Calling anybody who has a GSP and other doggy questions!

[horselover365]

My GSP doesn't fetch under normal circumstances either ,though I know lots of ones that do. We found out about a year or two ago that he only plays fetch inside with certian objects (such as his jingly ball) and he will ONLY play fetch outside if it is warm out and he will only fetch outside with his dead tennis ball, which is a ball that used to be a tennis ball but he has ripped the green cloth completely of and the ball and it is almost in half. I don't have any advice for you on that because we have tried everything and the only reason I think he plays fetch outside at all is because he had buried that ball himself and then dug it up two years later. (maybe it's the earthy smell) As for the submissive behavior, no clue. Maybe try spending lot and lots of time with her. My GSP has always been a super friendly boy.

[scrain2329]

h no fear she is PLENTY friendly haha, I'm just the only one she does it with. The carpet cleaner is getting a work out and its just awkward. She isnt scared shes very excited when she comes she just cant hold it in! before i work with her i make her go potty but still finds something to tinkle out. Well maybe thats what we will do. continue to tease her with it and play on warmer days. Maybe we just resort to anything to play fetch with. Thank you!!!

[shepgirl]

Is the object maybe too large for her to pick up comfortably? You could always try teaching her the retrieve then turn it into play sessions. Have never known a dog that won't go nuts to retrieve a tennis ball, these seem to be a favourite of all dogs. Try dabbing something tasty on the object, or do it step by step until she takes it ino her moth by herself.

[Giselle]

Unless you have a very exuberant retriever, most dogs don't understand fetch. Most dogs need to be taught fetch. In fact, a lot of dogs have to be taught how to play. It sounds like your girl doesn't particularly enjoy having things in her mouth. You can teach her to enjoy putting things and holding things in her mouth by using something like the Tug=N-Treat:

You can easily sew something like this up OR you can do it the super cheap way and use an old sock Just put some smelly liver or meat inside it and let your dog mouth it. Reward her with the food and then let her mouth the toy again. etc. etc. Over time, you can get her to hold other objects (like tennis balls or a rubber bumper) in her mouth and reward for that.

As for submissive peeing, you don't have to be super dominant to have an obedient dog. So approach her from the side and on her level. Pet her on the side and not on the head/neck. Let her "win" a couple tug of wars. Pet her gratuitously. Take some classes with her. Teach her tricks. Anything positive that you do with her will build up her confidence. She just needs to bond with you and know what you will be her calm, confident, loving leader. Also, if you know there are certain times that she will submissive urinate (i.e. when you come home from work), use that opportunity to teach her an alternative behavior. For example, when you walk into the room and she's running up to you about to submissive urinate, turn your back or leave the room BEFORE she gets to you. Wait a moment. Come back into the room. If she's still super excited and looks like she's about to pee, walk back out. Only come in and greet her when she's calmer and able to perform an alternative behavior like "Sit" or "Down" or even "Spin Around". You want to reward these behaviors, not the peeing.

[scrain2329]

Thanks Giselle,
I am not over baring to her by any means, I am on the ground completely flat when I call her. I started from a stand and now find myself all the way down calling her to stop the peeing. She just seems so submissive. petting her on the side has really started to work, lots of back, side and tummy scratches has eased her a little. I feel like part of this could be I actually tell her no when she is bad. Disciplining for jumping chewing etc. When she starts to chew or bite i give her a tennis ball right away and is helping but i tell her no. She tends to pee then as well but just ignore it hoping if i fix the bad action i wont have to discipline and she wont pee. Most of the family just says Bayley no and puts her feet on the ground, and she just jumps right back up. I firmly say no and walk away and she listens. And mainly to me only. With the lost of out last short hair so tragically i think it is a subconscious thing they are acting on to not discipline. they don't want to tell her no because what if we lose her. Its very sad and it is my conclusion to why this happening. I am the only one telling her no, and she sees me as dominate and could just be an extremely submissive dog. Even being a puppy, she has such good dog manors with my little one Kaysha. When she walks, kaysha, she goes up to her and rolls. She is 4 times kayshas size, but just drops. Its weird.
Well thanks again and hopefully this peeing spree ends!