I must be crazy

BklynCwgrl · 11-07-2009, 07:34 AM

The other day my husband was reading the local advertisement paper and came across an add for the kind of dog I've always wanted at a rediculously low price. So, on the spur of the moment, he went and got this adorable girl:

Now...she's just the sweetest thing. We named her Lola. She's an English Mastiff.

Now to my problem. I realize we JUST got her. This will be her second day here. However...she's the most timid dog I have EVER EVER had. And I don't know what to do. She's terrified of the big boys...Axle and Sammy...so we've kept them apart. She doesn't like going outside. She was out all day with Dennis yesterday...but we had to drag her outside first. Then last night, once she came in, she didn't want to go out. We dragged her out again...she walked around, then seemed to be afraid of the dark. Dennis practically had to drag her back down to the house in the dark.

She sleeps on her little blanket peacefully and quietly. But she won't go out to pee or poop. Last night she pooped in the house...right by the door. I just tried to entice her to go out...she won't. Dennis is taking the big boys out and then we will drag her out.

She WILL NOT WALK ON A LEASH. I have taken my other dogs to training...so I think I understand how to use treats to get her to walk on a leash. She plunked herself down and wouldn't move. I kept the leash on her, and let her drag it around to get used to the weight...she wouldn't move.

I tell you, this is beyond my experience (and maybe my patience). I just do not know what to do. She truly is a sweety pie and I don't want to give up. It IS only day 2. When do I decide if she's not a good fit for my household?

HELP!!!!

qtrhorse1993 · 11-07-2009, 07:36 AM

wow! big dog...very nice!!

Stormy's Human · 11-07-2009, 07:42 AM

Is she a Mastiff? Very pretty girl! Love big dogs!

BklynCwgrl · 11-07-2009, 07:45 AM

Was just checking the pictures...added more to the post.

pasomystic · 11-07-2009, 08:18 AM

Poor girl. What people do not realize is that mastiffs are sensitive--she has been abused and is almost shut down from it--whether physically, verbally or both. If she were mine, I would likely give her a heated kennel space just large enough to sleep in with a dog door to the outdoors. This could be a well built dog house attached to the house or a crate that opens to a dog door or people door and not the rest of the house. Perhaps a porch area baby gated off from the rest of the house, and small enough to make her not want to "go" in her sleeping area.
This would be where she would sleep while you are teaching her you are not like the people who created her problems. When you are home, she should be attached to your waist and "help" you with every day tasks, with lots of encouragement. The fact that she will not walk on leash means she has taught herself that she does not have to--sitting works.

She will need to learn that all food and treats come at the end of a short walk onleash.
She will need to be treated as if she is a new nervous pup, [which in her mind she still is] and enticed at every step with soft words and encouragement--loads of loving.
She can come around, but now you know why she was so inexpensive. This will take a lot of work, but if you can do it, she will become very attached and loyal. She is a beauty.

Larwoodgal · 11-07-2009, 08:30 AM

Pasomystic, you nailed it. Poor Lola. As Pasomystic said, adjust to poor Lola, be very patient, slow, and encouraging. CELEBRATE her small victories, and soon you'll see her smile. If she does not know how to be hand fed, teach her (praise her for taking treat, at first

). Try not to drag her anywhere, take it slower (if possible), or bring the mountain to Mahomet. She's lucky you found her.

BklynCwgrl · 11-07-2009, 09:11 AM

Frankly, I doubt that she was abused. My husband saw the place when he went to pick her up. They are a reputable breeder. He said she was happily playing around with her family. She was inexpensive because she was one of the two remaining pups of the litter, and with the economy the way it is, the breeder couldn't get top dollar from her. Of the two pups, she was the more "laid back". The other one, according to my husband, was hyper. I CHOSE the more laid back one. Didn't think "laid back" meant scared.

I would love to keep her with me all day in the house...but since she won't walk on a leash, that's difficult.

She's also very content to lay on her blanky...

P.S. Dragged her out this morning...and she was walking around more happily...AND SHE PEED OUTSIDE. TWICE!!! And boy did I make a big deal about it for her!!!

Gotta Love Duns · 11-07-2009, 09:31 AM

She is beautiful, I'm sorry brooklyn I don't have many words of advice but hopefully she settles in, in a few more days.

kanoo32 · 11-07-2009, 09:52 AM

*no, i did not just read the new dog is a bad fit thread, and I am on the list to get a new dog in my household

*

BklynCwgrl · 11-07-2009, 09:57 AM

What? Kanoo? I don't understand

kanoo32 · 11-07-2009, 10:09 AM

Oh, I am in the process of getting a fifth dog, and I am unsure about it, not wanting to be spread to thin, but I must do something to help this dog so I am praying that she is going to be a good addition and not too much trouble. Here is your thread and I read it and you are going through my worst nighmare!!

all4qh · 11-07-2009, 10:36 AM

If she was happy, open and friendly in her breeders home, she will likely come around for you too, the move might have just scared her A LOT.
Lots of time and encouragement, she'll open up to you

snwflk · 11-07-2009, 10:42 AM

OH I just love her! My bella was scared.. she had NO life in her eyes when I got her ..but mine was abused so she had every right to be scared.. but LOTS of goodies.. and she learned to be the best behaved dog I'd ever owned so far!.. SHe'll come around.. she is just adjusting to her surroundings give her a week or so an she'll be BOUNDING around the house.. But they are such sweet lugs.. YOu be just fine!

sherriawright · 11-07-2009, 11:59 AM

You didn't say how old she was,(and if you did, sorry, I missed it) but perhaps she doesn't walk on a leash because she was never taught to? If she wasn't abused, then perhaps, not socialized? A puppy that is kept in one place and never taken anywhere to experience new situations will not be able to mentally handle new situations quickly.

BklynCwgrl · 11-07-2009, 01:00 PM

Well...I take it alllll back! After some pushing and prodding...she DID start to walk on a leash...in fact we did some heel work...VERY LITTLE...just didn't want her yanking me around...and sitting when we stop. She was excellent! Haven't let the big dawgs out yet though.

pasomystic · 11-07-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sherriawright

You didn't say how old she was,(and if you did, sorry, I missed it) but perhaps she doesn't walk on a leash because she was never taught to? If she wasn't abused, then perhaps, not socialized? A puppy that is kept in one place and never taken anywhere to experience new situations will not be able to mentally handle new situations quickly.

Just what I was thinking--if she was an older pup she may not have enough experience to understand what was being asked of her at first. She obviously is trying now, and relaxing a bit more.

BklynCwgrl · 11-07-2009, 01:21 PM

She is 6 months old. I guess it's just my own experience. I've had a bunch of dogs...but I either got teeny weeny puppies that I could teach from square one, or already adult dogs. So Lola is somewhere in between.

Now I've created a monster...she was perfectly happy to lay in the kitchen all by herself...but NOW...she started crying when I left her there...so I had to bring her in the den. She's laying by my feet now.

However, I can't leave the house! LOL The boys are out, so I can't bring her with me...and I'm afraid she'll bawl her eyes out if I leave her alone.

Dennis and I have to go out tonight...we're thinking of taking her and leaving her in the car. Dennis took her yesterday, and she seemed to enjoy it. What do you think?

Mav2007 · 11-07-2009, 01:28 PM

She is young, it's a new environment, new people, new this, new that. I'm sure she'll come around with some consistent training and stability in her daily life.

Why do people assume a timid dog is an abused dog? My dog was very timid at first too, but he came around in a few weeks and his timid personality lessoned and his "I love people" personality bloomed. He was definitely not abused and he was about 4 months of age when I got him. Dogs are like people, they all have different personalities.

kanoo32 · 11-07-2009, 01:28 PM

She is soooo cute!!! That is a HUGE baby you have on your hands there..

scrapchick · 11-07-2009, 04:27 PM

I agree with the others, if she lived all of her six months at the same place she was born, she just doesn't know what to do in a new place. Give her a couple days to adjust, I'd bet she'll be just fine.

How long would you have to leave her in the car? Maybe she is kennel trained?

She is adorable, too....she reminds me of a GIANT version of Holler....and she's only six months old....

.

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11-07-2009, 07:34 AM
BklynCwgrl Started Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 2,784	I must be crazy The other day my husband was reading the local advertisement paper and came across an add for the kind of dog I've always wanted at a rediculously low price. So, on the spur of the moment, he went and got this adorable girl: Now...she's just the sweetest thing. We named her Lola. She's an English Mastiff. Now to my problem. I realize we JUST got her. This will be her second day here. However...she's the most timid dog I have EVER EVER had. And I don't know what to do. She's terrified of the big boys...Axle and Sammy...so we've kept them apart. She doesn't like going outside. She was out all day with Dennis yesterday...but we had to drag her outside first. Then last night, once she came in, she didn't want to go out. We dragged her out again...she walked around, then seemed to be afraid of the dark. Dennis practically had to drag her back down to the house in the dark. She sleeps on her little blanket peacefully and quietly. But she won't go out to pee or poop. Last night she pooped in the house...right by the door. I just tried to entice her to go out...she won't. Dennis is taking the big boys out and then we will drag her out. She WILL NOT WALK ON A LEASH. I have taken my other dogs to training...so I think I understand how to use treats to get her to walk on a leash. She plunked herself down and wouldn't move. I kept the leash on her, and let her drag it around to get used to the weight...she wouldn't move. I tell you, this is beyond my experience (and maybe my patience). I just do not know what to do. She truly is a sweety pie and I don't want to give up. It IS only day 2. When do I decide if she's not a good fit for my household? HELP!!!! __________________ Robin Last edited by BklynCwgrl : 11-07-2009 at 07:45 AM.

11-07-2009, 07:36 AM
qtrhorse1993 Yearling Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Johnstown, New York Posts: 706	wow! big dog...very nice!! __________________ The world meets no one half way, but your horse will meet you all the way.

11-07-2009, 07:42 AM
Stormy's Human Coming two Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Seville, Florida Posts: 1,757	Is she a Mastiff? Very pretty girl! Love big dogs!

11-07-2009, 07:45 AM
BklynCwgrl Started Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 2,784	Was just checking the pictures...added more to the post. __________________ Robin

11-07-2009, 08:18 AM
pasomystic Coming two Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Alberta Posts: 1,935	Poor girl. What people do not realize is that mastiffs are sensitive--she has been abused and is almost shut down from it--whether physically, verbally or both. If she were mine, I would likely give her a heated kennel space just large enough to sleep in with a dog door to the outdoors. This could be a well built dog house attached to the house or a crate that opens to a dog door or people door and not the rest of the house. Perhaps a porch area baby gated off from the rest of the house, and small enough to make her not want to "go" in her sleeping area. This would be where she would sleep while you are teaching her you are not like the people who created her problems. When you are home, she should be attached to your waist and "help" you with every day tasks, with lots of encouragement. The fact that she will not walk on leash means she has taught herself that she does not have to--sitting works. She will need to learn that all food and treats come at the end of a short walk onleash. She will need to be treated as if she is a new nervous pup, [which in her mind she still is] and enticed at every step with soft words and encouragement--loads of loving. She can come around, but now you know why she was so inexpensive. This will take a lot of work, but if you can do it, she will become very attached and loyal. She is a beauty. __________________ We don't see things as they are. We see things as we are. Last edited by pasomystic : 11-07-2009 at 08:22 AM.

11-07-2009, 08:30 AM
Larwoodgal Halter broke Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tweed, Ontario Posts: 70	Pasomystic, you nailed it. Poor Lola. As Pasomystic said, adjust to poor Lola, be very patient, slow, and encouraging. CELEBRATE her small victories, and soon you'll see her smile. If she does not know how to be hand fed, teach her (praise her for taking treat, at first ). Try not to drag her anywhere, take it slower (if possible), or bring the mountain to Mahomet. She's lucky you found her.

11-07-2009, 09:11 AM
BklynCwgrl Started Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 2,784	Frankly, I doubt that she was abused. My husband saw the place when he went to pick her up. They are a reputable breeder. He said she was happily playing around with her family. She was inexpensive because she was one of the two remaining pups of the litter, and with the economy the way it is, the breeder couldn't get top dollar from her. Of the two pups, she was the more "laid back". The other one, according to my husband, was hyper. I CHOSE the more laid back one. Didn't think "laid back" meant scared. I would love to keep her with me all day in the house...but since she won't walk on a leash, that's difficult. She's also very content to lay on her blanky... P.S. Dragged her out this morning...and she was walking around more happily...AND SHE PEED OUTSIDE. TWICE!!! And boy did I make a big deal about it for her!!! __________________ Robin Last edited by BklynCwgrl : 11-07-2009 at 09:21 AM.

11-07-2009, 09:31 AM
Gotta Love Duns Bombproof Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dixonville, Alberta Posts: 10,798	She is beautiful, I'm sorry brooklyn I don't have many words of advice but hopefully she settles in, in a few more days. __________________ A penny saved is a penny you can spend on your next horse. http://nightfireranch.webs.com/index.htm

11-07-2009, 09:52 AM
kanoo32 Seasoned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 4,503	no, i did not just read the new dog is a bad fit thread, and I am on the list to get a new dog in my household __________________ "Animals are such agreeable friends--they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms..." --George Eliot In Loving Memory of Spikey...My Best Friend...I Miss You RIP 1988-2009

11-07-2009, 09:57 AM
BklynCwgrl Started Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 2,784	What? Kanoo? I don't understand __________________ Robin

11-07-2009, 10:09 AM
kanoo32 Seasoned Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 4,503	Oh, I am in the process of getting a fifth dog, and I am unsure about it, not wanting to be spread to thin, but I must do something to help this dog so I am praying that she is going to be a good addition and not too much trouble. Here is your thread and I read it and you are going through my worst nighmare!! __________________ "Animals are such agreeable friends--they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms..." --George Eliot In Loving Memory of Spikey...My Best Friend...I Miss You RIP 1988-2009

11-07-2009, 10:36 AM
all4qh Halter broke Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 76	If she was happy, open and friendly in her breeders home, she will likely come around for you too, the move might have just scared her A LOT. Lots of time and encouragement, she'll open up to you

11-07-2009, 10:42 AM
snwflk Started Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,463	OH I just love her! My bella was scared.. she had NO life in her eyes when I got her ..but mine was abused so she had every right to be scared.. but LOTS of goodies.. and she learned to be the best behaved dog I'd ever owned so far!.. SHe'll come around.. she is just adjusting to her surroundings give her a week or so an she'll be BOUNDING around the house.. But they are such sweet lugs.. YOu be just fine! __________________ Suzie Q

11-07-2009, 11:59 AM
sherriawright Yearling Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Pekin, Illinois Posts: 634	You didn't say how old she was,(and if you did, sorry, I missed it) but perhaps she doesn't walk on a leash because she was never taught to? If she wasn't abused, then perhaps, not socialized? A puppy that is kept in one place and never taken anywhere to experience new situations will not be able to mentally handle new situations quickly. __________________ Illinois, where our Governors make our license plates!

11-07-2009, 01:00 PM
BklynCwgrl Started Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 2,784	Well...I take it alllll back! After some pushing and prodding...she DID start to walk on a leash...in fact we did some heel work...VERY LITTLE...just didn't want her yanking me around...and sitting when we stop. She was excellent! Haven't let the big dawgs out yet though. __________________ Robin

11-07-2009, 01:21 PM
BklynCwgrl Started Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 2,784	She is 6 months old. I guess it's just my own experience. I've had a bunch of dogs...but I either got teeny weeny puppies that I could teach from square one, or already adult dogs. So Lola is somewhere in between. Now I've created a monster...she was perfectly happy to lay in the kitchen all by herself...but NOW...she started crying when I left her there...so I had to bring her in the den. She's laying by my feet now. However, I can't leave the house! LOL The boys are out, so I can't bring her with me...and I'm afraid she'll bawl her eyes out if I leave her alone. Dennis and I have to go out tonight...we're thinking of taking her and leaving her in the car. Dennis took her yesterday, and she seemed to enjoy it. What do you think? __________________ Robin

11-07-2009, 01:28 PM
Mav2007 Started Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 2,672	She is young, it's a new environment, new people, new this, new that. I'm sure she'll come around with some consistent training and stability in her daily life. Why do people assume a timid dog is an abused dog? My dog was very timid at first too, but he came around in a few weeks and his timid personality lessoned and his "I love people" personality bloomed. He was definitely not abused and he was about 4 months of age when I got him. Dogs are like people, they all have different personalities. __________________

11-07-2009, 04:27 PM
scrapchick Kid Safe Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Festus, Missouri Posts: 7,022	I agree with the others, if she lived all of her six months at the same place she was born, she just doesn't know what to do in a new place. Give her a couple days to adjust, I'd bet she'll be just fine. How long would you have to leave her in the car? Maybe she is kennel trained? She is adorable, too....she reminds me of a GIANT version of Holler....and she's only six months old.... . __________________ ....And I will sail my vessel, 'til the river runs dry, like a bird upon the wind , these waters are my sky - I'll never reach my destination if I never try ...So I will sail my vessel ,'til the river runs dry ...