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Canine Behavior/Unsocialized Dog

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Expert: Cassie - 1/28/2008


Question
Good Day,
A year and a half ago we adopted a wonderful Ches/Lab cross. He is extremely well behaved in all areas.  So what is the problem? He does not interact with us in the house. My husband and I believe that a pet is family and not a possession. He just goes to his bed or couch and waits for us to call him to interact.  We have tried using treats/toys we want him to feel safe.  This is his house, if he wants to play or belly rub just come on over.  We suspect that he was raised in a dog run and beaten.  He has finally come out of his shell outside and plays, but that took a year.  How do we make him feel that this is his home and go have fun. His idea of play is to pick up a toy and just walk back and forth with it then goes and goes and lies down.

Answer
I have answered this question before. Please visit my past answers for more info regarding this issue. Thank you!

Canine Behavior

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Cassie

Expertise

My expertise lies in the fact that I've helped people with their dog's behavior since the age of eleven! I was inspired by animal behaviorist "Cesar Millan" and knew I was meant to make a difference in the lives of animals, particularly dogs. I have owned dogs all my life. I can answer questions regarding behavior, breeding, training, and raising your puppy. In most 'behavior cases', the owner is the reason the dog is misbehaving. They were thinking with human psychology, not canine psychology. They did not provide their dog with what he/she needed, or tried to 'punish' their dog like their children, by putting them in a time-out, yelling, ect. This caused the dog to be in an unbalanced state of mind, which is the exact opposite of what most owners are trying to achieve. The dogs' instincts kick in and he/she tries to take over by jumping up, excessive barking, ect. That is why I'm here. To help people live happy, healthy lives with their best friend.

Experience

I have owned animals all my life, particularly dogs. I have studied animal behavior for much of my life, and am currently working toward my goal of becoming a professional animal behaviorist. I breed Labrador Retrievers as well. My kennel name is "Happy Tails Labradors", and my website can be viewed here: http://happytails.weebly.com/.

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