Can any one help me?  I have just bought (Saturday 21st) a 2 year old cocker spaniel bitch that has never been out of her own environment or on a lead.  We are trying to get her to walk on the pavement she walks a little then she just stands frozen looking around.  When we take her up the fields on her lead she is ok.  We have tried walking her with our older cocker but still no joy.  We have tried her with treats but not interested.

Also when we are sitting she wants to stand on us/over us, what does this mean?  I know she was the under dog from where she came from, is she demonstrating her now higher level in the pack?

She doesnt now how to play either which is a shame.  She is great with our 11 year old dog and our fierce tom cat.

Well, you just got this dog and she may feel out of place or a little in shock switching homes. Do you know her history....how she was raised? Maybe she never had much of a stimulting enviornment. Give her some time to feel more at home. You'll have to find something which will motivate her....some very special treat. Or take her on her walk when she's hungry and bring some little treats to help. I bet she'll perk up when she gets to know you all better and feels more comfortable. Good luck.

That standing over you may just be her trying to figure out her "place" in the family. Sometimes it can mean she is wondering where she fits into your family. She's just unsure right now, being so new to the family. Some dogs' personalities makes them comfortable right away and some may take some time when working into a new family. Just give her lots of love and direction/guidance and she'll ease right in.

Carrie

Give her time, don't pay attention to her when she freezes - this sounds like a fear reaction, and attention will just reinforce it, but simply praise and reward her when she makes her own decision to walk with you.  It won't do her too much harm not to get regular excerise to start with, and pushing her too fast too quickly could make the job harder in the long run.

The under dog will often end up on the outside of the pack, with the alpha underneath, or maybe she's just trying to ask you for attention.  If you don't want her to do it, simply get up without acknowledging her/touching her, or direct her to where you DO want her to settle down.  It's far easier to teach a dog what you want them to do, and ask for that, than stop them doing the stuff you dont' want them to do......

MY dog wont have treats whilst out either. I found that if you get a bit of liver, cook it for the smell, and bag it. Your dog should eat little snippets of those whilst out, give it a try! :)

Here's a treat no dog in it's right mind will refuse. LOL

1 LB liver

1 egg

blend in blender or food processor until disgustingly pureed. Pour into mixing bowl.

Add 2 cups of oat flour (can use any flour)

throw in some parmessan cheese, just a little

spread in oiled 8"x8" pan and bake at 350 F. for about 1/2 hour

Cut into very eensy teensy squares and cool....then you can put into several small bags and freeze.

Carrie

Hi Carol,

I have my new Cairn for just two weeks not.  Rudi is 18 months old.  He was a "show dog" and was used to a very restricted life of a small garden, dog kennel/room and show ring.   He was never taken outside for walks and never saw the living quarters of a house.  No one ever taught him what to chew and what not to chew.  He's very much like a young puppy.

The first week I had Rudi he was impossible to walk - he pulled so hard he hurt my back.   He was so overstimulated by his new environment.   You bitch sounds just the same, although her reaction is different.  Give her time and take everything very, very slowly.   Like my Rudi, she's lost everything she knew her entire life and will take time to adjust.  

In terms of you new bitch standing on you or over you, it sounds to me more like she is looking for reassurance and comfort. 

Stacey

Thank you for your replies.  We have just come back from a week in Scotland and what a different dog, she has settled down great and is a lot better on her lead in the street.  She is getting out of this standing over us a bit more now.  She is turning out to be a great dog.  Thanks again everyone.

Carol