Expert: Liz Gregory - 4/5/2009

Question
Hi Liz, I wondered if you could ofer some advice about my elderly friend's Cavalier. He brings his dog each week to see us, as we have a very sociable Cavalier. His dog is very nervous and fearful about almost everything especially people. She constantly hides and drops to the ground if she is approached. She is totally dependant on my friend. If he leaves the room she is like a young child who is left by it's Mother for the 1st time! I took her for a walk yesterday, she enjoys walking but constantly pulls the opposite way and frightened if I go to her. She also doesn't respond to her name. I wondered if there was some kind of mental disability with her? I would be grateful of your opinion.
Regards, Anita

Answer
Hello Anita,
How sad for the poor little girl! I don't think that she has a mental disability although some dogs do have mental disabilities, so it wouldn't be unheard of. I would suspect that she wasn't properly socialized as a puppy and likely she will not get better without help. Your friend is doing the right thing bring her to see you and your dog. You didn't mention how old the dog is, I am wondering if she is a puppy or older and also I am wondering how she gets along with your sociable cavalier? She will take patience and work if you truly want to improve her, but she can be improved.
It is an excellent idea to bring her weekly to your home, and if possible more often. It is a wonderful idea for you to walk her as well. I would suggest that you watch or you tube "The Dog Whisperer". He has dealt with dogs with severe fears and has given some really wonderful advice. He really understands all states of dog behaviour. For instance, when your friends dog is cowering, he would suggest that you don't let her do that, but instead holding him with one arm, lift his head with your free hand gently letting her know that she should not be afraid but keep her head high and proud in times of stress. There is much more that goes into rehabilitating a fearful dog but luckily there is much more information on fear in dogs out there.
There is a possibility of retardation, but I would investigate other ways of helping her anyway. Dogs are instinctive animals and domesticated animals that are meant to live with humans should be socialized from birth how to be trusting and sociable with humans and other animals. When they aren't, or they have very negative influences growing up, they will have serious fear issues, even if they are Cavaliers! I am very careful to make sure that my dogs have a lot of exposure to people and animals.
Good luck with the little girl!
Let me know if you have any other questions!

All the best,
Liz