He is a 6 mth old german shep. He will run away and hide when any one he doesnt know is around. Sometimes bark, especially when you make a noise at him. He pants so bad he foams up too. Oh yeah, he shakes. Its seems like he is having an anxiety attack. I need to know how to help him overcome these fears so he can be more relaxed.
2006-09-09 04:53:29 · 13 answers · asked by christipemb 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
First, the very worst thing you can do to this puppy is take him to obedience class - he's much too young and for a dog this afraid of people, you're going to make him worse.
He needs to be socialized, but don't push him, let him go at his own speed. When you walk him, take treats with you. When someone approaches you, talk to your dog in a happy voice, greet the person, too. When he sees you repeatedly talk to people he'll realize that you, his leader, doesn't see any threat. Give him lots of praise and treats if he is calm. At this point, don't let strangers come up to him unless he seems ok with it.
One other thing you can do is when people come to your house. Have him on a leash and put him in a sit stay (if he'll do it). When the person comes in, have them stand still - they are not to make eye contact, talk to or try to touch the puppy. Encourage him to go up to them and sniff them. When they go in and sit down, let him go up to them again. You should always let him initiate approaching them. Give him lots and lots of praise for every step forward he takes in improving.
A bit of obedience training at home, no classes, will also help boost his self confidence. Keep your lessons short, fun and give lots of praise. As his self confidence increases, it should help him with meeting people. Take him for lots of walks so he has lots of opportunity to become more socialized.
If he's that afraid that you can't make any progress, talk to your vet and he may prescribe a mild tranquilizer to help him, though I don't really like that idea. But he may need it just to get him started - it would be my last resort though.
2006-09-09 08:56:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some puppies do have anxiety that requires medicine from a vet until they get older. I agree with obedience classes $100.00 at pet smart, introduction to parks, and space to adjust to visitors in the home.
2006-09-09 12:01:45 · answer #2 · answered by tdm1175 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way to over-ride this fear is to get him used to people he doesn't know. Right now he is afraid of the unknown. Take him to as many public place as possibe and get him used to being around people. Talk to him and soothe him. Get some of your friends to come over so they can take turns helping you help him. Tell them to be very patient and soft with him. Once he begins to trust your friends he will be better with other strangers.
2006-09-09 12:08:16 · answer #3 · answered by Stiletto ♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get him used to people slowly don't let any one pick him up and have them hold there hand out so he can see that there nice.
But don't have a lot of people like picking him up other then you that scares dogs until they know the person better.
2006-09-09 11:58:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your puppy was probably never handled. You need to have new people come over. Once the person is there have them give him one of his favorite treats. But don't try to hard. This will take time so be patient.
2006-09-09 12:00:37 · answer #5 · answered by Skylar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start with your vet to make sure there are no underlying medical conditions first. Then, find a good animal behaivorist who can evaluate him further. Eventually obedience classes would help him as well. Please do something as soon as you can...while he's still a pup and his issues are more easily dealt with.
2006-09-09 12:13:25 · answer #6 · answered by Mara 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had this problem with my dog and I consulted a trainer. She told me to not alow them to hide or runaway. For example if he is scared of thunderstorms, take him outside during one and this approach seems a little harsh but it really works.
2006-09-09 12:06:08 · answer #7 · answered by poker_star21 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Valium
2006-09-09 11:58:41 · answer #8 · answered by picopico 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He needs to confront that fear. Take him to the park on weekends, take him for a walk as often as you can. He will eventually get used to people.
2006-09-09 11:58:35 · answer #9 · answered by Pedro ST 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like you need to take him to obedience class, and start interacting him with others. Hes getting stressed out (maybe due to a certain incident either when u had him or the previous owner) You need to act quickly before he gets out of control - its not fair on him.
2006-09-09 11:57:02 · answer #10 · answered by nicole 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋