What to do with a nervy dog. - Page 1

I have a 3 yr old pure-bred GSD named Scooter who is so nervy it's crazy.
He is a fear biter, hackles raise easily. People can't come to visit unless he is crated.
There are about three people who he will be around and relaxed.
He goes into fear mode whenever someone sneezes or coughs.
Ears back, slinks to a corner or dark hole. Tries to crawl under tables, chairs, and upsets and breaks things in the process. Even tries to crawl into the fireplace. At 110lbs this is not good.
I currently have a cold and he has broken two lamps in the last 2 days.
He is pathetic but I love him dearly. Around me and my son he is a sweet heart.
He is neutered, so no breeding.
The vet and I have tried amiltryptiline to no avail and we are going to try another drug.
His housemate Fred, is 5 and is a stalwart stoic super GSD. They are complete opposites.
I have had a goodly number of GSDs over the years but never one like this.
One pseudo-trainer suggested that Scooter be put down. NOT!

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Did you have him from the puppy hood on? 

Do you know anything about his background?

Do you knwo Bachflower remedies?

First I'd teach him that his crate is the best and safest place in the world and the only place to go if frightened, practise sending him to his crate from anywhere in the house. just keep doing it, every hour if necessary, increasing the distance til  you can send him reliably from any room in the house.  Obviously keep the route to the crate unimpeded.  That should minimise the damage as he desperately tries to find sanctuary, he will know just where to go as soon as you tell him.  This is going to take a while and a lot of effort on your part with the constant repetitions so running to his crate is second nature.

Another thing to try is adding Vitamin B to his diet, you will see a bit of improvement within a couple of weeks if it going to help.

Good luck.#

Margaret N-J

Find a better trainer.

Genetics can be cheated, to a point, with good training. While a dog with weak nerves may never be a K9 or a star on the trial field, many of them can be trained to be fairly reliable pets. It depends on the extent of his problems. Keep calling around until you find someone who knows how to work your dog.

Not that you do, but don't feel sorry for him when he is in panic mode, do the oppisite and be strong and athoritive and say NO. No petting, best to scruff and place him in his crate. Petting, talking sweet, and acting submissive to him while he is in panic mode will cause him to get worse.

Kimmelot...AMEN!

every person i knew who had a skittish dog was a person who was petting, talking baby talk, hugging their dog while they were scared, skittish, nervous, etc....and then they wonder what the heck happened?.....encouragement of bad behavior thats what happens...

I agree about the b12 levels.  Have them checked and if low you can give b12 shots.  Helped a friends dog that was very spooky.

C

Change his name!

I would be embarrassed if my human family named me such a poodle/terrier name!

Why do you think Fred is all that, he has a real name.

Scooter can tell that when people meet him & hear his name, they are laughing at him,

give the boy some dignity, maybe change his name to Steve, or Sam, or Shep anything but Scooter!


And yes, I'm dead serious!

You could also use positive reinforcement to give him confidence.

My male was abused really bad and wouldn't go near anyone. He was scared of his own shadow and positive reinforcement, as well as time, patience, consistency gave him a lot of confidence back.

Agility is a sport that gives them confidence. Obedience gives them confidence.

I do agree with Kimmelot that petting him while he's scared is the wrong answer, however I would NOT scruffel him and lock him into the crate. I would also not say NO in an authorative manner. That will simply scare him away from you.

Don't pamper him, give him guidance and security instead. Scruffel and Authority is not guidance and security.

You will need a lot of patience and consistency and most importantly: DO NOT GET FRUSTRATED!