I have two ten-month old shelties. One of them is very fearful and timid. She is fearful around other dogs and usually reacts by putting her tail between her legs and cowering or trying to hide. She is scared of things around the house, such as the fireplace and mirrors. She reacts to these things by barking and growling from a distance, but refusing to go close to them. She will sometimes cower when we go to pet her or pick her up, even though she will happily run over to us for attention when it is her choice. How do I help her overcome these fears?
Need help for my fearful puppy
- Thread starter jgonyo
- Start date
BarbV
Forums Celebrity
Are the pups from the same litter?
I would suggest that you get her gradually used to things that she fears.
Here's what I did when I started to use the dremmel on Bacca's nails. It was a gradual introduction.
I sat on the floor with the box and let him watch me take it out. Then put it on the floor. When he sniffed at it, he got a treat. Then I put it behind my back and turned it on. As soon as he came close to investigate, he got a treat. Then I put on the floor in front of him and turned it on. Treat if he did not shy away. Then held it to his body, not turned on. Treat, etc. etc. You get the picture.
Similar techniques might work for you. So if she is afraid of the fireplace, sit yourself on the floor near but not too close to the fireplace - without flame to start. Don't call her, just wait for her to come to you. Treat. Gradually move closer and closer to the fireplace. Treat if she comes up to you. Then you can start introducing flame and getting her to sit/down next to you.
If she is fearful around other dogs, ask the other dog owner to sit their dog so that they don't intimidate her by jumping all over her. If she shows interest, then treat and praise. Gradually allow contact to get closer to her. Treat and praise for every baby step she makes.
As for cowering when you try to pet her, get down to her level. Don't bend down over her. It's a very dominant position.
Our Shelties all have funny little phobias. Bacca hates it when it touch his head if I'm bending down. However, if I'm on the floor, he will stick his face in my hand looking for pats!
elaine2004
Forums Enthusiast
Welcome
Barb hit the nail right on the head. just take things one at a time in a very calm slow movement and get her adjusted at a slow even keel. Shelties can be very shy when not socialized properly. They all have little quirkes just as we people do. They will come around. lots of treats, patience and calmness.
Barb hit the nail right on the head. just take things one at a time in a very calm slow movement and get her adjusted at a slow even keel. Shelties can be very shy when not socialized properly. They all have little quirkes just as we people do. They will come around. lots of treats, patience and calmness.