Anyone got some advice

[RulusMum]

I've been meaning to ask this for ages.

Lucky came to us 3 years ago this summer, she has raced and has what appears to be cigarette scars on her body, before we took her she'd bounced back from several homes for various reason non of which I believe were her fault. She's funny and oh so smart. Indoors she charges round like a bull elephant and happily plays with her toys but outside she completley changes and will only play if on her own or with us. As soon as the other hounds try and get her to play she tries to shrink into the background hugging the fence or walls to get back to me. I've tried to stop babying her and get her to join in with the others but she just can't.

I really thought time would heal what ever has her so spooked but have to admit after 3 years it isn't happening. She's such a sweetheart.

Any clues as to what I can do to help her, indoors isn't a problem at all. And in the great scheme of things it isn't the end of the world but I just feel she's missing out.

[shellie3]

Sue....how is she outside with just one dog? Maybe she could learn to cope with that for a start? Is she nervous of any dogs she meets on walks or is it just with your pack outside??

PS. I think you should post a piccie of her, though...... ;D

[RulusMum]

I've tried her with just one hound at a time Shellie and she's ok if it's little Rulu but not the big dogs. She's not nervous of other dogs on her walks and if anything is a little overprotective of "her pack" to outsiders LOL.

Such a difference to indoors when she charges around playing but outside it just doesn't happen.

will sort out a photo...

[Lisa]

I would hazard one guess to be honest Sue. As Lucky is an ex racer I would imagine that she has probably taken a few good clobbers on the track. Does she seem more defensive if they are running at her from a certain way? I have seen it a few times with ex racers and invariably when ive taken the time to back track their history if ive been in a position to they have usually had a really bad bump. This then of course makes them very wary when other dogs are thundering towards them.

[RulusMum]

yes spot on Lisa, not much I can do I think other than let her out on her own as I do to let off steam, sad really after all this time...

[loopylou]

Lisa strikes again, genius I like to read this section as I learn so much.Molly gets spooked if too many dogs are charging around her, but being Moll reacts by getting veeeery gobby.I caught on she was scared but didn't realise what of, its one of two things either her racing past,.. or the fact she was running with a few dogs and ran into a tree.I suspect its the racing as it is when they come thundering round the side of her she reacts worse, I don't let her run in the paddock at WL with the others as she freaks, but now happily laps the garden with Suggs , he used to run up and down but Moll taught him to lap and is much happier to play with him now, bless the little baggage