Hi all,
We have a rescue kelpie cross. She is on the most part extremely loving and reasonably well behaved considering she has had little to no training. She is approximately 2 1/2 - 3yo. We have had her for 12 months. Originally as foster parents..lol
The main problem is her fear of collars and leads. She wears her collar ( martingale) constantly but when you try and attach a lead or even hold the collar she panics. Originally I had a plain choker collar but she used to strain so much she would nearly pass out unless you let go of the lead.
She is extremely wary of strangers and children, even my 2yo grand daughter who feeds her biscuits and adores her. If I put the lead on her, which I had to do the other day for a visit to the vet she immediately drops to the floor and becomes very submissive but will also try and run away intermittently. After much re-assurance she walks, crawls but only for a few yards where the whole process starts again.
The problem is after I let her off the lead. Which I do when she is as relaxed as I can get her, she runs away and will not come near me. The mere sight of the lead and she bolts again usually hiding under the house. This can last for several days.
She will play wrestle with me but try using a toy she takes it and ...runs under the house, same result with a ball. We have the devil of a job bathing her and again, once its done she avoids us like the plague. One day she will be taking biscuits (dog biscuits) out of my grand daughters hand...the next time won't come near her.
We have her in the house of an evening and she will lay on her bed as told. If I chnage rooms she follows me and will lay on the floor near me.
If I am with her she will not go outside the yard even with the gate open but allow her access to the front yard on her own and occasionally she will squeeze through the fence. Trouble is we live on a bust road and she had a near miss the other day. I wouldn't have known. When my neighbour told me she was actually sitting at my feet. I didn't even know she had been out..took her about 2 minutes.
She has obviously been mis-treated but I am at my wits end, no lead no walks, more pent up energy. Every time I try something new think it has worked until the next time..won't come to me. I cannot progress with any more obediance, socialising with other dogs even humans.
Does anyone know of a trainer who specialise in helping dogs to re-adjust after mis -treatment. What am I doing wrong because love and attention just isn't working? Any advice, suggestions would be greatfully received.
Thank you.
ps would another dog...without any problems ..who could is obediance trained ..or a puppy with no mental scars be of help.