Nervous Pup

[Silent Sniper 17]

Need a bit of advice,

Recently got a little fox red lab bitch, she's off a nice line, kc registered blah blah blah.... just turned 13 weeks today, my only worry is that she is a bit nervous, if she's sees somebody she don't know she won't go nowhere near them, and she just generally a bit "jumpy" she's only been here for just over a week so not long which is what I have been putting it down too but maybe it's because she's young and still getting used to the place I don't know just need a bit of advice and to see how other people's dogs are at that age, she is intended for fowling as my cocker is now passed it and in a well earned retirement, she's fine with the dog and me but other people she backs away from any ideas??

 

Thanks in advance

 

Ss

Edited January 4, 2017 by Silent Sniper

[rosered 4]

My springer pup I got in November is the same way but getting alot more comfortable with people lately, my lurcher was the same way when I first got her as a pup and she's 100% now so I think it's just a pup thing depending on their personality. Just need to get them out and about and desensitise them to seeing people. Would recommend walking her through town centres a few times a week and she'll get used to seeing people and people making a fuss of her and realise there's nothing to be nervy about. Best of luck with her

[bird 9,968]

Need a bit of advice,

Recently got a little fox red lab bitch, she's off a nice line, kc registered blah blah blah.... just turned 13 weeks today, my only worry is that she is a bit nervous, if she's sees somebody she don't know she won't go nowhere near them, and she just generally a bit "jumpy" she's only been here for just over a week so not long which is what I have been putting it down too but maybe it's because she's young and still getting used to the place I don't know just need a bit of advice and to see how other people's dogs are at that age, she is intended for fowling as my cocker is now passed it and in a well earned retirement, she's fine with the dog and me but other people she backs away from any ideas??

 

Thanks in advance

 

Ss

keep socializing her with lots of people, more she sees the better, let them fuss her ,and maybe even give a little treat , all labs like there belly lol.

[Silent Sniper 17]

Thanks bud, I take her in the car everyday she's cracked that she don't mind it at all, it's just people lol have to start visits ??

[Silent Sniper 17]

My springer pup I got in November is the same way but getting alot more comfortable with people lately, my lurcher was the same way when I first got her as a pup and she's 100% now so I think it's just a pup thing depending on their personality. Just need to get them out and about and desensitise them to seeing people. Would recommend walking her through town centres a few times a week and she'll get used to seeing people and people making a fuss of her and realise there's nothing to be nervy about. Best of luck with her

 

Cheers for the advice mate ?

[skycat 6,173]

If the pup is nervous because it is her inherited nature, then go very gently with her. If she is nervous because she wasn't sufficiently exposed to different people before she left the breeder, still go gently. Don't force people on her. And definitely don't flood her with new and frightening experiences at this age: it's far more likely to make her a lot worse. The desensitisation process must be very gradual, very gentle, and you only go as fast as the pup is capable of going. If you just stick her on a lead and walk her amongst loads of people she may well never get over it. 13 weeks is a difficult time for a lot of puppies. Fearful experiences at this age can mark a dog for life.

Concentrate on building a strong bond with her, get her total trust. Once she looks to you for protection and support only then can you start to expose her to new and scary things. Never push it. Each new step she takes must be totally within her comfort zone, and you must always be there to support her. Don't let strangers go rushing up to her saying crap like 'I'm used to dogs', and don't try and do any training at the moment either. Anything she experiences as negative will only put her back further. No telling off, no shouting, no making her sit etc etc.

I've had one or two lurchers like her, and they've turned out the most rewarding animals, but they must be allowed to come on at their own pace, which doesn't mean that you keep her shut away, just that you watch and read the pup and let her tell you when she's ready for the next step. For example: get her sitting/standing by your feet when you talk to a new person. Don't let that person make eye contact with her or approach her in any way. If possible, get the person to sit down near you, and chat away. If you want the pup to trust other people, apart from yourself, then get the person to offer her a titbit. Personally I wouldn't do that: far too many thieves about these days. If you just want her to be confident and comfortable around people in general, just stop and chat with as many people as you can whilst you walk her, but don't try and force her to go near them, and tell them what you are doing and why.

Hope this helps.

[Silent Sniper 17]

That's great, thanks mate appreciate it ?? will keep you updated

[wilbur foxhound 480]

if you have any children let them play with the puppy that will sort it out

[Squeamish5 309]

I have a people-wary dog.

 

Get her used to the vet. This has been a really tricky issue for us.

As Skycat says, don't let people say 'oh I love dogs' and try to force their attention on her. In my experience this just makes it worse. Be prepared to offend your friends and neighbours as many of them will ignore your request to 'just ignore her she'll approach you when she's ready'.

Odd though this may sound, mine is fine and pretty relaxed in pub for lunch. The other people are focused on their own food, and not so ready to try and stroke dogs while they're eating. (Also he gets a bag of mini cheddars and some steak fat).

I used to park at the harbour or in supermarket car park and sit in the open boot with him, just watching people walking past.

Edited January 9, 2017 by Squeamish5