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by Sunsilver on 29 December 2010 - 19:12
This is an excellent booklet for dealing with dogs that have fear issues:
www.patriciamcconnell.com/product/cautious-canine-dog-training-book
Here's what I have discovered myself from working with a dog that is genetically fearful.
It will take time, tons of time, but it can be done.
The dog needs to be exposed (gradually) to things that induce fear. Use a muzzle to keep others safe. DO NOT overload the dog. Reward the dog for approaching the fear-inducing object/person.
THis type of dog will freak out when someone focusses directly on them, and approaches them from the front. Tell others to LEAVE THE DOG ALONE, and let it approach them (if it is able).
If you are approaching this type of dog, do it from the side, and do not ask for eye contact. My dog will often sniff someone who's sitting next to it, or sitting in front of it, but if you approach directly, she becomes a quivering wreck.
It is not true that the owner has caused this by babying the dog. It can be GENETIC. Ask those like Rik who have experience with American showline GSDs, and they will confirm this.
Harshness of ANY KIND will only make the fear issues worse. These dogs are VERY soft, and need positive training.
As already suggested, the owner needs to work on getting the dog to focus on them, instead of the fear-inducing object/person. Do this at home, then gradually introduce distractions. Having a 'job' to do will help take the dog's mind off of its fear.
The presence of other dogs that have a stable temperment will help give this type of dog confidence. It may help to work the dogs together. Competition to see who gets the treats often works wonders!
Do not expect this dog to accept treats when it is stressed and fearful. I went through an entire 6 week basic obedience class before she would reliably take a treat from me in class. At the end of the 6 weeks she would SOMETIMES very reluctantly take one from the trainer, or another dog owner.
NO dog I have owned has been such a challenge to train. I can't stress this enough: you will need patience, patience and MORE patience. If you start to get frustrated, STOP, before you loose your temper, and do or say something harsh that will set the dog's progress back.
www.patriciamcconnell.com/product/cautious-canine-dog-training-book
Here's what I have discovered myself from working with a dog that is genetically fearful.
It will take time, tons of time, but it can be done.
The dog needs to be exposed (gradually) to things that induce fear. Use a muzzle to keep others safe. DO NOT overload the dog. Reward the dog for approaching the fear-inducing object/person.
THis type of dog will freak out when someone focusses directly on them, and approaches them from the front. Tell others to LEAVE THE DOG ALONE, and let it approach them (if it is able).
If you are approaching this type of dog, do it from the side, and do not ask for eye contact. My dog will often sniff someone who's sitting next to it, or sitting in front of it, but if you approach directly, she becomes a quivering wreck.
It is not true that the owner has caused this by babying the dog. It can be GENETIC. Ask those like Rik who have experience with American showline GSDs, and they will confirm this.
Harshness of ANY KIND will only make the fear issues worse. These dogs are VERY soft, and need positive training.
As already suggested, the owner needs to work on getting the dog to focus on them, instead of the fear-inducing object/person. Do this at home, then gradually introduce distractions. Having a 'job' to do will help take the dog's mind off of its fear.
The presence of other dogs that have a stable temperment will help give this type of dog confidence. It may help to work the dogs together. Competition to see who gets the treats often works wonders!
Do not expect this dog to accept treats when it is stressed and fearful. I went through an entire 6 week basic obedience class before she would reliably take a treat from me in class. At the end of the 6 weeks she would SOMETIMES very reluctantly take one from the trainer, or another dog owner.
NO dog I have owned has been such a challenge to train. I can't stress this enough: you will need patience, patience and MORE patience. If you start to get frustrated, STOP, before you loose your temper, and do or say something harsh that will set the dog's progress back.
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