my shy pup needed to be corrected - Page 1

hi all,

   as all of yours help and suggestions she is looking great day by day and these days she seems she has lot more of energy than i first got her. i think the food i switch to also made difference. she likes to run around in the frontyard and acts like she has more energy than before.

i'm really happy for that.

i always take her to frontyard with me and leave at least half an hour and she loves the grass. she either sits and watches the road or runs around. but when she sees any dog she tries to run back to the main door. whether the other dog be small or large. she tries to run back right away. those dogs arenot even closer and they are across the street. if i ask her to sit then she comes close to me and sit and watches those dogs orelse she runs back.

i already had her 2nd shots and i'vn't taken her to public as shots arenot completed.

besides, so far i've heard very short bark twice within the last two weeks. and after that i'v never heard barking at all. very quiet and shy. but she learns very quick and understands a lot. for the potty and crate it didn't take me any longer than two days. that's it.  but if there's any sound or anything she hears she lifts her head right away. if i say anything she moves her heard looking at me.

i'd like to be her as protective guard dog if possible. but i'd like to correct her behavior from now.

would it be best option taking her to puppy socialization class?

or should i take her few mins. 10-15mins. just walk but far from dogs? are those shy dogs be able to correct and will they be protective in the future.

would be glad to hear.

thanks much.

kool

How old is your pup? You need to give her time to completely settle in before she knows what "home" is.  If she is under 3 months she needs socialization but you are right to not take her out before she has completed her vaccinations and this would be a good time to teach her to focus on you.  Call her name and reward her when she loods into your eyes.  Teach her to sit and always reward her when she is looking at you.  when she does, give the command to "watch" or "look" or any word you deem to mean pay attention and soon she will do it on command.  She needs to experience different situations in order to learn how to deal with them, start with short walks to get her used to people, other dogs and noise.  Try to make all of her new expericiences positive, don't show that you're worried about her, she will read YOUR reactions so you shouldn't be hesitant about things and don't coddle her when she's afraid.  On the other hand harsh correction will probably make the situation worse, ignore as much as you can and force her gently to accept things she's afraid of.  If she tugs on the leash to run away from something, just stop but do not allow her to flee, make her sit and try to get her to focus on you until she is calm, then reward her and continue along.  Bring her favorite treats with you and reward her when she ignores distractions.  You need to be gentle but firm with a young puppy.  You will know eventually if her fear is irrational and if it is the case I don't think you can correct it out of a dog, I could be wrong.  I'm no expert and no trainer, just a lifetime dog owner and I've learned some of this through experience.  Good luck! 

she is 3months old last aug. 25th.

so almost close to 12 1/2weeks.already.

thanks