Strange Behavior? - Page 1

Have a litter of 5 mo old pups. Took 2 pups for someone to view this Saturday, and I was very disappointed in one little female. First, let me say that this litter has been very well socialized from early on and to date. (ie., new people inside and outside of home, new enviro., places, etc) and I've never had a problem with her. Car ride was longer than normal. When I took her out of the vehicle, she as a basket case. Would not allow this person to touch or get near her. She would play with a tug toy and ball, as long as he stayed atleast 3 ft way from her. She behaved a little better when her and her littemate were out together, but not much! :-( She has NEVER done this before, and when I took her out yesterday, by herself, she was a little stand offish, but not near as bad as Saturday. Any suggestions as to why this could be happening and what I could possible do to correct this behavior?

Clearly the dog is not as well socialized as you thought. Dogs have their moments too and perhaps she did not feel well. Perhaps you did not note her prior behavior showed discomfort or something happened that she remembers and associates negative memories with, but you do not remember. However, the answer to what to do about it should be clear. Take her out and out and out to mimic the same kinds of situations. She should be able to overcome this VERY quickly if her temperament is sound. Do not push too hard, let her adjust, bring along or meet all kinds of people, including male, who will also sit and just let the dog come to them on her own terms. Doing this when the pup is REALLY hungry and giving the person the treats to feed when she does approach is a good idea. Do not baby the dog, just let her check it out. ONce she is taking food from the male, let him take the leash and walk her away from you with more food. Do this now and do this often....Hopefully, very soon she will be much better. But do this now and do this often..... Good luck.

How many pups did you keep out of this litter? 2 or even more? Socializing one puppy is not difficult, but socializing 2 or more is a hard job. They tend to trust only each other, together they are strong, left alone they miss the pack. This problem is well known, littermates often cause trouble. Like hodie said, a lot of work, you need to walk them one at a time, never together, they shouldn¿t even stay together in one kennel. Good luck from me, too...

Did you take her to different areas to socilaize? Have seen dogs who were perfect at their home but freaked out anytime outside that environment.

To answer questions.... I have 4 left in the litter. I'm hearing that taking them all out together is NOT a good thing??? that is what I have been doing. But I'm hearing that is not a good thing anymore. they all have their seperate kennels that they stay in, but are out together in the yard. Is this to, not a good thing? We have a large walking/biking path ( 2 counties) that we walk on, but there are always diffent people, animals, ect around. Thank you for the suggestions. I will work on them immediately! :-)

Ladywolf, I also agree with the people who are advising against them being together at this point. They are reinforcing the bond with dogs that they had from birth. People are not the center of thier life as they grow up but instead thier littermates. They must get in a home situation soon or else as hodie said socialize them to the Nth degree.

Ladywolf, One other thing, to me it is more important to get my pups in their homes by 10 weeks at the latest. After 10 weeks I have found that the longer you keep them the greater the chance of kennel shyness even with socializations. I can't say how many times I have seen 4 or 5 month old puppies primarily from show homes(as they keep them longer to see who has better angles, croup, topline,etc)that when they come to the new home have shyness issues some of which they never fully overcome. Not all, but enough that my puppies must go between 7 and 10 weeks, and I have never(knock on wood..smile)had a puppy returned.JMO

Thanks again, to all that responded. Got 2 of the pups out yesterday (seperatly), and all was great! :-)... no shyness, fearfulness, nothing...and both VERY approachable! :) I have them all seperated, (did that on monday), and they only time they are together with their littermates is for about 2 hrs throughout the day. Is that an acceptable time? Should I also make it so they can't see each other when they are in their kennels? Our weather is horrible right now, so I have brought them all inside, but can spread the kennels out so they can't see each other either. (NO, THEY ARE NOT IN KENNELS ALL DAY! ) lol I have them out, one at a time, for several hours for human interaction and training. Thank again for all the input!

I allow littermates and all dogs to socialize with each other and I make sure they also get lots of socialization time with people. I do not have problems with dogs bonding with their new owner when the time comes. So it can be done, but one has to not be blind if one notes any small signs of shyness. My problem is the opposite because my dogs want to mob anyone who gives them attention. LOL

hodie- As yours, this was the case with my pups...as it is now when someone comes to MY home....this little female did this ONLY when taken on a long trip. Unfortunately, due to weather and my travels, they have not been out out in public for several weeks, and this is the only little female doing this behavior. Could it really happen in that short of time?