Extremely Shy Puppy

[mbfrench]

Is this how your dog reacts to people? This is a video of Smudge at my great aunt's party (that was held at my grandmother's house). The kid's didn't help any, but I let them carry on for a few seconds just to capture a video example.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoQhI2zhzvE

Well after looking at the video,I took in alot of the activity that was going on around Smudge. The kids,the strange glasses,things being brought up over his head,quick movements..and a toy that talks. For me looking at it he is acting hesitant,but I don'tthink anything that is alarming. From what I have read,shelties are shy,but certainly outgoing once they are comfy.

If you look closely,Smudge does take his steps towards the young child,and his body language for a young pup,I feel is totally normal. He's inquisitive,his ears are not laying on his head in fear. He isn't even barking,which I think for a sheltie is quite amazing!

Trapp has only been home for a short few weeks,but even in this time he has been here,this past weekend when my son & Lynn,plus two very busy & small chihuahuas planted thier little bodies here,his first reaction was he wanted in my lap,and played the shy little one.

We took our time,reinforced the positive behavior when it happened,and within the first hour or so,Trapp was totally content getting off my lap,and investigating the situation.
What I did notice with Trapp,he made it quite clear that he was coming to me for reasurrance.
I loved the video,and Smudge is looking quite handsome for sure. It's amazing how much he has grown since I have joined the forum. Thanks for sharing

 

[danisgoat]

Is this how your dog reacts to people? This is a video of Smudge at my great aunt's party (that was held at my grandmother's house). The kid's didn't help any, but I let them carry on for a few seconds just to capture a video example.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoQhI2zhzvE

That stuffed animal scared me

 

[take4roll10]

T Not for the first time, my husband and I thought about trying to place him. We're at a stressful point in our lives and Buddy is adding so much stress to us and our gentle, older Sheltie.
Julie

Before you consider placing him, why don't you try a trainer? Have you tried walking him with your older sheltie? Maybe he'll calm down if she's with him. Have you tried teaching him the "watch me" command? Put a treat near your face and say "watch me". Eventually, he'll look at you whenever you say "watch me". This can help getting his attention when he's pulling or frantic.

 

[BarbV]

At what age is it safe to invest in a nice one? She is 8 months old, so I hope she's about done growing but I've heard they fill out for a while yet. I don't want to put much money into one she will grow out of in a few months.

I would wait until about 1 year before you get a non-adjustable custom like I've got. You don't need to worry about the ruff, its the neck size that you want to make sure of. The fine weave of the collar ensures that it sits close to the neck under the ruff, but without matting.

 

[corbinam]

Well after looking at the video,I took in alot of the activity that was going on around Smudge. The kids,the strange glasses,things being brought up over his head,quick movements..and a toy that talks. For me looking at it he is acting hesitant,but I don'tthink anything that is alarming. From what I have read,shelties are shy,but certainly outgoing once they are comfy.

If you look closely,Smudge does take his steps towards the young child,and his body language for a young pup,I feel is totally normal. He's inquisitive,his ears are not laying on his head in fear. He isn't even barking,which I think for a sheltie is quite amazing!QUOTE]

I agree with Michele, here. Although Smudge is a bit hesitant, I wouldn't describe him as "terrified". Bentley has a lot of the same behavior in certain situations. He's never liked people moving quickly towards his head (unless it's someone he knows really well). However, I wouldn't consider him shy. I think this is a very typical sheltie behavior, and the standard even calls for them to be a bit "wary" with strangers. Smudge is being cautious, from what I can tell.

On the other hand, you do have to be careful that a cautious dog doesn't turn into a fearful dog with some of the suggestions people have posted here.

 

[danisgoat]

Thank you all for this helpful information - yesterday I tried to take Buddy for a walk (still don't have the proper collar, but thought I would try it). He couldn't focus at all. I had treats and called his name but there was no response - just pulling and jumping with fright. Not for the first time, my husband and I thought about trying to place him. We're at a stressful point in our lives and Buddy is adding so much stress to us and our gentle, older Sheltie.

We both think he's getting a bit "stranger" as he gets older. It's so hard to describe how he sits and stares at us and won't come to the gate - yet sometimes he won't leave us alone and can't stop trying to eat the carpet!

It may be decision time - so hard.

Thanks again for all your help!

Julie

I wouldn't give up that quick!!! Five months is a transitional time for the pup and he is very influential. With some consistant training, this is something that can be overcome. It just takes time and patience.

I would only give up, if there is a lot of activity in your house which could be contributing to his behavior getting worse. Than maybe he would be better of in a new home.

 

[Caro]

I wouldn't give up that quick!!! Five months is a transitional time for the pup and he is very influential. With some consistant training, this is something that can be overcome. It just takes time and patience.

I would only give up, if there is a lot of activity in your house which could be contributing to his behavior getting worse. Than maybe he would be better of in a new home.

I agree, 5 months can be a difficult stage for a shy dog (think of a human child at 11). Tully was 5 months when a behaviourist diagnosed her with bad aggression (that diagnosis did a huge amount of damage). It just turned out to be a very difficult time for her, the cusp of adolescence. I had thought of returning her but am soooo glad I didn't. She has grown into a beautiful adult with an equally beautiful personality (still has a nervous lick though thanks to the behaviourist).

There are a few things I wish I had done differently. I do think some pups are immature and need to be mothered more than others and Tully was one of them. The rebeliousness was just a lot of uncertainty and I think a bit of feeling that she wasnt wanted. A timid dog does better with more affection and reassurance, esp when there is another dog around that you already adore (they do pick up signals).

Do you walk him seperately or have together time? Young dogs do need one-on-one time so they bond to their human owners, as it is more natural for them to bond to the other dog. That's also why obedience classes are good -the pup learns to take commands from you and you spend quality, active time together.

He will also be going through his flight instinct and second fear period
http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/DevelopmentalStages.html and this will account for a lot of the fear he is showing (mine went through a second stage at 5 and 6 months). Plus he is probably teething so will be uncomfortable and perhaps grumpy. And will probably be chewing to relieve the discomfort.

I would recommend sticking with it. These stages are a pain to go through at the time but once you get to the other side you will have a great bond, as will both the dogs. At this age they need a lot of understanding, patience, affection, leadership and exercise! That said, it may be easier to rehome him before he is 6mths who can put in the extra effort needed for an adolescent.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[MaggieMae]

I agree, 5 months can be a difficult stage for a shy dog (think of a human child at 11). Tully was 5 months when a behaviourist diagnosed her with bad aggression (that diagnosis did a huge amount of damage). It just turned out to be a very difficult time for her, the cusp of adolescence. I had thought of returning her but am soooo glad I didn't. She has grown into a beautiful adult with an equally beautiful personality (still has a nervous lick though thanks to the behaviourist).

There are a few things I wish I had done differently. I do think some pups are immature and need to be mothered more than others and Tully was one of them. The rebeliousness was just a lot of uncertainty and I think a bit of feeling that she wasnt wanted. A timid dog does better with more affection and reassurance, esp when there is another dog around that you already adore (they do pick up signals).

Do you walk him seperately or have together time? Young dogs do need one-on-one time so they bond to their human owners, as it is more natural for them to bond to the other dog. That's also why obedience classes are good -the pup learns to take commands from you and you spend quality, active time together.

He will also be going through his flight instinct and second fear period
http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/DevelopmentalStages.html and this will account for a lot of the fear he is showing (mine went through a second stage at 5 and 6 months). Plus he is probably teething so will be uncomfortable and perhaps grumpy. And will probably be chewing to relieve the discomfort.

I would recommend sticking with it. These stages are a pain to go through at the time but once you get to the other side you will have a great bond, as will both the dogs. At this age they need a lot of understanding, patience, affection, leadership and exercise! That said, it may be easier to rehome him before he is 6mths who can put in the extra effort needed for an adolescent.

Good luck with your decision.

Thank you for taking the time to help me evaluate our situation. We love him very much but can't let him play with our older Sheltie. She is so gentle and he is so rough. It is way too stressful for her! That's something we never counted on - we thought a puppy would be respectful and that she would provide some discipline. She just tries to escape and ends up trapped!

We haven't given up yet but will try all the wonderful suggestions everyone here has shared before we do anything! We do live in the Spokane, Washington area so if someone lives nearby and/or might be able to provide a better home for him, please let me know through the forum!

 

[Smudge]

I was using the video as an example. Smudge has had a LOT of interaction with lots of different people because of his problems. To my knowledge this was his first time to see a kid. Also, I had been in the house for a while. I had a sack of treats, and made the kids throw treats on the ground in front of him. Smudge isn't people aggressive, but he may be dog aggressive. I'm trying to decide what the deal was with that. The first time he met Bullet (my grandmother's dog) she attacked him. I didn't know my grandmother had given Bullet a treat, and I guess she thought Smudge was going to take it from her. She she attacked him. I don't know if he attacked her randomly or if it's because he remembered her. Either way I'm playing it safe.

I do think puppy classes are a good idea. If you'll recall Smudge was enrolled in obedience until he became sick. As of right now he has a reserved spot for the next time they have puppy classes. I do think that if your dog has fear issues that you should talk to the instructor before you go and let them know what's going on. I started clicker training today.

 

[Caro]

Jessica - Smudge did really well around those kids, you should be proud of him. For a pup of that age, with all the health problems he had, he is doing really well with his confidence. A little hesitant but that's probably the safe way to be anyway around kids. It will be great when he gets to training, such a shame he missed out when he was unwell. Interacting with other dogs outside the pack is actually not that natural for dogs. And yes, Bullet snapping at him probably did have a big impact.