Need your experience with Puppy Shyness/Fear? - Page 2

this appears to be a website dedicated to dogs with shyness issues, might be some good focussed resources;

http://fearfuldogs.com/

 

"If you live with or are working with a scared or shy dog, this is the place to find information to help you be more effective in rehabilitating your dog. You will find products and services that are available to help with the process, along with groups, message boards and websites that can offer support and advice."

 

their FB page ie "Fearful Dogs Facebook Group Registration";

costs to register but a full refund is available if you do not join.

http://fearfuldogs.com/fearful-dogs-facebook-group-registration/

 

 

Excellent post and exactly my thoughts...commit this to memory, Rodeo. One more thing, do NOT praise or inadvertently praise by attempting to console the pup when he's scared.

'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.'

What can I say to you people - you have been so understanding and helpful. I am so grateful.

I think that comment: "Don't let the puppy control your fears" - makes a lot of sense too. As I feel a little overcome with which way to move, but obviously carefully and confidently forward is necessary for both the pup and me!

I understand the last suggestion of perhaps not enroling in a group environment (yet) but locating a more easy relaxed access to others first.

(PS. Nans gsd, very sorry to hear of such a horrifying experience with your young Shepherd)

Grateful to you all,
Rodeo

Thank you Joan.
I also agree 100% with not inadvertently reinforcing his fearful behavior by consoling him. It for sure is an easy mistake to make. It is natural for us as humans to console others when they are scared, which can blend into how we are with our dogs.
Not saying you are doing this, but don't drag him on the leash because he is balky and won't move past an object. Wait him out. I was helping a guy with his puppy who would stop and sit, he drug him when he did so, making his fears MUCH worse.
Please keep us updated and let us know which adjustments were most helpful to your situation. I always like to hear what works for other people, as I may learn something new.

Well sorry; but in the trainers facility which I attended dogs were NOT allowed to jump or go near other dogs; this was a puppy soc class and at the same time learning their basic OB in a very relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. So NO it was not a jump on puppy course. JHC.

Nans, if only all puppy classes were as the one you describe, life
would be so much simpler. Sadly, your Trainer was a shining star
in comparison to some who run such enterprises.

Hey Rodeo,

I have an 11 month old female that I would describe as shy. Like you, I am/was very concerned about it. Nervousness is not a good trait for any dog, especially a GSD. I can tell you that my puppy did not initially appear nervous. We socialized extensively with great results. Then she had a few encounters with older dogs that "ranked" her in the pack order. That appeared to have bad consequences because she seemed to translate those few encounters into a wider interpretation that older dogs were not good things.

I mention all of that to see if your experience so far is similar. If so, there are some things you can do, most of which have already been mentioned, to help. What I determined is that my young puppy may have had a confidence problem. I found that setting her in a dog park with nothing but older, more experienced dogs was not a good idea. What I did was start obedience training, with follow-ups in the park. Boosted her confidence considerably. GSD are (normally) smart dogs and I used her intelligence to give her something to do besides worry about all of the lesser (tongue in cheek here) dogs running around. My park also has an obstacle course that she learned easily and was another activity to positively distract her. Lastly, and this one is a mixed bag, I brought her "special" ball to the park. I say mixed bag because she's a bit obsessive with it and that's not a good thing, but chasing that thing is her favorite activity and again, it gave her something positive to do.

That was several months ago. I can tell you that slowly, but surely, she has built confidence and no longer appears concerned about other dogs. Of course, she's a bit older and considerably larger, which helps.

I think you've gotten some great advice in not forcing him into an uncomfortable situation, rather guide him slowly in building confidence. If you see gradual improvement, wonderful, if not, I would suggest consulting with your vet to see what type(s) of additional steps you might take in helping him develop.

Certainly a vet checkup would not hurt a bit that way you do know for sure he is feeling OK. Also male shepherds are big babies when puppies soooo given that his teeth could be an issue and he is probably not feeling up to par. When I used to notice my guy sleeping a lot or napping more than usual I just let him do so, trained later after he woke up on his own and always on a good note; play a little first a few treats and then start focusing on his basic obedience.

I would not even think twice about asking my vet for training advice of any kind, but possibly look for different methods of building confidence whether it is by example like video's or books or from a person trained in animal behavior. I am sure Michael Ellis or Ivan B has some reading information and maybe even Leerburg.

Best of luck with him though, Nan

PS: be sure you are feeding him a nutritional diet so he can have all his health needs met with a good balanced diet. Very important at this age and really from now on. Nan