Miss Marple Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 We found a dumped Shih Tzu Pug cross on Sunday afternoon. She has fit in well in every way. We are currently looking for her a new home. I was cleaning up the kitchen this morning and noticed some lamb bones from last night (boys didn't do a good clean up job) and thought she might enjoy one. I took her outside and put the bone on the ground. She sniffed it, looked at me, tucked her tail and took off. She ran into the woods and won't come back to me. Any clue as to why she did this? I hope I can get her back because I have several folks who would like to adopt her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houseofkids&pets Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 So, she left the bone?? I guess I would understand if she grabbed the bone and then took off. Very strange. No advice for you, but I thought I would give your post a bump since it seems like there are quite a few knowledgeable dog owners on here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellers Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 (edited) My guess would be that she lived with other dogs with food aggression. Edited January 27, 2012 by Shellers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vettechmomof2 Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 too many possible reasons but please do not give a dog a cooked bone EVER! have you been able to get her back yet? If you are trying to find a home for her I would also recommend keeping her in a fence or on a leash for now for her safety as well. Thanks for trying to find a home for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
celticmom Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 I would venture to guess that she has either been punished by a person or attacked by another dog for eating a bone. I would remove the bone since it scares her and sit maybe even facing away from her and see if she will approach you after a while. IME sitting and letting them approach you is the easiest way to catch a frightened dog that knows you. It may take a while. If the weather permits I would sit on the ground and read a book. she will probably eventually come to investigate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Marple Posted January 28, 2012 Author Share Posted January 28, 2012 (edited) Update: We live in the country and have lots of land and woods. She took off into the woods but stayed where she could see the house. I went back inside and left her for about 15 minutes. When I went back she was near the patio. I sat on the concrete playing with the poodle and eventually laid down in order to appear totally non-threatening and the shih tzu came up and sniffed my foot, tucked her tail, turned and ran away again. I think the problem was my foot, not the bone. I think she has been kicked around. When I gave her the bone she was facing the opposite direction. I got her attention to show her the bone and then I nudged it towards her with my foot. My foot was possibly about 6 inches from her head. I think she thought I was going to kick her. After several hours of working steadily with her, she would let me pet her...but she was still very tense. PReviously she followed me everywhere always asking for attention, licking my hands, etc. After this she tolerated me. We left for the afternoon, we left her outside with the big dogs, and when I came back in the late evening she was totally back to normal. She has never offered to snap or growl - she just avoids. I have a vet tech with 2 older boys who is interested in her. I think that would be the best home. Several others want her as well, but I'm just so worried that they won't understand that she needs patient loving...I have re-homed so many dogs and I get too attached to them. This one needs to go soon or I'll have a zoo around here! Edited January 28, 2012 by CynthiaOK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OLG Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 What a sweet looking pup! So good of you to take her in and find a new home. Coming in late, but I was going to suggest what you already determined - she was likely previously kicked. My Mom always took in strays and that behavior was exhibited by a few. The new home you have selected sounds perfect! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 Update: We live in the country and have lots of land and woods. She took off into the woods but stayed where she could see the house. I went back inside and left her for about 15 minutes. When I went back she was near the patio. I sat on the concrete playing with the poodle and eventually laid down in order to appear totally non-threatening and the shih tzu came up and sniffed my foot, tucked her tail, turned and ran away again. I think the problem was my foot, not the bone. I think she has been kicked around. When I gave her the bone she was facing the opposite direction. I got her attention to show her the bone and then I nudged it towards her with my foot. My foot was possibly about 6 inches from her head. I think she thought I was going to kick her. After several hours of working steadily with her, she would let me pet her...but she was still very tense. PReviously she followed me everywhere always asking for attention, licking my hands, etc. After this she tolerated me. We left for the afternoon, we left her outside with the big dogs, and when I came back in the late evening she was totally back to normal. She has never offered to snap or growl - she just avoids. I have a vet tech with 2 older boys who is interested in her. I think that would be the best home. Several others want her as well, but I'm just so worried that they won't understand that she needs patient loving...I have re-homed so many dogs and I get too attached to them. This one needs to go soon or I'll have a zoo around here! I think you are right about your foot. I'm sure you've told the vet tech about it but in case you haven't, make sure you do! Poor doggie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Marple Posted January 28, 2012 Author Share Posted January 28, 2012 I think you are right about your foot. I'm sure you've told the vet tech about it but in case you haven't, make sure you do! Poor doggie. Yes, I've been telling anyone who expresses an interest. She really is the sweetest thing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mooooom Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 a lot of small dogs are kicked accidentally. They are just at the right level for it to happen. I've never met a small dog that didn't have a healthy respect for feet, and constantly on guard to keep out of the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mothersweets Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 She is cute! Hope you find a happy home for her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 28, 2012 Share Posted January 28, 2012 She is amazingly cute! I'll bet you're right about the kicking thing. It's so good that you had the patience to get her to come back to you, and that you were able to figure out what probably scared her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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