I have had a rat terrier for 15 months now. She is now 1 1/2 yrs old. It was spaded at 5 months. Now at 18 months it is having days were it seems withdrawn. When we approach it she crouches down as though we were to hit her. She sleeps the entire day down in the basement and if we call for her she won't come. What could this mean? Could this have something to do with being spaded?

Carolyn,
Personally, I would rule out any problems with your Rat Terrier being spayed in the past. It's been too long and not the type of problem she'd develop.

From what you say, she might be having submission issues, where she feels the need to openly abase herself or hide for safety. Do you have any young children or other individuals in the house who try to drag or push her around? Does anyone yell at her? Don't mean to be rude, but one of my dogs showed a similar behavior when a former spouse was cruel to her outside of my presence.

Perhaps you would consider taking her to a veterinarian to have any health issues ruled out?

Also, take a look around at your household patterns. Is it really noisy, a lot of yelling, stressful, chaotic? There is a fight or flight instinct in dogs, just like any animal. Her instinct might be to hide from what's bothering her. She could also have developed a sensitivity over the months and just doesn't like it anymore.

If she's doing the rolling over and peeing when you bend down to pet or touch her, change the situation. If she rolls over...just ignore her and walk away. Have her come up to you instead. Just be gentle and quiet to build her confidence up. Since you didn't go into too much detail, that's all I can guess about what is going on.
good luck,
toodles

Hello Carolyn,

The previous Post makes some serious points to consider, in particular any unkind or teasing behaviour. Equally, is the dog well? Definitely have her checked by a Vet.

I found it quite interesting how you referred to her through half of your Post as 'it', and never once by her name anyway! Equally, you mentioned she spends the entire day in the basement. So what time do you look to interact with her? Take her for walks etc.... Being a 'Pack animal', it is not normal for the dog to choose to remain separate, so something is wrong. What I am trying to establish in this paragraph is whether you do see your dog as part of your family's day to day activities. A member to train, groom, walk, relax with and enjoy. If this is not happening, your dog may have become withdrawn and depressed from being ignored.

Please do not feel angry if she is a much loved member of your family group, and you feel offended by my suggestion. Every aspect needs to be addressed. So if she is a cherished pet, then seek a Vet's advice first. If however, you feel she is just being given food and shelter, then perhaps consider finding her a more suitable home.

With regards,
Denise.

Yes I go along with the questions is someone making her frightened
when your not there, someone who might not show it when you're around.

I also go along with take her to the vet as she might have some kind of pain or something else. Definatly I would try the vet but you might also be dealing with the unthinkable that someone is not treating her well.

Unless the vet says otherwise I would rule out being spayed as a cause.

I think you have not said enough about her life to comment much more, do you mean you put her in the basement or does she choose to go there? what was she like with the family prior to this onset? what other things can you mention?

Someone might have accidentaly stood on her foot or equivilent possibilities.....all kinds of one off incidents can cause this sort of thing, it could be fear or could be a feeling of not belonging to a pack.

You know what,for the first time on this board I feel something is really wrong with this dogs situation.

Hi
Dont wish to be rude as of course none of us know you but I did wonder about you calling her "it". I havent heard anyone on this board call their dog or bitch "it" before.
Gina

Seeing how she's in High school, it's possible "it" was just a typo mistake.

Carolyn, you might consider adjusting your profile to not show your last name. Since you have your State's location listed and you are likely under 18, you don't want anyone to be able to find you by this route. It's an open site and anyone can read without registering.
toodles

I agree Ego no surnames for safety's sake. Gina
(Her age may also explain the "it" :o)
Gina

That's what I was thinking too, especially concerning the inconsistency in usage :O
:cool:

Thanks for all your help guys. I took your advice and took HER to the vet. He said she just
has a problem with heat and so she moves to the basement to cool off. I appreciate
all the suggestions and I can assure you my dog, Gateway, is treated great by all the family and even a little spoiled!
By the way does anyone know how to cancel a membership? P.S. Thanks for the tip about
the last name never even thought about it. Carolyn