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I own a four year old female rat terrier named Tinker Belle. In the past week she has developed a strange new beahvior. She is refusing to go outside. When I let her and our other two dogs out she sits in her cage and shakes. When I try to coax her out she snarls at me, but never growls. I have tried everything from putting their water dish outside to walking out with her, but she always runs for the door to get back in. She used to love going outside, I have never had to make her go out before. She used to love to play frisbee with me outside. Please help!

>>I own a four year old female rat terrier named Tinker Belle. In the past week she has developed a strange new beahvior. She is refusing to go outside. When I let her and our other two dogs out she sits in her cage and shakes. When I try to coax her out she snarls at me, but never growls. I have tried everything from putting their water dish outside to walking out with her, but she always runs for the door to get back in. She used to love going outside, I have never had to make her go out before. She used to love to play frisbee with me outside. Please help!

It sounds like something happened to her outside that she thinks will be repeated. Is this only when she goes out in the backyard or is she frightened no matter where you take her outside? Is it possible that the other dogs were picking on her? If it only happens when she goes out in the backyard, you might want to take her out the front and gradually walk her around to the back. You might also want to try taking her out by herself and see what her reaction is. I hope you find the problem. Perhaps others may have some different suggestions.

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Mary Lou & Katie

sometimes a dog will act strange because she is in pain. I'd consider having your vet check. It could be she sprained a muscle. I will add that read recently that the no. 1 injury that dogs get, is a sprain from playing frisbee. We've made a special effort to throw low.

also, have been hearing about 'black-flies' that are particularly bad due to the weather in certain areas.

could there be someone shooting in the distance?

that covers my personal experience with similar situations. sorry you are having this problem, its hard to deal with , I know.

do let us hear, hope she gets over it soon. BTW love the ratties - have 3 that may be mixed rats.

>>I own a four year old female rat terrier named Tinker Belle. In the past week she has developed a strange new beahvior. She is refusing to go outside. When I let her and our other two dogs out she sits in her cage and shakes. When I try to coax her out she snarls at me, but never growls. I have tried everything from putting their water dish outside to walking out with her, but she always runs for the door to get back in. She used to love going outside, I have never had to make her go out before. She used to love to play frisbee with me outside. Please help!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Are you using an invisible fence?
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com