I have a 10 week old female boxer, and she seems skiddish. I was just curious is there anyway to change that behavior?
2006-12-05 08:13:47 · 11 answers · asked by mrpuddles79 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Contrary to what another poster stated, you do not have a lot of time to socialize her. The window for socialization is drastically reduced at about 14 weeks of age. She can still learn to accept new things after that age, but it will never be as easy as if she had been exposed before that age.
Introduce her to as many new things as you can each day - but only one new thing at a time. Overwhelming her will just make things worse. When she comes across something new, act excited about it and encourage her to check it out. Praise her and give her treats when she does anything involving the object - leaning towards it, sniffing it (even if from afar), walking towards it, etc.
Puppy Primer by Patricia McConnell, Before and After Getting Your Puppy by Ian Dunbar, and Parenting Your Puppy by Trish King are great resources for puppy owners.
And for heaven's sake, never hit her! There is no need to ever hit a dog, but you certainly shouldn't hit a sensitive and skittish dog.
2006-12-05 08:42:18 · answer #1 · answered by melissa k 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not be worried if she is 10 weeks old she is still very young and is still getting use to everything she encounters. She’ll most likely get more adventures as she ages. Just make sure to get her around other people and dogs when she is young and make sure these experiences are positive ones. I’ve had two boxers and now have two boxer / labs. The two I have now like check out people when they first meet them and once they know new person or dog is no threat to them they give their new friend a ton of lovening attention.
2006-12-05 08:46:22 · answer #2 · answered by tower boy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With any puppy, there is a reason for him being skiddish. Be more specific, is he acting like he is afraid of being hit? Show him more affection. Let him know that your hand is not the weapon. If you have to smack him for doing something wrong, use a rolled up newspaper, then he will not associate your hand to spankings, but the paper. In what other way is he skiddish?
2006-12-05 08:29:24 · answer #3 · answered by ditto805 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I had the same problem with my Boxer when I brought her home. I adoptedd her from the Humane Society when she was three months old. People kept adopting her and bringing her back so she developed this trauma from being abandoned.
Just love her alot and reassure her. Right now she is in unfamiliar surroundings and she's scared. You need to be patient with her and she will eventually understand that she has no reason to be afraid. Good luck with your baby!!
2006-12-05 08:35:30 · answer #4 · answered by dramaqueen00469 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is,
Its called conditioning, at this stage you need to be in charge of every aspect of that dogs life, Take her to petco walk her around and grab a couple treats off the treat bar, shoot for a weekday at first where there are less dogs but she will get lots of attention, Keep her in the cart ( you may want to line the bottom with a towel) but let anyone who approaches her give her a treat and attention, if no one is around ask an associate to do it, they love that part of their job. Keep away from too many hectic situations and give her time to adjust to each one seperateley.
2006-12-05 08:22:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
She is still very young, so there is plenty of time to get her socialized and adjusted. Take her out to meet other dogs, allow her to meet people. Just give her to opportunities to check things out and get nosey. That is really the only way she will learn that not every thing is going to get her. So, my best advice is to let her explore, but be sure to keep an eye on her so she won't get into trouble.
2006-12-05 08:21:00 · answer #6 · answered by R.S.C. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you buy her from a pet store? If so, she may be a product of inferior breeding, as well as having been subjected to a stressful environment during her formative period. At this point, I would reccommend playing quietly with her and speaking to her in a soothing voice. You need to allow her to become comfortable in her new environment, so that she can relax a bit.
2006-12-05 08:19:15 · answer #7 · answered by Shellbell 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Socialize your dog as much as possible, let her get to know the world around her and people of all shapes and sizes . Do not baby the dog when she is afraid of something because that makes it worse.
2006-12-05 09:04:49 · answer #8 · answered by Shepherdgirl § 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to much going happening around the dog You need some time on time with your new friend Good Luck
2006-12-05 08:20:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of puppies are scared or unsure of new things and sounds. Let her work through it herself. don't force her towards what she is afraid of. When she is afraid of something you can act happy and it's nothing to be afraid of. When she ages she will become bolder.
2006-12-05 08:20:52 · answer #10 · answered by kiu 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋