I have had Belle, lab mix, since May 08. I got her from a shelter so I have no background on her. She is approximately 1 yr old, spayed. I had her hips xrayed shortly after I got her because she has such a weird gait. I'm trying to give plenty of info in case this is a physical problem but I don't think it is. Her hips looked good, no ortho issues seen. She does not like to sit straight. She always shifts to one hip or the other after a few seconds. She has done this since I have had her and it's one of the reasons I thought she might have an ortho problem. I have had many dogs who like to sit "lazy" but never one like her, she will not sit straight unless forced and what's the point of that. I don't plan on doing obedience with her.
We put her and one of our other dogs on the treadmill every morning for thirty minutes. The speed is 4.3. For Belle this is a fairly fast lope but not a run. She doesn't limp on or off the treadmill. The dogs were both taught to get on using treats. They are not leashed or restrained in any way. For the last week Belle has refused to even go in the room where the treadmill is. She normally runs in and gets on and waits for her treat, happy as can be. The first two times it happened I didn't force her. I thought she might be sore or have a thorn (no, I checked carefully) or something even though in the evenings we walk and she seems fine. I have been taking her by the collar, luring with a treat, and putting her on the treadmill. Once she is on and it starts she seems fine. I have tried adjusting the speed slower and faster but it's all about getting on and starting. She doesn't act scared, just like a dog who hates a bath when it's time to get in the tub. We never leave the room when a dog is on, we take turns sitting in there and exercising or watching TV.The other dogs are also in the room.
I really don't want to FORCE her to do this if she hates it but she is a young dog and needs to burn some energy before we leave for work. She and Rex are in the yard while we are at work. I know that many don't think that is a good thing but that is the way it is at our house. Do you think this is behavioral or physical? Should I keep putting her on and see if she's going thru a teenage rebellion? She is a typical young dog and sometimes decides to test me on behavior she knows is not allowed. She is overall a "soft" dog and can't handle much pressure when it comes to corrections. It's all pretty positive and that seems to work well for her. Just looking for some others insight and appreciate you reading this long post.