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Thanks, Pam! I'd love for you to come and visit us! If you're ever down this way, you are more than welcome! ;)
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I have two dogs but neither are disabled but I do have some thoughts after viewing your video. Annabelle is a lovely girl by the way!
I think that part of it is that she is definitely picking up on your energy of concern and sympathy. I'm sure she may be somewhat uncomfortable but she is also likely picking up on your emotion and joining you in that.
I saw the video posted a few months ago of her in the chair when it was brand new and as you said earlier in this thread, you both were so excited and so was she. I think if you were to give her an insane amount of praise everytime those little wheels even moved an inch, she would catch on that in no way is she being punished but when she's in it she's being especially good and mom and dad are so pleased with her.
At the same time though, I read what you wrote about her quieter side and of her pure enjoyment of sitting in your lap and if she got extra amounts of lap time, even more than usual mixed in with daily cart activities then she might see that she isn't being pushed into a new way of life but just an added part to her already cozy life.
I think the traction booties are a great idea if part of the problem could be that it's just too hard to get momentum. Then again, she might hate the booties but might be worth a try.
I thought it was sweet that the other dogs were being attentive to her but it did seem that she was wishing she could duck out but just wasn't able to. And it may be that she is feeling vulnerable around the newer dogs the way animals instinctively do (hiding illnesses etc... to ensure other animals don't pick up on it). Hard to know how to fix that except by maybe allowing Annabelle alone time for an hour each day with you and the cart?
I hope that she will be able to get used to her cart and be able to enjoy that extra bit of freedom that the cart can give her on top of what must be a very loving and cozy life with you. All your animals look so happy, you obviously are a great mom!! :)
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I agree about giving her time to adapt. Also, when she starts that pining trick, as hard as it is to not do it, responding with reassuring words just reinforces the behaviour and makes her do that on purpose...just for the attention. You're sort of praising the "Sad", behaviour and so encourage it to go on even when she isn't sad, she'll act that way to get a response because she knows it works.
Dogs are adaptable creatures but she'll not learn to adapt whilst she is being praised for sitting there and whining, she'd rather carry on doing that instead.
Sounds harsh, I know. Don't give up on the wheelchair thingy and don't take her away from the other dogs. They seem to get on ok and she isn't scared of them...just ignoring them a little. She'll start to interact more once she gets used to spending time with them again.
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I was wondering if maybe she feels trapped and helpless being tied to the cart? Maybe she feels defenseless if something should happen. I did find that she looked uneasy with the whole thing. Maybe take the above advice and go about your business as if everything is fine and dandy. And if she does take a step, lots of praise and a special treat that she gets only when attached to the cart and does well. If she knows the recall maybe try calling her for a treat. If she won't come for that, place a treat 1 foot away from her so she will have to go forward to reach it....something she loves and with lots of good smell to it.
Give her a bit of time yet and if she doesn't come around maybe speak with your vet.
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Thank you for all the concern and heartfelt advice! Daddy and I both worked with her a bit this weekend, no major breakthroughs but we're trying. ;)
