Confidence building - Page 1

Your thoughts are welcomed;  My older boy (8 year old sammie boy) has been attacked twice, two separate times and both times hurt (now healed physically) but his confidence level has dropped so much he is scared of his own shadow.  I understand why the lack of confidence but what advice can you offer to rebuild this confidence and comfort for this dog?  I really do not want him to go through the rest of his life in fear;  feel that will come out in other negative ways.  Your assistance is appreciated, any thoughts and ideas are helpful.  Thank you   Nan

Sent you a PM.

Thank you, Hired dog I PM'd  you back. 

Well Hired Dog and Nans, that is just unfair 

No worries IBrahim;  just a Samoyed referral for me to checkout.  Would love her input since she has worked with the Samoyed temperaments for quite a few years.  Will appreciate any help I can get.  That is all that it is about Ibrahim, but do you have anything to offer?  Thanks in advance if you do.  Nan

Well, that is because we are unfair people Ibrahim... 

So HD what would you do with one of your Shepherds that had been attacked not once but twice;  different incidents, different dogs that showed signs of lack of confidence and a little fearful looking over shoulder when out, distrusting??  Just curous.  Thx  Nan

I wish I had anything good to offer, I would have loved to be of benefit 

Nan, all I will say here is that this type of dog you are describing is not the dog for me. My life and work depend upon a dog that can function daily, I cant have a dog that is looking over his shoulder.

Looking over ones shoulder is not necessarily bad its realistic. the few guys i met that have been shot at or assaulted will spend the rest of their days scoping a venue but they still function to a high level and are not scared per se. to think you can train this away is unrealistic.

mamaging the enviro amd experiences your dog will see is within your control. Regardless stuff will still happen, protect you and yours the best you can and still participate fully in life.