Dog Training & Health

[mndfkr]

i have a miniture beagle, for the last couple of days she has had her tail tucked firmly up under her, and if you pet her lower back her butt hits the floor, she has been fixed and is 3 years old, dose anyone have an idea of what this might be all about? thanks

[Jasmer]

Tail tucked snugly between the legs is a sign of nervousness, insecurity, fear, or submission. Is her back slightly arched, with her head and butt lowered, or is her entire body carried closer to the ground than normal? These can mean the difference between fear or submissive behavior. This also means the difference in how you change her behavior. If it's fear, that's something that needs to be addressed quickly. If it's submission, there may be little you can do about it except to bolster some of her confidence.

Google NILIF and put it into effect to provide some structure that will help keep her comfortable. Work on obedience training and when you speak to her keep your voice level. Not too loud, as it may frighten her, and not too soft. Just be calm and confident and she'll pick up on that. Ignore her when she's skulking around with her tail between her legs. Any attention tells her this behavior is what you expect. She won't respond to soothing words of comfort and gentle caresses and reassurance the way a human would, the extra coddling and attention while she's nervous will generally only make her more nervous.

You can distract her with fun things to sort of bring her out of it. Does she have a favorite toy? If not, try to find one. Kong toys stuffed with peanut butter or treats work well. If she likes to chew get her some good, hardy chew toys. Take her out for walks if she's comfortable on a leash and going outside.

[meezermom]

However, IF she has never done this before and is now carrying her tail this way permanently, you could instead be looking at a medical problem.... gently palpate her abdomen and if there is tensing or such, get her to the vet....it could be a medical issue that needs to be dealt with right away or a bladder infection....but be sure first before you think training. Jas gave you great training advice.....go with that once you are sure!