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Any thoughts on being afraid of toys and being super quiet and unsure on how to play for a dachshund? (Details below.)
I adopted Shellie from an older couple (about 50's) last week 6/3. They said she's a long-haired dachshund mixed w/something else but they don't know what (if nething). My questions don't pertain 2 that though. Shellie is a true sweetheart & is very calm & tends 2 stick 2 herself. I'd almost describe it as a sort of depression. She is afraid of toys and doesn't know how 2 play. She's slowly getting used 2 it though b/c of my dad. Personally, I think she was emotionally neglected & ignored. They had 2 younger dachshunds also and they were all healthy looking and they said Shellie didn't like it b/c they jumped all over her. I just think there's more 2 the Shellie story than what they said. They acted all sad but I emailed to ask 4 her b'day & was she microchipped & they never replied. What do u guys think? Have u experienced this stuff be4 & what happened? It makes me so sad 4 her. I want her 2 be happy and a "normal" little dachshund. She's very overweight 2 btw & loves 2 give kisses.
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Shellie
on Jun 10th 2008
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in Fears & Phobias
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Answers
You should have Shellie checked by a vet if you haven't yet to make sure it's not medical. It could be Shellie was not socialized properly and ignored. Just be patient and she will probably come out of her shell (no pun intended). She may always be a little reserved and not a big play hound but with lots of love and socialization she will come around. Be sure and give her lots of praise when she interacts with the family and never, never give her physical or verbal reassurance when she is acting shy, this will only reinforce that behavior. She looks sad in the first photo on her page but she also has some happy photo's too. Good Luck with Shellie.
Jiggs CGC
answered on 6/10/08.
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Our Rosie was similar when we first adopted her. There was lots to her story that we didn't realize at first, including abuse and neglect. She was very scared and almost reclusive when we first brought her home, but eventually with lots of love and attention, she became Queen Diva of our house and very confident with people and other dogs. Just be patient with her and give her lots of love. As for the toys, Rosie never really did like toys. Just wasn't her thing.
Gracie Mae (In Loving Memory)
answered on 6/10/08.
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Lily came from a shelter last July in even worse shape. Scrawny, cowering in a crate, then in a corner. Afraid of everything.
She now is convinced that the world is a great place to be a part of.
First of all stop feeling sorry for Shellie and expect her to act like a 'normal' dog. You can't change her past, only her future. She may never be playful. Maybe some dogs aren't. Lily is my first - at least my first in 45 years.
But Lily is a wonderful walking partner and now walks with her head up high - like "Look at me, world." She is very quiet in the house, but becoming much more animated outside(Greyhound thing.)
Find a obedience class. It is a great confidence builder and having to concentrate on you in order to do well will be a real bonding experience for her.
I know you are concerned about her weight. It is important that she lose the extra pounds - for all dogs, but especially with a Dachshund's back structure.
Give her lots of love and she will come around.
Good luck.
Lily
answered on 6/10/08.
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Our two adopted doxies also didn't play with toys when we first got them. I don't think they knew what they were! The female (Shanni) was also very reserved and both were a little reclusive. It's taken a while, but both are now doing great. And Luc (our boy)? We now call him the King of Toys. The first time he actually played with a ball, I nearly cried.
For doxies, squeaky toys are great. Gets their vermin-hunting juices going!
Shanni
answered on 6/10/08.
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