Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey everyone,

I have a 13 month old female German Shepherd that I have had since she was 8 weeks old. Every time she walks over to me and I call her name (when she is 3-8 feet away from me) she drops to the ground and lays on her back with her tail wagging. Sometimes she pees and depending if she is on a wooden floor or carpet it is sort of a pain. Does this seem odd to you guys? Do you guys think that she is just really excited to see me?

Thanks

She is perceiving you as dominant, and you need to soften your behavior and appearance so she will be more confident in coming to you. Lean the top of your body backward. Try looking above her head as she gets close, rather than making eye contact. Try turning and walking or running away to excite her to follow you, and then turn and stop for her to come.

Smile, use a happy voice, give rewards to her for coming to you. This sounds like a very good dog. If you get on the right wavelength, she may be wonderful.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

The technical term for what you are describing is "submissive urination." Follow Kathy's advice and things shoudl turn around for you two. One important thing about this is never scold your pup for this type of behavior. It really only makes it worse. Trust me, I've dealt with a dog that has done this for over 15 years (not mine) and her owner never took my advice and she never got over it- it only got worse.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas

Thanks for your help. But isn't it a good thing though that she see's me as being the dominant one, leader of the pack?

>>Thanks for your help. But isn't it a good thing though that she see's me as being the dominant one, leader of the pack?

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

Here is a link to an article I wrote that may help explain:

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1666&S=1&SourceID=47

Being the leader is a good thing. It's also a complex thing. The article explains.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47