A playmate or problems

[AjaBrown]

I am wondering if I got another small dog for my small Pom would that help her to become more confident. She is currently 1 yr. and don't get me wrong she is a great dog but the other night I was in a store and we were gonna walk out the door and there she put on the "brakes". She was low to the ground and when I finally coaxed her she would walk with me. So I was thinking if we got her another brother her size, would she play with him and perhaps be a little more confident. Or could this cause problems?

[mynameislola]

Sounds like a socialization and training issue. Another dog won't fix either of those.

[NewfieGrl]

I would just continue to bring her out on a regular basis. That will give her the opportunity to get use to all kinds of sights, sounds, etc. Even things like shiny floors can cause dogs to spook and freeze. It's just getting use to those kind of things. Even if you don't need to buy anything, bring her in to browse.
Good luck.
Michele
owned by 2 Newfies, a cocker spaniel and 3 cats.

[AjaBrown]

So this sounds like it will be easy to correct? Should I let her be on leash or should I carry her? If she is on the leash do I have to keep coaxing her or use treats? Yesterday we were walking through the pet store and again she was afraid to go through the doors and scared to walk around anywhere without me having to coax her. Any suggestions would be very helpful! Thanks.

[BrinkleyBing]

I would suggest you to just ignore that behavior and keep walking. The best way to remove any bad behavior is by not encouraging it. They get encouraged by us when we give them our attention.

She has learned that when she suddenly stops...she gets attention. Take away that attention & she'll stop acting up....as soon as she figures out that it is not working for her.

Try this when you go to the pet store again. Walk out with a brisk pace w/ your dog on short leash. You can do this over & over again in the pet store.
Just keep going in & out of the store...as if it is a game. Make it fun for her. Just don’t give her a chance to put on the brakes. Give her treats only when she completely goes through the doors w/o any hesitation.

And while you are doing this…don't worry about people if they think you are crazy :p. Hope this helps!!