Fear issues?
- Thread starter Crystal
- Start date
What is she fearful of? Mine got thrown into a rather loud household right off the bat so they haven't shown any fear except when meeting other dogs and people but after about 15 seconds they are all wiggley butts.
Crystal
Jr Member
Of our backyard (only sometimes) I go out with her nothing traumatic has happened back there, other dogs at first as well and lots of odd things while on walks. It's so weird sometimes she's fine and others it's the halt pull back (not sure how to describe it) on the leash. She's fine with the vaccum. We have already done training classes so I'm just so confused. And wondering if fear of weird things is normal at this age! Especially since it's messing with house training. Treats are expensive at the rate I'm going with trying positive reinforcement with her. I've never experienced it with my other pups so I'm not sure what to do.
Mine are that way too. I took them walking when the wind was blowing and I just walked them on through it. I think it's more of her lacking confidence. Can you take her to walk where there are a lot of people and distractions?
Don't coddle or reward her if she shies away.
As far as treats go, I break my treats into pieces about 1/2 to 1/3 the size of a dime. It's not the amount they get, it's the action of giving them.
I don't always give treats but I do give lots of praise when the do well. They love the praise. Our trainers use confidence building exercises like going up and over a low ramp, going over a low teeter totter and being on an unbalanced board where they have to use their core muscles to steady themselves.
alphafemale
Notable member
I second the lack of reaction when she shows fear. I've been lucky, so far Mila's been a little too courageous. Stairs she was a bit worried over (only while learning) but I kept calm and just encouraged her to me, it helped. Or she watches the other dogs, then folows them or me. I praise even the minor movement forward. In the backyard, one female boxer next door freaked her out (has a weird bark) so I walked that way and encouraged Mila to play.
Does she piddle when she meets people or other animals? If so that is usually just excitement. If people pitch their voice higher when they see the pups it creates excitement and then they will piddle. I always ask them to speak in a normal tone and to ignore my pups until they settle down. I don't reward excited behavior.
Sometimes. He was scared of the vacuum and i realized i probably introduced it too quickly but i figured just get it done and over with. He wasnt hiding but he was shaking.
The next door neighbors have a chiweenie and a big Rottie. Poor little Nero is nervous around the rottie because shes agressively barking at the fence. She barks at everyone out there unless her owners tell her not to and stand there with her. He barely goes out to pee when shes barking but I just stand there until he goes. Sometimes he hides behind me. I dont force him out but I dont reward it either. However I really dont mind if he wants to come and sit by me at anytime and looks to me for his protection at this point. I feel like that means im his pack leader.
alphafemale
Notable member
That's what Mila will do too. She'll place herself behind me.
Does Willow learn things by watching you first? I have noticed that Mila will watch me, then follow suit, which is why I go toward what bothers her.
Does Willow learn things by watching you first? I have noticed that Mila will watch me, then follow suit, which is why I go toward what bothers her.
As her pack leader you set the example for what is safe. Just be calm and assertive. Dont worry about her fear. Dont coddle or reward fear. If your body language tells her things are okay, they just are and reward forward movement or ignoring the fear item. But you need patience and be super consistent.
I use kibble as treat right now because he likes his kibble so much. No need to buy anything expensive. Ive also used bitty pieces of hot dog, cooked chicken, and cheese. The piece should really be no bigger than 5mm around. It's a taste, not a chew.
I use kibble as treat right now because he likes his kibble so much. No need to buy anything expensive. Ive also used bitty pieces of hot dog, cooked chicken, and cheese. The piece should really be no bigger than 5mm around. It's a taste, not a chew.
Crystal
Jr Member
No piddling, and we are starting puppy gym in the next few weeks to build more confidence. She got rolled (kinda bullied at puppy class by an older German Shepherd ) she's been acting different since then. I try to praise her as much as possible. Sometimes she's amazing with not being fearful and then all of a sudden she's a different dog. She also likes to jump and nip at me sometimes when walking her. Lol she's a very smart and "stubborn" (I know this will change in time with training) pup.
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Smart and She = stubborn lol
Archer
Hot Topics Subscriber
She is going through a fear period right now. You don't want to coddle her as it only encourages the behavior. You want to help build her confidence through successes. Make the backyard fun with reinforcement and treats. Teaching the "touch it" command will help build confidence to things she is fearful to.
Crystal
Jr Member
Thankyou, I tried the touch it method, and I've noticed a difference already, I never coddle my pups anymore (I learned that the hard way with my first one - ooops!) I was told they go threw 2 stages of fear and the next one will be around 7 months. Have you guys ever heard of this?
Yes, I have heard there are a few different fear periods, but I've heard more recently that we don't really know with much precision when they are in individual pups. I thought one was around 7 weeks, and that ear cropping should not be done during it.
Crystal
Jr Member
Crap that's when Willow got hers done :'(
Oh, sorry to worry you. Hopefully some others will chime in who perhaps know some more concrete information. I think in most cases, if the dog owner is informed and diligent, the dog turns out fine.
WiglWerm
Hot Topics Subscriber
Here's the rest of the article, it seemed informative: During these periods, puppies may show fear of items, situations or people with whom they formerly felt safe. They may start barking at people entering a house or become fearful and startle at benign items like trash cans, drainpipes or even yard gnomes. They may crouch, shake and try to run away, submissively urinate or, tell the scary thing/person to go away by showing an aggressive display, which may include piloerection, snarling, lunging or other unruly behavior. You must be patient during these periods and keep to a familiar routine. These are not good times to introduce your puppy to new situations or people. Be very careful to avoid doling out punishment or reprimands. It’s vitally important that you understand that your dog is afraid and that you add to the problem when you reprimand or punish. This compounded fear, in turn, can set the dog up for future aggression problems. If you must introduce your puppy to new situations during these periods, do so slowly, with good-tasting treats, so that he or she does not experience fear. Control situations so that you can prevent a fearful response and show your puppy that you enjoy the situation. Use food treats and happy talk to lure your puppy up to scary objects. Teach the targeting exercise (touch your hand with his nose) and work on getting your puppy to “touch the goblin”. When people visit your home during these periods, put your puppy in another room until visitors are settled in, then bring your puppy out on leash and praise him or her for any show of confidence. Have visitors toss good treats toward your puppy without approaching him or her.
