throw some treats 10 or more feet away from you. Do this a few times a day. Slowly throw the treast closer to you until he is eating them out of your hand. If he won't go get a treat close to you, that means he is not ready to be that close, so back it up. When you finish this tell him "Good boy" (with out looking at him) and leave the room. Also be the main one to feed him for the next few months so he can gain some trust in you(so no free freeding if this is what you are doing). If he comes to cuddle with you and your wife have some treats close by and give him some and some belly rubs (if he will let you).

When he is submissive peeing, don't go telling him good boy as you do not want to praise him for this. Don't punish him, but don't praise him. Just ignore it.

[wvasko]

Sometimes the treats program is difficult because some dogs will absolutely not accept treats. You have another weapon though (your Wife) her relationship with dog is better so she can do the treats experimenting to find a treat that dog will accept from her and possibly build a craving for said treat. Not knowing you personally I cannot gauge your personality, if you find yourself getting angry or upset get as far away from dog as possible. You cannot force dogs or people to like you. As stated above dogs are forgiving, you just got to be patient.