[TypicalPisces]

I got a puppy for my kids about a month ago, she is a Lab/Austrailian Shephard mix. We got her from a lady who found her mother tied to tree while on a hike. Her litter was in a box next to her, unknown how long they were there. She seemed fine the first couple of weeks but last week she started to come sort of crawling up to us. Her hind legs stay bent with her bottom almost scooting across the ground. She really likes to have her tummy rubbed and is not eating very well. That is not to say that she is not eating, she eats just about anything she can get into her mouth. She needs her next round of shots but I think I may take her to the vet because something is wrong but my husband thinks all we are going to end up doing is paying out the nose for no reason. Do you think it is all right to wait till the weekend to get her shots.

[Sariss]

I'd try to get her in sooner rather than later, but if she is eating and drinking and acting otherwise normal then it should be OK.

What kind of food is she on? (brand, etc)

[shazamataz]

It sounds diet related, I have seen a few dogs who's legs are as you described and it was purely caused by the food they were getting as puppies.

I think it would be OK to wait until the weekend, as long as she is eating and drinking a few more days isn't going to hurt.

I am also curious as to the brand of food.

[Catsmine]

Whipworm check

[TypicalPisces]

Well, I really don't know all that she is eating. You see, my 4yr. Old daughter is perfect height for snatching any, and everything she happens to be holding... edible or not. So she has become accustomed to people food on a quit regular basis. We tried to keep her away but she finds EVERYTHING. Diapers, crayons, shoes, socks... my underwear! I was thinking maybe worms of some kind and she is really just trying to itch her behind? She seems to only do it when approachin youg

[shazamataz]

Ahhh OK I read that as she was bending her legs all the time, not just on occasion.
Scrap my suggestion of diet.

It could be behavioural, does she throw her ears back and seem scared when approaching people?

Of coarse worms are always an option worth looking into as well.

[TypicalPisces]

Thank you all for your help... You know, she does put her ears back, also lowers her head a bit. She started doing it with my husband, and then today she absolutely refused to go anywhere near him for no apparent reason. Now this is a dog that is primarily driven by food. My oldest daughter and I were trying to get her to go to daddy, he even had the treats, but she stays at my foot, keeping her legs almost completely bent, ears back, head down. I did not think this was related because it was kind of just a joke when my sister-in-law said, as my brother walked out into the room... "git em girl" we both just laughed it off and thought it was funny when she growled and barked at him. Is there any reason why she would not like men? She seems to produce like behavior when in the presence of certain types of people... she acts intimidated/threataned by men... she clings to and demands love from women... and she playfully attacks children, biting the quite hard, if I might add. Also, a few tips on how to test for and rid my poor baby of worms if that is the case.

[Catsmine]

Thank you all for your help.... You know, she does put her ears back, also lowers her head a bit. she started doing it with my husband, and then today she absolutely refused to go anywhere near him for no apparent reason. Now this is a dog that is primarily driven by food. My oldest daughter and I were trying to get her to go to daddy, he even had the treats, but she stays at my foot, keeping her legs almost completely bent, ears back, head down. I did not think this was related because it was kinda just a joke when my sister-in-law said, as my brother walked out into the room... "git em girl" we both just laughed it off and thought it was funny when she growled and barked at him. is there any reason why she would not like men? She seems to produce like behavior when in the presence of certain types of people.... she acts intimidated/threataned by men.... she clings to and demands love from women.... and she playfully attacks children, biting the quite hard, if I might add. Also, a few tips on how to test for and rid my poor baby of worms if that is the case.

The veterinarian can test and treat for worms, but it does not sound necessary, now.

You have an incipient fear biter. You need a behaviorist trainer, before she bites a stranger and has to be put down.

[shazamataz]

My girl has always been wary of men as well.
Now that she is almost 3 years old she is finally getting better.

Up until a year ago she was pretty much house bound, didn't go for walks or anything and she just naturally had a timid nature.
Now that I have her we go to the park several times a week and have a lot of visitors, she is finally coming out of her shell and actually approaches strangers rather than shying away from them.
Do you get your pup out a lot or does she pretty much stay around the house and yard?
I would try socialising her as much as possible, go to the park, the supermarket, wait outside shops with her and just watch people walking past.

With your husband try getting him to stand on one side of the room while you stand on the other.
Give the dog a treat and then take one step closer to your husband. Give another treat and take another step closer.
Hopefully she won't realise that you are getting closer to him and just focus on the treats.
When you are right next to him try putting the treat on the ground next to his feet.
Eventually work your way up to him giving her the treats.

[Aurora_Bell]

It does sound like there is a behaviour problem. Do you know how old the puppy is? Sounds like she has had a pretty traumatic life already, being left out in the woods etc. I would suggest as catsmine has already suggested; a behaviourist.
When you have a dog that exhibits, any signs of fear or aggression, you need to nip it in the bud, before it escallates. You should get her enrolled in puppy socialization classes ASAP.
Congrats on the new addition! It's going to take some work, but it will be so worth it in the end!
Since you have a small one in the house, I would recommend that they are never alone together. You may not think the pup would bite, but don't forget you just got her, and you guys are still in the honey moon phase, and why give her the chance if you can prevent it. If she exhibits signs of aggression and fear, she is unpredictable. You just need to show her that she doesn't need to be afraid or need to protect you.

I do like this website, it has some great info on deference and behavior modification.

What is Behavior Modification? | k9aggression.com

There are a lot of things you can start with right away at home.