I have a GSD (approx 1.5 - 2 y/o) who I adopted from the local animal shelter about 6 months ago. When I first met with her she was a bit shy and submissive, I chalked it up to all the commotion at the shelter. Unfortunately, they do not let you take the dog home before they cart them off to the vet for the required spaying so I was unable to acclimate her to the home before she was traumatized by too much change too quickly.
Without fail when I brought her home the next day from the vet she was drowsy and unaware of her surroundings. I made a safe place for her to relax and come back to reality and checked on her without trying to over extend my presence. With the recent spaying came the time to give her medication (which IMO was very difficult and was one of the reasons I think they should let you mesh with the dog before forcing pills down her throat) and by giving her the pills I feel it distanced her from me from the start.
A week went by and she became a little more open but I could tell she had come from a home that mistreated her. Having had dogs in the past from all backgrounds I saw this as not much of a challenge but more of extra time to get to know her and become closer.
I would bring her in the house and for the most part she was very well behaved (I let her walk around and learn the house while keeping a distant eye on her). She would lie near where I was but would cower a little when I'd approach so I would come in gently and let her lift her head before I pet her and praised her. Even when feeding she would cower and little so I would wait until she sat up for me to pet her (and also read to pet them under their head in order to build confidence). It seemed to work, maybe I could have spent a little more time with her, but I wanted to let her get used to the place before getting too crazy.
Things seemed to (slowly) get better but one day it all changed (I was careful not to get mad at her or yell or even feel angry around her so that she would gain confidence which is why I thought things were progressing). Unfortunately, this fateful day, she began to pee... all the time.
I would go out to feed her, she would bark and yelp in excitement while waiting by the door, and when I came out with the food she would lay by her dish, full body on the floor, and pee, a lot. She would wag her tail while doing this spraying the pee all over the place but I stayed calm and directed my frustration elsewhere. She would also pee anytime I would go outside to do yard work, play with her, or just stand there.
There has not been anything out of the ordinary happen but I am out of answers. I have looked thoroughly through many forums and Q & A's to no avail. If anyone has had this happen or has any advice please feel free to voice your solutions. I will try anything right now.
Also, I used to be able to bring her in the house without worry, she would let me know when she wants to go outside to go to the bathroom, used to be able to take her in the car, and used to be able to put her on the leash as long as we were always moving (she will drop to the ground if we stop).
Sorry for the long question, I just want to get the whole story in order to help solve the problem. Thanks for the help!
Without fail when I brought her home the next day from the vet she was drowsy and unaware of her surroundings. I made a safe place for her to relax and come back to reality and checked on her without trying to over extend my presence. With the recent spaying came the time to give her medication (which IMO was very difficult and was one of the reasons I think they should let you mesh with the dog before forcing pills down her throat) and by giving her the pills I feel it distanced her from me from the start.
A week went by and she became a little more open but I could tell she had come from a home that mistreated her. Having had dogs in the past from all backgrounds I saw this as not much of a challenge but more of extra time to get to know her and become closer.
I would bring her in the house and for the most part she was very well behaved (I let her walk around and learn the house while keeping a distant eye on her). She would lie near where I was but would cower a little when I'd approach so I would come in gently and let her lift her head before I pet her and praised her. Even when feeding she would cower and little so I would wait until she sat up for me to pet her (and also read to pet them under their head in order to build confidence). It seemed to work, maybe I could have spent a little more time with her, but I wanted to let her get used to the place before getting too crazy.
Things seemed to (slowly) get better but one day it all changed (I was careful not to get mad at her or yell or even feel angry around her so that she would gain confidence which is why I thought things were progressing). Unfortunately, this fateful day, she began to pee... all the time.
I would go out to feed her, she would bark and yelp in excitement while waiting by the door, and when I came out with the food she would lay by her dish, full body on the floor, and pee, a lot. She would wag her tail while doing this spraying the pee all over the place but I stayed calm and directed my frustration elsewhere. She would also pee anytime I would go outside to do yard work, play with her, or just stand there.
There has not been anything out of the ordinary happen but I am out of answers. I have looked thoroughly through many forums and Q & A's to no avail. If anyone has had this happen or has any advice please feel free to voice your solutions. I will try anything right now.
Also, I used to be able to bring her in the house without worry, she would let me know when she wants to go outside to go to the bathroom, used to be able to take her in the car, and used to be able to put her on the leash as long as we were always moving (she will drop to the ground if we stop).
Sorry for the long question, I just want to get the whole story in order to help solve the problem. Thanks for the help!