Expert: Wendy Grudin - 10/9/2007

Question
We just brought our 1 year old rescued ACD mix home and she is extremely shy.  I've had shy dogs before but this is a whole new level than I've ever experienced.  She is not aggressive-shy, i.e. no growling, biting, barking, she is timid and submissive, and sedentary!  My question is...I thought that ACDs were very active?  We can only get our new pup to move if we physically do so for a walk.  When we come back she immediately lays down in one of three spots (behind  couch, behind bed, or in crate) only to move again when we have to force her back out.  Do you think we should be concerned?
Thanks for any guidance!

Answer
Patience, patience, and more patience! Thanks for telling me her age....as she is only one year old....there is hope for her. She lies down in those spots because they are safety nets for her. She does not want to walk because someone might kick her....in other words I think she has been abused in the past. Try to find a treat she really likes.....and use it to get her to move about a bit.Make sure it is something special like chicken or liver(cooked)...that you will only use for these training times. Try not to force her to do anything. Use a positive approach Go slowly...do not expect much at first. Within a year she could be a different dog. Hope this info. helps.