Help me with Lucy!

[Lilli]

Hi everyone! We have a Beagle, Lucy, who is 2 years old. Poor little thing has always been very fearful and jumpy. Scared of her shadow, noises, anything new in the house, etc. We got her when she was 'supposedly' 10 weeks old - but we think she came from a bad environment and maybe taken from her mom too soon.

Here is my problem.... we just relocated from Virginia to Florida - about 2 1/2 months ago. Our other dog, a lab, adjusted very well to the new house and surroundings. But poor Lucy is still a mess. All she wants to do is sit in her crate - and she pretty much does that all day. I've tried closing the door to the crate so that she cannot enter - so she sits in front of the crate crying to go in. I finally relent and let her in - always keeping the door open.

What can I do to help her feel more comfortable? The next step may be a trip to the vet. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Lilli

 

[reformedfan]

some dogs are just shy, it's bad breeding.

Be cautious, 'fear biters' are how this type of dog can end up. Does she tend to be esp spooky around non family members?

not really advice for this specific instance, but this could be a sign of things to come, esp if the other dog, the 'control' in this experiment is fine now. Keep a close eye on her when lil kids are over.

 

[Panther_Shadow83]

OK, this is my solution, but I kinda doubt itll work... sorry...

when i was at the shelter, they were selling a non-dominant cat to a household with a dominant cat there. my manager's advice to the person was to always refer to the cats so the dominant one feels in charge. for example, let's say the dominat one is Shadow and the non-dominant is Pyrite (their reals names, lol). what my manager said is to say stuff like "Shadow's Pyrite is eating" and stuff like that so Shadow still feels loved even though theres a new cat. what if you try this with Lucy? refer to your other dog as 'lucys dog'... is it worth a try?

 

[greenonion]

Ok, the first thing I would do is rule out any medical problem that could be causing this behavior. It very well be that she is scared and uncomfortable in the new house, but there could be something physiological causing her to hide all day. I think a trip to the vet for a check-up would be a good idea, just to be on the safe-side.

Some dogs are very sensitive. I have two black labs and one is a complete baby. He has always been this way. Moving was hard on him, and it's hard on many animals. Perhaps your beagle is the same way. Besides moving, is anything else different about your dogs routine? Are you working longer hours? Is there something in the new house that could be scaring her- perhaps a dog next door she hears barking? Are she and the lab getting along- could they be jockeying for position in the pack order?

Good luck with your beagle. Please take her to the vet for a physical, to rule out any medical condition that may be causing this behavior. And perhaps the vet will give you some insight or resources on how to help dear Lucy.

 

[Worldwide Epiphany]

Hi, Lilli

You've received some good advice here already...I strongly agree with greenonion: You need to take a trip to the vet. Ask around and find a good one in your new area. Ruling out physical causes is the first step...though it is unlikely, sometimes this can be true. If she checks out ok, some vets may prescribe a mild sedative, and this can be a good option for some animals. In my experience, Acepromazine is a little too drastic...I've seen better results with low doses of Diazepam (valium). It is inexpensive, and could help solve the problem. Don't think of it as a cure, however, just as an aide in "getting her over the hump" so to speak.

I have dealt with animals who had similar problems...I fostered a Golden Retriever who was fearful of EVERYTHING after coming from a home which had him very isolated and neglected. I know this is not the case with Lucy, however, the same as people, each animal has its own personality, and some are more sensitive than others to things which may be very very subtle to us.

So. What can you and your family do to change her behavior?

First of all, I would suggest moving her crate to a central "traffic" area of your home. (I know this is obtrusive, but it is a start at getting her accustomed to being in the social mix of your household.) Leave the door of it open, so she has the option of going in and out as she pleases.

Now, this next part is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.
DO NOT try soothing her or coddling her when she acts fearful or retreats to her crate. I know this is our natural reaction, but to Lucy this appears that you are approving of her behavior, and is only reinforcing how she is acting. When we use high pitched voices or soothing tones, petting, gentle attention, coaxing...all of these types of responses to her behavior are only reinforcing what she is doing at that moment, and she will be taught that it is not only acceptable, but desired behavior. I am not saying to scold her, because that won't work, either. What you need to do is IGNORE it. Treat it as "matter of fact" and don't let her behavior control your responses in any way....go on about your business and let her figure out on her own that this behavior will not alter her environment at all. I know this is difficult, and may seem harsh, but it is the only way that she will learn this behavior won't "work." When she does come out of her crate, don't make a big deal about it, just matter-of-factly greet her in a pleasant way if she comes to you. If she stays out of her crate for a while, some "happy play time" in short doses, as well as calm praise or petting is good. Just remember not to overwhelm her. Be patient and consistent, and I know you will begin to see a change in her.

And, as with anything in life, put it in God's hands, and I know He will help you solve this problem.
Good luck, and let us know how things are going!

 

[Anna N. Amos]

After ruling out any medical problem, there is a great thing to calm her down called Bach "Rescue Remedey"

Do not giver her "ACE" which is usually what vets give as it can give them seizures and my holistic vet does not reccomend it.

Dolisis also has a thing called "calm" for dogd and cats.
It works as well, we use it during thunder storms as two of our dogs freak.

 

[Anna N. Amos]

Bach rescue remedy has been used on race horses.

You see "ACE" is like a tranquilizer and that frightens them as they do not know why they feel "weird" but BACH just takes the edge off and they are still in charge of their facilties:
http://www.rainbowcrystal.com/bach/floweran.html

http://www.shetla.dk/bach-uk.html

http://shanti.com.au/essence/bachflowers.htm

 

[Anna N. Amos]

Some bad info on ACE

http://www.jlhweb.net/BOSS/ace.htm
There is one drug used in anesthetic protocols that should not be used on the Boxer. That drug is Acepromazine, a tranquilizer that is often used as a preanesthetic agent. In the Boxer, it tends to cause a problem called first degree heart block, a potentially serious arrhythmia of the heart.

In older dogs it causes seizures and there are other animals who have had serious problems

 

[hazeleyes80]

You might want to consider consulting a dog behaviorist. I've seen that show the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel a bunch of times, and it seems like every time there has been a fearful/shy/jumpy dog, the owner was somehow (unintentionally) reinforcing the behavior, thereby making it worse. The dog behaviorist on the show (Cesar Millan) was always able to fix the problem (on the shows I saw), so maybe someone in his profession could help you.

 

[Worldwide Epiphany]

Actually, ChristianGradStudent, you're absolutely correct. (see my above post) And unknowingly, Lilli has already consulted a canine behaviorist of sorts...me!! LOL!! I was a veterinary technician in a very busy urban practice for over 25 years, and dealing with behavior issues went along with the territory.

I also reiterate what I said about light sedation in my above post, (and Anna pointed out), that Acepromazine is too drastic an option in my opinion. And, in fact, you may not need to use ANY sedative at all...THE most important factor is that you do not reinforce her unwanted behavior, and gently reinforce her positive behavior.(as posted above).

And, by all means, if your new vet knows a behaviorist, a consult may be worth a try, but be aware it is quite pricey!! A good veterinarian is a great resource on behavior issues, also. Ultimately, no matter what consultation you opt for, the real deal is up to you to enact at home. There are no magic cures, unfortunately....but, certainly Lucy is not beyond help.

Again...God bless, and keep us posted!!

 

[Lilli]

Thanks to all of you for your words of advice and comfort. We are goin gto the vet this week. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks again!

 

[littlelillybug0819]

I say just try and play with her out of the cage as much as you can. Try to make her feel as loved as possible. Take her to new places far away from the "safe" spot. Encourage her as much as you can. Give her treats and let her know it's ok to be in a diffrent spot.

 

[Anna N. Amos]

I also saw a show where the animal behaviorist had the family play some of those "natural sounds" like rain forest and storms and sit with the dog telling her it is okay. And they contineued to show the dog that there was no reason to freak at these sounds the dog eventually became "okay" with the storms.

 

[Lilli]

Well, well. Who would of thought! I took Lucy's blanket out of her crate last night to wash it - and she hasn't gone back in the crate since. Looks like she is has a 'security blanket'. So, today I am going to leave her 'blankie' in the family room and see what happens! Sould be interesting!

Thanks to everyone for your input and ideas! They have been great! I'll let you know how the blanket dilemna goes.

God Bless,
Lilli

 

[Worldwide Epiphany]

LOL!! How funny! A "security blanket"!! (Maybe her name is really Linus?!)

Let us know how it goes, Lilli! God bless you and little Lucy, too.