Need your experience with Puppy Shyness/Fear? - Page 1

Can anyone please give me any input regarding a GSD Puppy of 4 months of age, displaying shyness almost fear of another dog and even another puppy. Only this afternoon we met in a Pet Shop a lovely friendly Golden Retriever slightly younger, but our puppy was pulling away before it could even get closer! He as also given a wide birth passing an elderly dog who was on a leash, and made a guttural sound as he did so!

With people, he acts wary.

We have never seen this before, and at a loss to why or what is happening. Have you had a puppy this young acting this way, and more importantly how did the puppy mature, did the dog improve or did he/she get worse?

(He lives with our older friendly GSD).

Thank you for any feedback,
Rodeo

You can't force this insecurity out of, it will only make it worse. He lacks self confidence. Take him to knew places without other dogs till he's comfortable in new environments. Introduce a calm pup at your pups yard, where he is confident. Let them play if they want.
The more you make an issue ( not saying you do) of things that he's afraid of, the more cemented the fear will become. Could be a nerve ( as in temperament, not physiologic) issue...maybe he will get better with age, maybe not. Correct him for growling.

Continue controlled socialization. Set your puppy up to win. If you know for sure he has an issue with other dogs, a pet store or dog park is not a fair setup for him. How is he with your other dog?

If he is weary with humans, don't allow them to make him uncomfortable, such as picking him up, grabbing him, forcing him to be petted, etc. I would let him make the decision to be social, don't force anything.

If you know a few people who will follow your rules, have them all sit in a room and ignore him, giving him the option to be social and interact, or not.

At this age, he is on the outer edge of the socialization window. Not a total loss, there still are some things you can do to help. Just from your description, he is a thinner nerved pup. Does not make him a bad dog, you just as an owner should recognize what makes him uncomfortable and act accordingly to make sure he doesn't develop into a fear biter as he gets older.

Joan

Thumbs up @ hunterjumper's post.

Thank you both for your helpful thoughts and advice. It was a shock and very sad to see a puppy behave this way.

We needed to reach out and share our concern with others ....

He is very comfortable with our older girl - even to the point of being pushy at times!

Obviously worried, if this situation remains the same when he is an adult!

I do appreciate your helpful comments,
Many Thanks,
Rodeo

IMO if you say he never showed this behavior before and now he just started this out of the blue he can be going through a weird period/stage. I would do what others posted above but wouldn't fret if this is new and he was fine previously. At 4 months of age he is probably starting to teeth as well and might not feel the best. Look at his gums, you'll most likely see them starting to swell.

In my experience if the puppy was confident at an earlier age the confidence will return as long as you don't push the issue or there wasn't a "bad experience" that caused the behavior in the first place.

Hello vtgsd,
It would be such a wonderful relief if this would be his situation. This would be a glimmer of hope. Thank you

Rodeo

tI have found at that age and particularly if the puppy has weak nerves to attend a "puppy kindergarten" class; and start him on his basic obedience; with our boy at that age he went right into puppy training group class with professional people mind you and just did a lot of co-mingling in a group of young dogs mostly puppies probably 20 attended the class and until he started showing positive attitude and friendly demeanor he stayed in a class even after his graduation of first class just for socialization. My boy at 7 months watched and was attacked by another dog and watched that dog try to kill our other dog and watched that dog that attacked get himself killed. I was terrified he would have problems but we are always working with it in mind of course you do not forget an incident like that and MAKE him (now 2 years old) behave.

That said JOanro and others above have great advice. Don't let your puppy control your fears either; move forward even if it is baby steps. Take along on walks/socializing his favorite toy for distraction. also teach him to focus on you and only you when he is out... I use food for that and to reward him when he does focus correctly, use a good food treat, chicken.cheese,beef something special. Teach him you are his world for now and teach him to trust you will keep him safe for now.

I have found that these puppies to go to some fear stages, do I like it, of course not but what they dish you is what you need to deal with. TRY to be a couple steps ahead of that problem with him. I do believe and hope that this is a stage for your puppy and that proper handling and training and particular socialization skills can help you to move forward with this. Best of luck and I hope this helps you. Nan

PS: NO dog parks or PetSmart's/Petco's for training. 0 Find a professional to help you...

It is certainly possible that this is just a fear stage. Although everyone has had their own experiences, I personally would not recommend a puppy kindergarten or group ob class at this point with his issues. Too many factors that can't be controlled, other people rudely letting their dogs jump on him, invade his space, etc. He needs to get a few steps ahead and learn some social skills before he is ready for that IMO.

Food and toys will help as a bridge, but I wouldn't let them become necessary for him to function outside of your home. Ideally you do not want to have to bring a dog up in drive for him to push through his fears. Using them now as a tool now is certainly fine.