timid pup - Page 3

A dog with good nerves in any invironment is a dog with good nerve. I have taken numerous dogs to work with me in a construction environment. I know from the first few moments, what kind of dog it is. Sure, you can help the soft dog adjust and get used to that type of setting, but he will never have good nerves. We do tests on our puppies at early ages, before they go to their new homes. One of them I always do is drop that big metal bowl on the concrete around 10 ft away. Watch the reaction of the pups and you can almost 100% guaranty that this is what you have. It is very hard to change DNA from the outside.

Honestly, you should either except the dog for who he is, or find a little old lady that needs a companion. Even June Cleaver raised her voice to call the boys for dinner. You can't live the next 10 years walking around on eggshells.

i appreciate everybodys responses what is confusing for me is the last few days he goes into his crate on his own no problem..if i take him out he is not afraid of other dogs ,noises he will chase any moving object is curious about new things etc it is just when i raise my voice that the peeing problem occurs or when i catch him doing something he shouldn't be doing is whem this occurs.i guess what i am trying to determine is this a sign of a soft dog or just a dog who cannot handle a hard correction but will still have guts and drive

The easiest way to explain any strange or timid behavior of a dog is to say: "This happens because of its genetics." That¿s far too easy. This young dog shows no fear as long as you don¿t interact, why? This "timid" puppy should be afraid of strange people, dogs, surroundings, noises... and so on - but - nothing at all! In my opinion you two had a more than bad start, beginning with the crate ( was this pup shipped in this crate, did it ever see a crate before? ), followed by the peeing, because this boy WAS DEFINITIVELY (did I spell this right)afraid of something, followed by your corrections, because you didn¿t want him to pee...Now he seems to be afraid of you! Read again what Kennel von Lotta said, that¿s what I would suggest. Even the strongest puppy needs someone it trusts, otherwise you may get a submissive dog, and this doesn¿t depend on any bloodline... All my best to you and your lovely friend!

69rs: I have been experiencing something similar to your situation. 13 month old female pup imported from Belgium. (I have had her for almost a year) Nice pedigree - beautiful ball drive. I only train in obedience (so no schutzhund), and she has been the easiest out of my 4 dogs to train. She is outgoing, not timid with other dogs or people, etc. Problem - peeing! I called her pee puppy for the first 6 mos. I had her tested several times thinking she had a bladder infection, but always came up fine. She used to pee all over herself in the crate, in her pen, etc. I have to be careful how I correct her when catching her in the act and started giving high praise when she goes out side. I really started noticing alot of improvement within the past few months. She is fully housetrained in the house, and will only pee if I give a strong correction. She always comes when called, works woenderful for me during training etc. I think we have a great bond, so it still surprises me that she will pee when I reach down to put the leash on. I can take it off and she doesn't pee, but you can count everytime I put it on she will pee a little. It is much, much better then it was, but would be happier if this wasn't an issue. Just have to be careful where I am when I am putting on her leash. Please don't bash me - I am sure that her temperment is not ideal but she is just fine for me. I hope you start to see some improvement with your pup soon. Cheryl

Is this your first puppy? Personally, I would not give up so easily. Two of the best dogs I ever had were piddlers when they were pups and both got over it and turned out fine. JUST DON'T KEEP RAISING YOUR VOICE!!! The female I bought last year had just turned one year old, was not housebroken and a piddler. All I had to do was look at her crosseyed and she would start peeing. I figured either she was abused or was a puppy piddler that everyone had given up on. It was a bit of a challenge, but I did housebreak her without raising my voice and she is fine now. Like your puppy, she wasn't shy or timid around other people, just couldn't handle correction from me. It won't change overnight, but be patient. And quit yelling, at least for now. Yesterday I screamed at my girl for rolling around in the mud at the end of the sump pump hose and it didn't phase her. (I'm thinking maybe she has a little too much confidence now.) My other suggestion is to start playing rough and tough with your puppy, but make sure he knows you are playing. That way he will get used to a gruffer voice from you. I can playfully slap my female upside the head now and she goes crazy running around the house with her butt down because she knows it's rough and tumble time. Maybe I'm just a big softee (or an idiot), but it would take a lot for me to give up on a dog. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

thanks guys for the vote of confidence like i said i was worried he was too soft he was crated from germany to here so maybe something happened dont know or maybe it is genetics hopefully not, he is fine in every other aspect like i said not afraid of too many things when i play rough with him he goes balistic and tries too nail me or starts to bark at like lets go kinda thing so hopefully everything in time will come out fine with some paitence

The peeing likely will reduce and possibly stop as the pup matures. But this is a sign of a very submissive and timid pup. Even when/if it stops peeing under stress it will never be a strong nerved dog.

69RS, My working line female was very soft when it came to corrections, and me raising my voice. With that being said, she also wouldn't hesitate to bring you down with or without a sleeve. She was very high in protection, but soft on correction. Good luck with you on your puppy. IMPO I wouldn't raise your voice when you see him doing something, but go to him and pick him up and put him outside. He needs more bonding time with you and for you to go slow with him.

69rs, If you choose to keep this pup it will be a marvelous opportunity for you to learn alot about him and alot about you. This is a dog that will teach you alot about reading him, since he is handler sensitive you are going to have to be creative and encourage him in ways that you would not learn if you have a little gangster. Without seeing this dog it is to hard to say whats going on but YOU can always make a huge difference in his life. I love starting out with gangsters, but I have learned far more from weaker dogs. They are the dogs that will teach YOU how to read him and how to bring out the best in him and how to help him learn to trust in himself. You will also learn about your self and how to deal with impatience and expectations. First accept the dog for who he is. Limitations and all. Learn to appreciate his strong points. Learn to enjoy him unconditionally. Then you can begin through trial and error to learn what brings out the part of him that is buried. He may not be king kong but there is still something in there worth bringing out, just be patient and be devoted to him. If you learn to bring out the best in a dog that does not have alot, then it will be easier to work with dogs that come fully loaded. Good luck with the little guy.