4 months old shy female issues - Page 1

hey, i have a 4 months old female puppy "Sandy", her father was VA1 Sieger Pakistan 2008 and VA3 Pakistan 2009, her mother was youth siegrin. She has learned commands like "come" sit" "down" "up",,most of the times she's very playful and always ready for treats, But there are 2 problems for which she has same behavior,
1. If i put collar/leash
she lays down, whatever you do she wont stand, not even for treats, she'd lay in that position for hours and looks soooooo tensed, she won't even move if i am holding her and trying to make her stand, but once i take the collar off she'd stand in the same second.
2. same is the case if she sees someone except me and a friend of mine, she'd repeat the same process when a stranger is home.

Some people suggested me to take her out in public places let her see new faces etc etc.
I agree, but the problem is she doesn't put collar/leash, how'd I take her out?
Please help me solving this issue, except these two issues she is perfect in every aspect.

Have you tried using a harness?

you must try to get her out to see and  meet other people and all other things that you would see in daily life does any of your friends have a nice calm dog that could go out a walk with you and your dog as she may follow the other dog and that would give her some convidence  if you could do this daily then she would soon become convident and nothing would worry her good luck and let us know how you get on
Rosey

Sounds like your puppy has you trained. All she has to do is lay down and you'll take the dreaded collar and leash off. I would wait her out, she has to move sometime. Also, try putting the collar and leash on her at home and let her drag the leash around. She will eventually move and when she does, act as if it is no big deal. Do this for a couple days before actually trying to take her out of the house with it on. You have to win.

Melissa

Have her wear the collar at all times, that will be easy to get used to most a dog will do is scratch it with their back feet.  Then put a leash on and have her drag it around the house just to get used to it.  Following another dog is also a good idea to get her moving like shos. said above.  Then once she's wearing the leash pick it up during times when she's going outside and get her used to being walked on it.  Gotta get her walking on a leash now, and if still an issue maybe hire a trainer.  Seems like best time to get used to walking on a leash is when the pup already is trying to go somewhere, like outside.  Make sure collar is not too loose to slip over her head.

Hi khurrami,

Agreed with all the suggestions given above.  Main thing is patience.  Let her wonder around at home or in a confined area with the leash on.  Your puppy will eventually get used to it.  Use treats and fun games whilst the leash is on but not held until she is comfortable with it.  Work on fun recalls with a longer leash which btw I rate higher than all the other learned behaviour like sit, down, stay etc.  In any situation your puppy feels insecure, you can always call her back to you.  Before feeding, presumingly if you feed dry kibbles, scatter some on the ground and let her find her food.  Only thing is to ensure not to accidently stepping on the leash whilst you are trying to desensitize her with the loose leash.  Take the leash off when she is resting without making a fuss.

When you feel that your puppy is settled with the leash in a controlled enviroment, then take her out.  Must be patient with the exercise as each dog cope with circumstances differently.  It may take a few days or sometimes a couple of weeks. 

As with other people around, tell them to ignore her as she may feel overwhelmed with strangers.  Again scatter some kibble around.  When she is ignored, she wil eventually come round on her own accord.

I had a nervous pup once (not a GSD) and it was hard work but every little success was still an achievement.  Good luck.

 hey guys,
i really really appreciate your help, I took her out and she was like she's in a new world :) first day she was looking at people as she's never  seen any one before, its been 3 days i am taking her out, luckily i had some guests guests in my home couple of days before and they stayed a night, they were so loving to her, she started playing with their children, now she loves to go out and she's so good on leash, first day she tried to remove leash but now she walks so happily and not afraid of people. she doesn't shy of anybody now.
Thank you so much guys
But i have couple of questions.
Someone told me not to put leash on her as she will start walking with her head down, she's totally a show quality pup and has to appear in show after 4 months. I wanna ask you guys does it really matter if i put leash on her in this age?
Secondly, As i am told she's not afraid of new faces, but whenever she goes to someone she sits there in the down position. she doesnt stand with them, she's not afraid but she lies down in their feet, even when she comes to me i place my hand on her head or whatever she lies down. as far as i know in the show judge will have to see her in different positions if she lies there she'll be disqualified(if i am not wrong) how can i do that? I want her to stay in pose that shows her slant etc.

WHEN YOU ARE WITH  HER IN THE HOUSE GARDEN HAVE A LITTLE TREAT IN YOUR HAND AND TEACH HER TO STAND STAY WHEN SHE DOES THIS EVEN FOR A SECOND TELL HER SHE GOOD GIRL AND GIVE HER A BIT OF THE TREAT BUT MAKE IT ALL FUN FOR HER IS THAIR NOT A TRAINING CLUB NEAR YOU WHERE YOU COULD TAKE HER GOOD LUCK

Kurramj, you don't have a giant leash with a heavy clip on her, do you? I have never had a puppy start walking with its head down because of a leash, but maybe if it's a giant heavy thing...I start them all on little foofy leashes like for Yorkies or something. The current favorite is a leopard print one, very fetching, and has a very small clip.

We use a "leash" made of 550 chord and a tiny clip. Most don't even know it's on until they get too far.

Melissa