'Normal' behaviour

[FairyLightPups]

So we adopted our dog a year ago, she is now two years old. She is a rescue from abroad and had another family in the UK who treated her terribly before coming to us. I'm trying to get an idea of what we still need to work on with her. Here are some things she does that I'm trying to figure out:

• When someone knocks on the door, she barks for about a minute (although in the last month this has decreased considerably).

• She gets upset when DP and other DDog (or DDog and I) leave for a walk, even though she's with the person left with her.

• When meeting new people, she stays incredibly close to DP or I and tries to hide. After two meetings with that person, she switches completely into the cuddly sook we know her to be.

• She's terrified of cars. Absolutely terrified. A year on we're still having issues getting her in which is not ideal.

Any ideas on what is normal here, and what we can do to help her? Thank you.

Not an expert at all, but I think the first three are pretty normal behavioural traits. I don't think they need particular attention. My dog does the first two and he's not a rescue and the friendliest little creature. He still barks at the door though and gets upset if someone leaves without him, although he settles pretty quickly.

The car issue is a problem that maybe vet medication can help with? I would say that's the only big issue here.

I guess being a pendant they are all normal behaviours but all show an increased anxiety and increased stress in your dog.

I would be working on bringing more calm generally into her life and that in itself can bring more confidence to a dog.

- When someone knocks on the door, she barks for about a minute (although in the last month this has decreased considerably).

Completely normal tbh

- She gets upset when DP and other DDog (or DDog and I) leave for a walk, even though she's with the person left with her.

Pretty normal I think. Perhaps it's a case of not knowing what is happening / a bit of FOMO? I would try and set up a signal so that she understands what is going to happen - for instance, a particular chew appears, you say a specific phrase such as "see you later girl, back soon" and then exit.

- When meeting new people, she stays incredibly close to DP or I and tries to hide. After two meetings with that person, she switches completely into the cuddly sook we know her to be.

Pretty normal for a dog that's a bit worried. Mine takes a lot more than two meetings to start liking someone - I've had him 4.5 years and he's only started saying hello to my DM in the last few months...! Admittedly she doesn't really put the effort in, but...

Try not to force things too much but if, for instance, a visitor was to throw a ball for a dog that likes to play fetch, it would be a nice non-forced way to interact.

- She's terrified of cars. Absolutely terrified. A year on we're still having issues getting her in which is not ideal.

This is the most problematic - though how problematic it is will depend on your lifestyle. If you're in an urban area it'll be paralysing but if you're on a farm at the top of a mountain then it may barely be noticeable.

This is the one thing where I'd recommend contacting a APBC / CCAB / ABTC qualified behaviourist for help if it's causing issues.

Most things in dogs are only really issues if you think they are because they're incompatible with your life. For instance, barking at the doorbell is quite normal but might create a problem if you work nights and are often asleep when visitors call. But if that was the case I'd recommend one of those Ring doorbells that sends a notification to your phone instead of proper training...

Most things in dogs are only really issues if you think they are because they're incompatible with your life

I totally disagree with this. A scared dog that goes quiet when they are stressed will not cause an owner any issues (usually) but you have one very very unhappy dog.

I would always want to understand why a dog is doing something and then change things so the dog feels better

Have you tried a dap collar? Really helps our slightly anxious dog.

Wrt giving a signal when you are going out. My dog would always protest when I left the house, but one day I tried speaking to him as you would to another person eg "I have to go out now, won't be long, have to get some shopping", and he has never protested since as long as I do that.

Thank you everyone, this is hugely helpful

Glad to know some of it is a bit normal at least but yes overall I think she's really anxious. We do live very rurally so whilst the car isn't a huge issue (although we want to be able to get her to the vets etc without traumatising her!), it's still upsetting to see her so upset.

Ultimately none of the issues are really issues to us but they are upsetting for her and it doesn't feel fair to have her so anxious. We try to create a calm environment but our other dog is a bonkers collie who is the complete opposite so it can be difficult!

Happy to try things from this thread though, thank you for the suggestions so far. I'll make a note of them.

Btw she doesn't do the sad thing if DDog goes out with the dogwalker and then DP leaves the house to do something else - it's literally just when they leave the house together with DP holding DDog's lead

Hi @FairyLightPups there is a great guide to desensitising dogs to vets in the Facebook group: Dog Training Advice and Support. Worth checking out.

Make sure it is the one below as there is a fake group too.

Thank you @MerlinsButler, I've asked to join

@FairyLightPups you're welcome. It's a great group. It isn't a free for all like some so each post is responded to by admin / behaviourists etc rather than joe bloggs. There are loads of guides you will find helpful. My dog is 3 and a half now and I still always refer back to them.

I think they also have a guide on rescue dogs and decompressing and talk about how long it takes them to settle / feel secure etc that may be useful for you.