How to deal with a submissive dog

[mumofdrac]

Help! I've just started back at work and my bosses new labrador puppy who was fine with me when I dropped in to visit is now completely terrified of me and totally submissive! Tail between the legs, rolling over, licking her lips the whole thing!

I have 3 dogs myself and have never had this experience with another dog - I've seen them be submissive towards big scary looking men or other dogs but never towards me - I'm only 5'3" and not wearing a scary hat or anything that could bother her??

Everyone is having a laugh about it but I just feel really sorry for her - short of carrying sausages at all times how do I cure her of this?

I would take the approach of always being calm around her, ignore her at all times (in a confident not hostile manner).

After a while she will probably gain enough confidence to come over to you, at that time you could give her a bit of a stroke on her head and back but not too much and don't go all excited on her.

Eventually she should realise that you are not scary or exciting or anything else and settle down with you.

It would be interesting to know why this behaviour started but I am guessing you are not in a position to spend over much time on it!

THe idea of the above approach is to get her to see that you are not interested in her at all - and therefore you are not interested in scaring her either! Hopefully over time you will both develop a normal relationship. Bear in mind these adjustments of mind can take a bit of time so don't expect anything over night!

HTH

Thanks for this OldenGoldie - I've been very gentle with her but will just go for leaving her to it for now.

The thing I find most bizarre is that she was quite happy with me when I came in as a visitor last week but then went back to being funny with me when I was actually working? No uniform or anything and all my clothes, both work and non work smell of dog.

Nothing has actually happened - I didn't squish her paw under a wheely chair or anything!

Will go for the softly softly approach and see what happens - it makes me feel like a real meanie seeing her cowering every time she sees me!

poor dog, I would ignore her and if you do speak to her, don't stand over her, let her come to you and bend down to her level.

Hi new here, have you tried yawning and looking sideways? Like not looking at her and then yawning over and over at her level? This is a submissive gesture and daft but works. Also dont approach her rather sit still and wait for her to appoach you.

The yawning thing is really funny - I used this with my dogs to stop them being freaked by fireworks and it worked - almost ended up with lockjaw though!

Thanks for all the tips - I will try all these and let you know how it goes.

the yawning sounds a hoot - I must try that with my lab when the fireworks go off again... have you watched 'the dog whisperer' on tv - he advocates 'no touch. no look, no talk' be calm and confident, and stroke pup down chest below chin.

He says that by going to timid dogs and talking/ stroking/ trying to put them at ease (what we do automatically!) actually is counter productive. We have to stand back and let dogs natural curiosity bring them to us. Lucky you with a pup at work (even though its not yours). Wish I could take mine...

Good news! My bosses dad was in today (big dog lover - and dogs love him) he was very breezy and walked over to me with her at his side (not on a lead) and this seems to have reassured her a lot. She will now come to my chair for a wee pat!

She's still a bit freaked if she sees me somewhere else so I'm sticking with yawning (which makes me look like I'm really not in the mood to be at work!), not looking at her and not approaching her.

I'm still totally confused as to why she's been like this in the first place but I think bit by bit it will be fine. Thanks again for all the advice.

I am glad this is working, it is odd that she suddenly took this way with you, but I guess there are so many things we don't really get with animals that it could have been anything!

Good luck I hope things continue to improve!

Just offer her dog treats (those schmackos are good) and be friendly, hands on as much as poss without stressing her.

Bend down to her when you fuss her but don't get on the floor with her (her territory - yours is the furniture)

She will come round - bribery always works!