Fearful Pup

on May 2, 2010

One of these dogs is not like the other.

One of these dogs is independent and likes to explore new neighborhoods. One of those dogs does not like to lay on the ground or be around loud, unusual, funny, squeaky, sudden, high-pitched, or abnormal noises. Ever. Evaaaa.

We decided to drive to Winter Park for dinner outside. I normally leave Maggie at home for these things, but decided to bring her.

James had a blastâ€¦

But Maggie was terrified. She began to flatten herself down to the ground so the Husband ended up carrying her to the restaurant.

Donâ€™t ask me WHY Maggie is the way she is. Maggie is intensely fearful, has separation anxiety, and gets crazy when we leave the house. She was like this when we rescued her, and weâ€™ve tried to train it out of her, butâ€¦ no luck. Caesar Milan (the Dog Whisperer) really needs to come work with her.

It was super hot out! The heat probably added to the stress on Maggie. Poor pup. I felt sort of guilty for bringing her (although James had a blast).

Ugh. Florida during the summer is no picnic. Tomorrow itâ€™s going to peak at 94!

I ordered a beer immediately. Iâ€™m really feeling the Paulaner Hefeweizens lately!

I almost ordered theâ€¦

GATOR BITES! (Obviously joking. Gator is not vegetarian. Nor does it taste good! Iâ€™ve had it before.)

But I went with: the grilled veggie sandwich + fries. I had half of everything.

Meanwhile, Maggie chilled on the Husbandâ€™s lap (Maggie does NOT do floors. Ever. Even in the house).

And then we grabbed Fro-Yo, the tart kind!

I had the Green Tea flavor with cookies and raspberries.

Oh, and before our dinner date, I had two bowls of shredded wheat while I cleaned the closets. I made great headway! Exhibit 1: Dirty. Exhibit 2: Clean. Impressive, no? I am a clean person EXCEPT when it comes to my closet. And then my motto is, if you can shut the doors, itâ€™s OK.

Any tips for my crazy dog?

{ 81 comments }

Jessica @ The Process of Healing May 2, 2010, 9:34 pm
“Maggie doesn’t do the floor” haha this post literally made me LOL!! Love it. Poor Maggie!!! One of my pets is like that and has always been. She’s not quite to the degree of Maggie but let’s put it this way, we’ve had her for about 8 years and she’s just NOW getting to the point where she lets anyone besides me touch her. Silly animals. 😉

Haha I like your closet motto. I think I may steal that… my closet is a DISASTER. But as long as you don’t open the doors, it’s all good.
Whitney@Whitinspired May 2, 2010, 9:35 pm
I have no tips! I have two completely different personalities in my dogs as well. One is a sheltie and is completely neurotic. He freaks out everytime we leave the house and barks at any and everything. He gets upset when I don’t take him on walks, but when I do take him, he barks at every single person we pass by and has no patience. He’s not mean, that’s just a sheltie personality. They can’t help it. My golden retriever on the other hand, is completely mellow and gets along with everyone. He only barks because the sheltie does, but would be silent if he wasn’t around. It’s funny trying to deal with them both, but I’ve just learned that the sheltie can’t handle certain things, and that’s ok!
- Whitney@Whitinspired May 2, 2010, 9:35 pm
  I meant he has no patience with other dogs.
Julie @ Pickley Pear May 2, 2010, 9:36 pm
Awww poor thing. Maybe the more you take her out the less scared she will be?! Great looking veggie sandwich. My aunt used to live in Winter Park.
Evan Thomas May 2, 2010, 9:37 pm
MMmm, I’m sure your veggie sandwich was better than gator would be. I imagine its really tough and gamey?
*Andrea* May 2, 2010, 9:40 pm
aww poor pup! love the veggie sandwich- looks delicious 🙂
i love your flats/sandals too! i think i have those sandals in gold that i got at tjmaxx but they’re steve maddens

i’m getting so excited for healthy living summit news. hoping i can go this year/get tix 😉 paypal hated me this summer when i tried.
- caitlin May 3, 2010, 9:31 am
  Yup! I got mine at Marshalls!
Jenna (Hello, I Love You) May 2, 2010, 9:42 pm
I wish I had some advice on the doggies! They sure are cute, though! 🙂

That veggie sandwich looks delicious! Yum!
corinne May 2, 2010, 9:44 pm
have you tried making the caesar milan noise…tssssk tssssk?? are you being a pack leader? hehe, i’m just playing, i really do not know how to help 🙁 but i bet the heat has a lot to do with maggie’s behavior today!

let us know if caeaser comes to help! 🙂
- caitlin May 3, 2010, 9:32 am
  haha i have tried calm and assertive energy, it does not work.
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) May 2, 2010, 9:47 pm
If you can believe it, it’s that hot up here in DC too. SO hot and sticky! Ugh!
jenny May 2, 2010, 9:48 pm
haha this is so funny….
we have a beautiful huskie named penny (She has the most amazing pool-blue eyes) and she is so sweet and mellow….honestly she loves to give hugs and HOLD HANDS (no joke)
she’ll lay next our other dog and put her paw over his…its so cute…she loves him

our other dog on the other hand is a tough but adorable little lapsa ahpso…i love my little buster to bits but his nickname is the GRINCH….its so funny to see how much penny loves him and how much he (the big brother) dislikes her

i really cant comprehend how ppl mistreat dogs (And animals in general)
DOGS ARE PEOPLE TOO (and funny ones at that) 🙂
Amy May 2, 2010, 9:54 pm
At least you tried taking Maggie out. If you hadn’t you’d probably feel guilty about leaving her home alone. Sorry I don’t have any good pointers.
Our dog is very outgoing and loves meeting new people and dogs, but is a huge scaredy cat when it comes to strange noises. If there’s a rustling leaf, a loud horn, or once a pig grunted at her, she drops to the ground. It’s a little funny since she’s long legged and about 60 pounds, but I’m definitely not scooping her up and carrying her anywhere!
Jaclyn May 2, 2010, 9:58 pm
Side note: love your outfit, you looked so cute today! TOTALLY jealous of the FL heat you got this weekend! I’m in Seattle and volunteered at a “MayDay” walk today at a lake and it was windy and cold!

As for the pup–I’m sorry to hear that :/ I think maybe time? exposure? Idk, I’ve never really had to deal with that with my dog.. :/
Kacy May 2, 2010, 9:59 pm
Aww, poor Maggie. Animals’ personalities are so fascinating.

I had gator once when I was in junior high. Ick!
Lisa (bakebikeblog) May 2, 2010, 10:00 pm
What a yummy looking burger!!
Matt May 2, 2010, 10:04 pm
That sandwich looks so good!
Claire May 2, 2010, 10:05 pm
aww, poor maggie! The meal looks delicious though! I cannot believe that heat, wow!
Jenny May 2, 2010, 10:05 pm
Looks like a great day of eats! Your hair looks really pretty, like Bella’s! Where’s your vampire!
- caitlin May 3, 2010, 9:32 am
  is it sad (yes) that i have intentionally grown my hair out to look like bella?
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin May 2, 2010, 10:08 pm
No tips on the dog but that picture of your hubby carrying her is SO cute. Looks like a nice little date you guys had! I love ending any day or night with fro yo.
Lisa May 2, 2010, 10:15 pm
Poor little Maggie!!! 🙁 I have a kitty like that-terrified of everything! I don’t think there’s a cure.
Kelly May 2, 2010, 10:16 pm
Haha aww poor Maggie! Such a high maintenance pup!
Heather (runningwithsass.com) May 2, 2010, 10:25 pm
my two dogs are TOTAL opposites like that too! I have even posted for help on the dog whisperer message boards ha! One is so anti social and shakes and gets so nervous and you try to pick her up and she flails around and claws you (on accident) the other one wants to play play play with anything and anyone. it’s crazy. I guess it’s like siblings/people. Me and my sister are so different!
Paige May 2, 2010, 10:29 pm
Oh gosh…now I’m seriously craving some tart yogurt. I will definitely have to get on that tomorrow!
Erica May 2, 2010, 10:36 pm
Hey Caitlyn!
Sorry to hear about Maggie’s issues. Separation Anxiety isn’t fun to deal with. 🙁 Have you thought about signing her up for a training class? Positive-reinforcment training can do WONDERS for a dog with confidence\nervous issues like separation anxiety.
- caitlin May 3, 2010, 9:33 am
  I took her to a class and the trainer told me after 4 weeks that “some dogs werent meant to be trained.” FAIL.
Amber K @ sparkpeople May 2, 2010, 10:40 pm
I have no ideas for your poor puppy. =(

But that fro-yo looks amazing! I wish we had a place like that around here. Bummer!
Kellie@obsessivelyhealthy May 2, 2010, 10:47 pm
Poor Maggie. At least she is so cute it doesn’t matter she has “issues”.
MareBare May 2, 2010, 10:53 pm
I am not any dog expert, but with our new puppy we noticed she would be kinda fearful in new places we brought her to (beach, park, downtown, etc.) So we started small- not a lot of people but new environment and we just built up from there- bigger parks, more traffic etc etc once she was comfortable and confident with the one she was at. Then afterwards we always give her a treat when we get home so she knows it was a positive experience. It may not work for everyone but it worked wonders for our puppy 🙂
Deva (Voracious Vorilee) May 2, 2010, 10:54 pm
My cat, Maggie, is afraid of new people. She hides under the bed when we have company over, and doesn’t like it when people knock on the door at all..
Camille May 2, 2010, 10:56 pm
Hahaha, I can’t begin to guess which dog in the picture isn’t outdoorsy… could it be the one who looks like it is being tortured on the leash?
Ashley May 2, 2010, 10:58 pm
It’s probably in her genes. Not saying she was poorly bred, but it’s a huge possibility coming from a shelter. I can see Maggie being a puppy mill dog as well, since she is small. Those “designer” dog breeders oughta be strung up. Both my dogs are shelter dogs. I wouldn’t have it any other way! One is very obviously purebred, but terribly put together. The other is a mutt with bad anxiety issues as well as being high strung. Still love em though!

Dogs with high anxiety can’t be fixed, unless you’re into drugging them.

Can you tell I’m a dog person? Haha.
- caitlin May 3, 2010, 9:35 am
  i think she was the product of a puppy mill and then her first owners bred her and mistreated her. you think after four years of being perfectly treated she would grow out of it though….
Jess May 2, 2010, 11:01 pm
I have no idea for poor Maggie girl, but like someone else mentioned, atleast you tried and maybe in a less busy area, she would enjoy herself. She does like the dog park, yes?

Love Gertzberry Green Tea yogurt. Still the best in my book! Jealous and now I totally am craving some!
Heather (Heather's Dish) May 2, 2010, 11:15 pm
oh man, i wish i had a good tip for you with miss maggie! our younger puppy, keira, had intense fear issues when we adopted her…but we have a really rambunctious lab that kind of trained her out of it. she still hates really loud noises and stuff, but we can take her places without issue most of the time!
Run Sarah May 2, 2010, 11:23 pm
My closet is always messy too, I find it so hard to keep clean! Dinner and froyo both look amazing. I love a veggie burger and fries on a sunny day!
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) May 2, 2010, 11:30 pm
Your dogs are adorable. Let her be crazy – it is part of her charm 🙂
Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter May 2, 2010, 11:33 pm
Awww I’m sorry about Maggy.

I just did a bit of cleaning as well. I have yet to tackle my underwear/sock/swimsuit drawer. Yikes!
annie May 2, 2010, 11:37 pm
OMG I have two dogs that are total opposite too! I just do stuff they like separately. It’s just less stressful that way.
Jenn (from j3nn.net) May 3, 2010, 12:01 am
Aww, poor Maggie! Our cats are like that, well 5 out of 6 of them. They hide whenever new people come over, an unusual noise, etc. We’re not sure why though, all of them have been spoiled to death and perfectly secure since birth. Animals have such quirky personalities sometimes! They’re such individuals, too. Well, our cats are all afraid of… everything, but they all have their own traits at the same time. It’s really funny. (we’re easily amused lol)

That veggie sandwich looks delightful. I would have eaten 100%. hehe 😀

Jenn
Kristina May 3, 2010, 12:26 am
sweet Maggie! exactly like our doxie Basil… we adopted him also, and he has HUGE separation anxiety. he also has other odd behaviors, won’t go into small spaces (and backs out of them if he does go in)… I even had to get a new food processor–my old one was too loud and Basil would run and hide under the bed.

he is the sweetest pup, though… and I try to take him with me / us as much as possible, to make him more comfortable. we use Rescue Remedy Pet when we have to get nails clipped or go to vet, etc… it really calms him 🙂

(I *LOVE* when you posts include your pups, especially Maggie…)
- caitlin May 3, 2010, 9:36 am
  basil is the cutest name!
stephanie May 3, 2010, 12:48 am
No tips, but I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one with a quirky pup! My dog is camera phobic to the extreme. She can hear the camera turn on anywhere in the house and will instantly find somewhere to hide… it’s bizarre. She also hates it if anyone watches her eat; she’ll scoop up a mouthful of food and run (usually to our bedroom) eat in private; when I first rescued her she would hoard food. I found dog food piles in my sheets and under my pillow the first 2 weeks I had her! That’s just a short list of her many endearing traits 🙂
- caitlin May 3, 2010, 9:36 am
  hahahahahha the food thing cracked me up (although its kind of sad, too)
Courtney (Pancakes & Postcards) May 3, 2010, 2:24 am
Does it get better or worse when she is around the other dogs? I had a dog with intense anxiety issues (so sad) and they recommended getting another dog… and I am pretty sure she just transferred her issues to the other pup! But once we started leaving the two of them together alone when we were out, slowly but surely it got a bit better. Poor thing. She needs to build up her courage. Maybe she should start training for a century : )
- caitlin May 3, 2010, 9:37 am
  that’s why we got james but it didnt seem to make a difference, although they love each other.
  
  dachshund on wheels!
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs May 3, 2010, 2:58 am
Awh poor dog 🙁 Do you know what happened with its’ past? My sister said go to dog training classes so she gets socialised!? I know nothing about dogs so I can’t help 🙁
My horse used to have mild seperation anxiety, so we gave her lots of food, lots of hugs and she just kind of…got over it!? It takes time i think.
D May 3, 2010, 5:56 am
I feel like I’ve posted on your blog a thousand times about knee pain, but I’m clearly stubborn and ridiculous and am now seriously sore. I was feeling vague pain a week ago (I asked you last time about how to deal after working out hardcore for a month) and so i took the entire week off apart from one yoga class. this past weekend i ran a 10k and now i can barely walk! it started to hurt right at the beginning and i knew that it would be painful if i was slow or fast, so i hauled ass to the finish just to get it over with. now it is SO SORE. it hurts with every slight movement, like it feels painful and burning almost. i have been icing lots, but i dont know what else to do. i remember you saying that after one race, you couldnt even walk down the stairs? i dont have the option of going to the doctor at the minute (student, heyyyyy), is there anything i can do besides ice and wait it out? im going to take a month off running (at least) and possible a few weeks off all exercise. do you think this would help it? im pretty sure its just runners knee, but runners knee that ive seriously aggravated.

PS i wrote you a comment a while back saying that my (unhealthy) boyfriend signed up for a race. well this was the one! unfortunately i didnt stick with him because i was in too much pain to stop and walk with him all the time, but it was awesome anyway!
- caitlin May 3, 2010, 9:38 am
  congrats on you bf finishing the race!! and you too!
  
  i would say take time off. as in, no lower body cardio. maybe you can swim at your university’s pool? also, can you go to student health? you might need a cortisone shot or something. not all knee injuries can be cured with rest or ice. be careful!
Tonyne @ The Unlikely Success Story May 3, 2010, 6:06 am
Can’t wait to see all the tips you get. Chaser is a little bit of a scardey dog too!
Kelly May 3, 2010, 6:51 am
Awww I want you to get the dog whisperer to come work with Maggie- that would be SO cool haha. I love him and I don’t even have a dog. Do you think you do any of the stuff they do on the show? Like maybe you are comfortable bringing James out but when you bring Maggie out you tense up cuz you are nervous she’ll be scared? It doesn’t really sound like it but who knows. Poor Maggie!
- caitlin May 3, 2010, 9:39 am
  i try not to convey nervousness through the leash… i dont know. i’ve watched the show a lot but i’m convinced even cesear couldn’t get through to maggie.
Emily May 3, 2010, 6:59 am
Everytime i read your blog I want to move to Florida! I’d kill to be wearing what you’re wearing there! *sigh*
Great job with your closet! I have to share ours, but we’re thinking of having to expand into another self standing one…
Amanda (Amanda "runs") May 3, 2010, 7:22 am
Poor maggie! Florida looks so awesome, except for the hot part… I love fro-yo! (especially with cookies!)
Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward May 3, 2010, 7:39 am
I’m not in florida, but it is hot here, too! My apartment is like a sauna right now.

Your closet looks great! I’ve had “clean out closet” on my to-do list for months now. Gotta get on it!
Sarah May 3, 2010, 8:15 am
I have a dachshund too and he has MAJOR separation anxiety. Right now, he as to live with my dad who has a dog because when I leave the house Charlie FREAKS out and goes into total panic mode…but with my dads dog he has a friend. I think it is the breed. Charlie is also not good with other dogs and thinks he is 10 feet tall. But they are so lovable, and so snuggly!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) May 3, 2010, 8:24 am
Slow acclimation for your fearful pup is *key*! 😀 My black lab which I was training for service work was petrified of glass stairs. I used lots of treats (cheese cubes do wonders 😉 ) and encouragement. One step earned him a shout of praise as if it was the biggest feat in the world.

That same technique might work for your pup too. Just spending a bit of time in a new spot and acting as if its no big deal could help, while dropping occasional treats. Make it fun and don’t urge him on to go any further.

Just an idea…of course, considering he’s a rescue, you never know what his past might have been to make him the way he is.

Such cute pics, by the way! They’re both too adorable. 😀
Nicole, RD May 3, 2010, 8:34 am
Poor Magster! Lily has gotten a lot more submissive as she’s gotten older, so I’m just not sure!
Christina May 3, 2010, 8:34 am
You should send a video to Cesar and see if he’ll come help! You said you tried training, maybe try a different trainer? I also like the ‘slow and steady’ suggestions you’ve gotten. Take her a few steps outside your door and give treats, be overly encouraging when she takes steps away from your apartment.
Joanne May 3, 2010, 8:36 am
You guys are so lucky to be able to bring the dogs to a restaurant. Everywhere we have gone in the N.E, pets are not allowed – not even when eating outside.

If you can keep exposing Maggie to situations that may cause her nervousness, she will eventually get over it as long as you can somehow control the stimuli. If something is too over stressful, you’ll be right back to square one. But if you take it little by little ie a short walk just approaching a crowded street but not acutally going into the crowd until she gets comfortable. Then take the next step and walk into the crowd for just a minute. Little by little.

We had a dog that suddenly got terrified of walking on floors. We tried to get her over it but finally resorted to accomodating her by purchasing cheap rugs for her to be able to cross the floor. Who can figure them out?!
Aubrey May 3, 2010, 8:46 am
We have a dog who acts a lot like Maggie. She’s just a skittish little thing. I have the Caesar Milan book if you need me to mail it to you on loan. It did help at our house.
- caitlin May 3, 2010, 9:40 am
  which book was it? maybe i’ll check it out of the lib! i wouldnt want you to pay shipping!
  - Aubrey May 3, 2010, 9:42 am
    http://www.amazon.com/Cesars-Way-Everyday-Understanding-Correcting/dp/0307337979/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272894126&sr=8-2
Naomi (onefitfoodie) May 3, 2010, 8:51 am
your doggies are so cute!! I would say let them be crazy (how old are they) as they get older, they calm down a whole lot!! or take him on a long walk so he is POOPED 🙂

gator bites?!?! wowwza that sounds crazy

and that froyo looks AMAZING!
Nicole May 3, 2010, 8:56 am
I need some of that fro-yo in my life now!

I have a dog the same way as Maggie. She has gotten slightly better since we first adopted her, as in she doesn’t mind other people as much but literally runs the other way when she sees another dog.
Nichole May 3, 2010, 8:58 am
Looks like y’all had a blast! My bro lives in Orlando and he also said it was crazy hot this weekend. I love restaurants where you can bring dogs. Beer menu looked delicious!
Gracie (complicated day) May 3, 2010, 9:04 am
At least you can pick her up. Imagine if she was a Great Dane with the same issues!
- caitlin May 3, 2010, 9:40 am
  truth.
Hedda May 3, 2010, 9:15 am
Auch, that is no fun for Maggie. I have no better advice than train and treat. Expose her for different settings and show her that it is not dangerous. Take it in baby-steps.
Perhaps ask some friends if they can participate, acting like strangers and let them give her treats?
That way she can learn that strangers are not dangerous. Do the same with the environment. Lay out some treats for her to find, and perhaps she will think that it is actually not that bad to go to new places.
Best of luck, it is not good for neither her or you that she is so frightened and get stressed!
Christina May 3, 2010, 9:29 am
Haha aww poor Maggie. The husband must have gotten a mini workout carrying her around all day!
La May 3, 2010, 9:41 am
Oh my gosh I always thought I was the only one with a pet who has anxiety issues. My cat is terrified of the outdoors, random noises, etc, and slinks low to the ground when he feels threatened. I feel so bad! I try to make him feel comfortable but he’s six years olf now and…well…lifelong habits die hard. I just try to give him lotsa love.
Paige (Running Around Normal) May 3, 2010, 10:00 am
hehehe catatonic dog:) Gotta love that. Such a cute fam!
Laurie May 3, 2010, 10:08 am
Oh poor Maggie! I wish I could give you advise for her. I have a dachshund too and he has separation anxiety also. Like the other poster said I think it is their breed to be like that. Hopefully you can get that Ceasar book and give you some tips to help her. She is so adorable!
Juli D. May 3, 2010, 10:48 am
We took in a dog recently and he has a few issues we’re working on with him (not separation anxiety though). There are some good tips here: http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/SeparationAnxiety.php
The main thing is you need to be consistent in training and realize it’s going to take weeks/months to correct the behavior but it CAN be done. Your pup will be happier in the end too and not live a majority of their life in a state of anxiety and stress. Good luck and be patient – no dog is untrainable!
Raya @ Raya Runs May 3, 2010, 11:11 am
My dog is also terrified of everything, especially new people/dogs/random stationary objects. She is somewhat big though (55lbs) and has a really mean bark-she’s part german shepherd. So everything that scares her, she just barks at, and then the people/dogs think she’s going to eat them. The stationary objects aren’t scared though. And where is that yogurt place? I wanna gooooooooo. I’ve only been to one place in winter park and I didn’t like it much…
Nell May 3, 2010, 12:13 pm
Ahh, I’ve been reading your blog for a while and just want to say the I love it! I especially love your doxie Maggie!! My family has 3 weens: a black and tan, a tan, and a pie-bald that looks like Maggie. And my older sister also has 2 weens: tan and black and tan. So as you can see, we’re kind of a dachshund family…lol.

Whenever I get the leashes out to take the pups on a walk, the black immediately runs to the cage and tries to look invisible. We had our dogs trained when they were pretty young (not like that’s lasted), and the trainer said to hold both leashes in one hand so that the dogs walk side by side. Also keep them on a short leash and to one side of your body.

Anyway, sorry for the novel – I just love weens!!! Also wanted to say that I love all you foodie/fitness stuff too, as I’m super passionate about nutrition and running.

– Nell
- Caitlin May 3, 2010, 12:15 pm
  three cheers for dachshunds!
Wei-Wei May 3, 2010, 2:05 pm
Aww, Maggie’s just adorable! I wouldn’t know why she’s so skittish though… Maybe anxiety issues? :S

I’ve been thinking about getting a dog lately, but my mom’s scared of the smell. Have you ever experienced getting a “doggy” smell in your house, regardless of how clean the dogs are? Thanks!

Wei-Wei
- Caitlin May 3, 2010, 2:07 pm
  i think the smell only occurs with larger pups? as long as you bathe them regularly it should be fine!
Emily Inside/Outside May 3, 2010, 3:30 pm
My roommate just took me to gurtzberry for my first time today! its such a cute place! i got the green tea yogurt with coconut, yogurt chips, and blueberries. delish!

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