 Barked: Fri Feb 8, '13 6:43am PST |
 | |  | | I am inspired to write this after thinking about a puppy cuddling question. I have a little dog who is somewhat needy sometimes more than others. She doesn't seem to have overwhelming separation issues, though she does whine sometimes if I am in another room and she can't follow me.
This is at least part of the backstory...some has been posted before. Dubs is a Corgi mix who was adopted as a very young pup from the Humane Society. She mixed in well with the two dogs that I already had...two very mellow labs or retriever mixes. She dominated them and they happily allowed her to boss them all around the place. She was the baby of the family.
She was socialized, but in puppy class and other activities she would become withdrawn and a little clingy. (Hiding under my chair at the puppy class and only coming out when coaxed. Often she would ball up and fall asleep.)
She didn't seem to be bothered by other dogs, but seems to prefer big dogs. Would have some really rousing playtimes with an enormous neighbor Dobie.
When she was two, I brought in a rescue dog. A female cocker who is just about the same size and age as her. It was a little tense and there were a few squabbles, that we managed to deal with and things settled down after getting good advice from Dogster pals.
Now they are about 4. Things go along well for the most part, but the Cocker has plainly become dominant. Dubs is becoming more withdrawn and will huddle in a corner during hectic moments. I would like to help her...do we need a behaviorist? I am careful not to coddle, but wonder what I can do for her to get her confidence up.
Please ask questions, because although I took my time with this, I almost surely left out something that might be relevant. And thanks for any advice you can give. |  |  | |  |
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