Lola - car and other issues

Hi All

I posted this week about Lola shaking uncontrollaby in the car, this has been going on for about 4 weeks but she was always fine prior to this.

She has also become very very nervy: when out on walks if we meet another dog she lays flat on the floor, slightest noise she jumps out of her skin and also she has now started crying if we go out of the room and leave her. She follows me and my hubby round the house, if we are both in the same room with her she is fine, but if one of us moves shes up staight away. She loves her food but if I put food down, she starts eating it and if I open the kitchen door, she bolts straight after me!? If we say "go lie down" or "go in your basket" she lays flat down on the floor and sort of slinks towards us as if she is scared of us. We have never smacked her or anything like that so I don't know why this is happening.

I got a DAP collar from the vets yesterday so I am hopin this will help but if anyone has any other ideas or knows why. I would appreciate your help and advice.

I would say that something has really spooked her at some time, and she's struggling to cope with it.

The DAP may well help. You could also try some lavender essential oil - just rub a drop or two on her forehead & a little more on her chest. It's a very soothing herb, and may help to calm her. Also, a Thundershirt might help.

Whatever you do, don't sympathise with her. Act as though everything's normal, because otherwise you'll reinforce the fact that there's something to be scared of.

P.S. How old is she? I can't remember!

Hi

Thanks for your reply. She is just over 8 months old.

She has had the collar on since last night & she does seem a bit calmer. Still shaking and panting in the car today though.

Hopefully the collar will do the trick.

Is it possable that we could be making her this way by paying her too much attention?

The best thing to do is to act as if everything is normal. If you give her attention she will think her behaviour is appropriate

i think Caryll is right. sounds like something spooked Lola

is this the same lola that bit the other week. have you acted different towards her or anyone else. they can pick up on the change in our moods and behaviour. perhaps she sensed you were fed up with her the first few days and has now worked herself up into a frenzy that she doesnt know how to calm down. you shouldnt praise teh scared behaviour. if a child is scared you can hug it and tell it its ok and the child will be fine a dog doesnt rationalise like that and will take the hug as it being ok to feel like that and so you will not be helping. praise normal behaviour and ignore the scared. dont stop her from sitting next to you but dont pet her while she's in that state. while out on walks if she gets scared turn around and walk away from what ever scared her untill she has calmed down then praise her. the trick is to show her the flight option is there. if you dont like it you can walk away. also oily fish like sardines or mackerel in oil. apoarently there is a chemical in the natural oil of the fish that helps the dog produce dopamine which is a natural calming agent this will also help to calm her a little. just one fish per day which is ok cos theres 3 in a tin. i split one tin between my 2. have you thought of seeking advice from a behaviourist

Thanks everyone for your replies. I will just ignore and hopefully will work.

Julie - no this is a different Lola, she has not bitten, thanks for advice.

figured the Lolas out now just had a good look