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Doberman Puppy Anxious

Mackenziejw

Jr Member
Hi guys! I’m back with another question as everyone has been so helpful with everything. Onyx is now 5 months and changing everyday. Our current ongoing challenge is his anxieties and constant fears. We live in a big city so we knew the first couple months would be foreign to him but he doesn’t seem to be adjusting. He is so scared of loud sounds and big trucks (which I get) but then also scared of certain people. He hides behind me when we see homeless people in the alley, and today there were some crazy people screaming and banging on a door and he was so scared my boyfriend couldn’t get him to walk or eat his food (he was doing his training outside and my boyfriend was trying to feed him to get him used to different environments). I would think my Doberman would want to step up and be on guard to protect his handlers but it seems we have to protect him. Once he’s triggered and scared it’s so hard to calm him down. He just pulls and tries to run in the opposite direction. Is he going to grow out of this ? He’s been in the big city for 3 months now and we still can’t walk him around the block or on a route he’s never taken before. He just stands still and barely moves. How can we help him through this :(. I attached updated photos of him too :) thanks to everyone in advance.
 

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Hi guys! I’m back with another question as everyone has been so helpful with everything. Onyx is now 5 months and changing everyday. Our current ongoing challenge is his anxieties and constant fears. We live in a big city so we knew the first couple months would be foreign to him but he doesn’t seem to be adjusting. He is so scared of loud sounds and big trucks (which I get) but then also scared of certain people. He hides behind me when we see homeless people in the alley, and today there were some crazy people screaming and banging on a door and he was so scared my boyfriend couldn’t get him to walk or eat his food (he was doing his training outside and my boyfriend was trying to feed him to get him used to different environments). I would think my Doberman would want to step up and be on guard to protect his handlers but it seems we have to protect him. Once he’s triggered and scared it’s so hard to calm him down. He just pulls and tries to run in the opposite direction. Is he going to grow out of this ? He’s been in the big city for 3 months now and we still can’t walk him around the block or on a route he’s never taken before. He just stands still and barely moves. How can we help him through this :(. I attached updated photos of him too :) thanks to everyone in advance.
They seem to go through fear stages and the best way I found was to act very calm and matter of fact so they cued in to my attitude. Definitely don't coddle them or they REALLY think something is wrong. My pup was overall fairly confident so I don't know if this is the best for a dog with a more fearful nature. But 5 months is still a really young age and they are still developing so with careful and sensitive training I am sure he will gain confidence. :)
 
Yup, what Jazzies mum said. Act calm and matter of fact so you're not confirming there's something to be scared of.
 
Agree with the statements already made. No coddling or reassuring pets & hugging. Your attitude should be "What? Nothing to see here!" like you are totally deaf to the big noises and blind to the strange people. Don't try to stop and force him to acknowledge it.

He’s been in the big city for 3 months now and we still can’t walk him around the block or on a route he’s never taken before. He just stands still and barely moves. How can we help him through this
This sounds really tough. If you can just confidently walk around your own block several times a day and try to find something fun along the way. If he won't walk, is there a bench you can sit on somewhere and let him observe? @Rits suggested one time to just take them to a parking lot, sit in the car (safe place) and just watch the humans and cars come & go. It was for puppies not yet vaccinated or because the stores were not dog friendly, but it would be a great idea for a pup like yours. When he gets pretty comfortable watching from the car, you begin walking around the parking lot with him. Pretty safe, and not so much commotion as a busy sidewalk with traffic close by.

You might think about group obedience classes where all the pups are under control & on leash. Sometimes controlled environments with other dogs his age can boost his confidence if the other pups are happy go lucky. Also you might ask your breeder for suggestions and see if the littermates are having these issues.

Good looking puppy from your photos! Stay in touch with your progress.
 
Hi guys! I’m back with another question as everyone has been so helpful with everything. Onyx is now 5 months and changing everyday. Our current ongoing challenge is his anxieties and constant fears. We live in a big city so we knew the first couple months would be foreign to him but he doesn’t seem to be adjusting. He is so scared of loud sounds and big trucks (which I get) but then also scared of certain people. He hides behind me when we see homeless people in the alley, and today there were some crazy people screaming and banging on a door and he was so scared my boyfriend couldn’t get him to walk or eat his food (he was doing his training outside and my boyfriend was trying to feed him to get him used to different environments). I would think my Doberman would want to step up and be on guard to protect his handlers but it seems we have to protect him. Once he’s triggered and scared it’s so hard to calm him down. He just pulls and tries to run in the opposite direction. Is he going to grow out of this ? He’s been in the big city for 3 months now and we still can’t walk him around the block or on a route he’s never taken before. He just stands still and barely moves. How can we help him through this :(. I attached updated photos of him too :) thanks to everyone in advance.
I use a prong collar. My younger female that is now 10 months old was trained to walk with a prong collar. She was extremely anxious if a car went by, strange people, etc. I never corrected her with the prong collar, I just put a little force and told her to keep coming that it was okay. She has been trained to watch me. But, she calmed right down with all the noises. I didn’t allow her to stop. I just kept talking to her and kept her right at my side. When I’m training her, she still has her flat collar on and I use the training lead to her flat collar, but she also has the prong since it fits up high so that if I need to switch it, I can. I don’t know if that’s right or wrong, but it has worked for me. He may need to feel assured that you’re in control and are not going to let anything get him. Our big bad dobermans!! Lol I’ve attached pics of both of my girls. Jolene is black and rust and is 4 1/2 year and Frankie is the red and rust and is 10 months.
 

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also has the prong since it fits up high so that if I need to switch it, I can. I don’t know if that’s right or wrong,
You want it to fit high on the neck so that's good.

Both nice looking dogs!
 
I didn’t allow her to stop. I just kept talking to her and kept her right at my side.
This is also a point I agree with, and if it takes a prong collars that's fine too.
He may need to feel assured that you’re in control and are not going to let anything get him.
Exactly. When you take on the role of being confident & sure of your surroundings, it will teach the puppy confidence in you AND the area!
 
Really great advice here!

Yes, as others have said, it's about building their confidence - acting like nothing is wrong. Not feeding into their fear.

What I have learned is when they are scared, they are looking for direction from their owner. When mine gets like that, I wait for him to look at me for guidance, then I praise and reward. And if he moves close to the object without an issue, I will praise him for his bravery as well. He's gotten a lot better! More focused on me now instead of the loud distractions.
 
Question on prong collars. My girl 9 months has broken two. Any suggestion for a good sturdy one
Herm sprenger Is the best brand of prong collar. Not a knock off. I have used the same prong collar and still using it on dobie #2. I bought another one for my second girl. They cannot break them. They are around $90, but well worth the money. Just be sure that it’s an actual herm sprenger.
 

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