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SnowWa · 12-03-2006, 06:34 AM

Being submissive is a "type of temperment." And by no means does it necessarily mean that a dog was ever mistreated.

My little Yorkie is submissive and will run as fast as he can to meet a large dog - and when he gets there - he'll promptly flip over on his back and wiggle and kiss until he decides it safe to get up. He will do this over and over again with the same dogs. And - oh - he is so excited and happy whenever he sees them. And, he used to do this with every visitor that ever came here. But - now that he knows everyone, he doesn't do it as much - but still he never jumps on people. He just runs up to them and wags his tail until they notice him.

I pretty much let my submissive little dogs be the way they are. Being submissive is not a bad trait at all....it certainly is a sweet trait. But, at the same time, you don't want your dog to be afraid.

I wouldn't worry about teaching her tricks, etc. -- but she should learn to "sit" and "stay." These can can be lifesaving commands.

Try to teach her these commands with as little intensity as possible. I know at times when I have tried to teach my dogs something. I have gotten them, put them in a certain place, ask for their attention, had eye-to-eye contact, and talked to them in a little bit of a serious tone for quite a while - doing the same thing over several times. This may be just a little much for your little dog to handle..... even if you think you are being lighthearted - it is an intense situation for a little submissive dog.

So - once in a while just go to wherever your dog is, bend over, put her in a sitting position while telling her to "sit" -- and then immediately tell her she's a good girl and pet her head and go on to do something else. I think doing this several times a day would be a lot less stressful for her. The point is - that it all happend so quickly that she hasn't had time to get stressed, but she did do what you wanted - and she was praised for it too. I'll bet she could handle this - and in time, you'll probably be able to spend a little more time with her...... but don't hurry that!

Good luck! Carol Jean

12-03-2006, 06:34 AM	#15
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	Being submissive is a "type of temperment." And by no means does it necessarily mean that a dog was ever mistreated. My little Yorkie is submissive and will run as fast as he can to meet a large dog - and when he gets there - he'll promptly flip over on his back and wiggle and kiss until he decides it safe to get up. He will do this over and over again with the same dogs. And - oh - he is so excited and happy whenever he sees them. And, he used to do this with every visitor that ever came here. But - now that he knows everyone, he doesn't do it as much - but still he never jumps on people. He just runs up to them and wags his tail until they notice him. I pretty much let my submissive little dogs be the way they are. Being submissive is not a bad trait at all....it certainly is a sweet trait. But, at the same time, you don't want your dog to be afraid. I wouldn't worry about teaching her tricks, etc. -- but she should learn to "sit" and "stay." These can can be lifesaving commands. Try to teach her these commands with as little intensity as possible. I know at times when I have tried to teach my dogs something. I have gotten them, put them in a certain place, ask for their attention, had eye-to-eye contact, and talked to them in a little bit of a serious tone for quite a while - doing the same thing over several times. This may be just a little much for your little dog to handle..... even if you think you are being lighthearted - it is an intense situation for a little submissive dog. So - once in a while just go to wherever your dog is, bend over, put her in a sitting position while telling her to "sit" -- and then immediately tell her she's a good girl and pet her head and go on to do something else. I think doing this several times a day would be a lot less stressful for her. The point is - that it all happend so quickly that she hasn't had time to get stressed, but she did do what you wanted - and she was praised for it too. I'll bet she could handle this - and in time, you'll probably be able to spend a little more time with her...... but don't hurry that! Good luck! Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.