We got her at 4 months old and she doesnt seem to be very well socialised. Can anyone give me advise on how to help her stop being nervous in most situations (she reacts with aggression).she will not let us put her coat on to take her for walks, wont go in the car, etc
2006-12-20 22:48:16 · 10 answers · asked by gillian m 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Register for a beginning obidence class. It's an excellent way to socialize the dog and help get over anxiety.
2006-12-20 22:54:34 · answer #1 · answered by Yo LO! 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ahhh, I'll bet she's just a cuty-pie!
Lots of patience. And always make her feel that she is secure. Especially in a tiny dog with the way she is right now.
Now you have to get one thing straight with all of you.
You humans ARE bigger than her.
Even though her little attitude sounds like it could make a lion cower. haha
Just plain and simple, put her coat on her. Keep telling her that she's ok and tell her what a pretty girl she's going to be as soon as she has it on. ect. , never stop talking while your doing this. It kinda keeps her distracted listening to you tell her how cute she is. As soon as you have it on her it's time for you and whoever is in the room with you to get excited about how gorgeous she looks and what a good job she did. Have a mirror nearby and show her how good she looks. LOTS of praise...all the way.
Make sure you leave it on for the entire time that she should have it on. When the walk is over let her know what a good job she did and show her that there is a special place for her little outdoor coat. Next to the leash is a good spot..so she knows that the two go together.
You really have to be consistant and do not sluff it off or she will sluff off too.
As long as you show her lots of love and allways security. She will come around and be a real spoiled furry baby.
She is still pretty young yet. Her age is almost like a blank canvas and what ever you help her learn is what make her...her.
Usually little dogs either show aggresion or turn into a total weeny, because they are so little they feel that they have to 'talk' big. Either one way or the other. At least untill she grows into who she is gonna be.
You all will be just fine in time. I'll just bet she is a real kick in the butt! And it sounds like she is a spoiled princess..that's ok..that's what little dogs are for..~wink~
Good luck and have fun with your furry kid!
2006-12-20 23:09:25 · answer #2 · answered by oodlesoanimals 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's best to introduce her to new situations gradually,if she feels threatened by something stop and carry on the next day etc.To get her in the car start by bringing her out to it and let her walk round the car with the car not started,when she starts to feel more relaxed with that,[which could take weeks]start the car up and let her walk around it etc...eventually start putting tit bits inside the car so she associates it with a pleasant expeirience.Socialising dogs is a life time challenge and dogs that have had little or no socialisation take longer to socialise.Reacting with aggresion is a normal reaction as she is scared and is trying to defend herself.If you live close to a town try carrying her round the streets as this will help her grow used to seeing different people,and noises and she should feel safer in your arms.If you are concerned about the aggresion and feel she may bite someone then i would advice you to take her to the vets where they will give you advice on the best way to socialise her,they will also be able to refer you to a good training class or behaviourist who will be able to help your dog even more.Good luck
2006-12-21 11:16:38 · answer #3 · answered by Heavenly20 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The English Toy is the temperament that is showing. And females are worse for this than males. It will need a lot of work - over riding 'primary programming'-
eventually a training club will help to socialise but not until she knows a bit
more about the world.( It is also more so in puppies that are in the latter stages of tooth change [the very back teeth] and females within a few weeks of a season.)
Until then its a case of very little exposure, very often.
Do not force her onto people or other animals. Get them to be there but ignore
her - she will eventually accept she is safe.
Its also a good idea to give her a safe place-a travel box,
Cars are easy-only travel in a travel box/pen/cage, get her used to this in the house by giving her meals in it and treats.
Used this method for both ETs and Manchesters, start off with door closed
when visitors arrive. After a few visits and everybody settled down open the door but do not encourage her to come out - she will do that when she is ready.
Before you all email boxes/cages/pens are cruel-not as cruel as having to put
an unmanagable animal to sleep or sending it off to the pound. And for traveling they are as essential as a seat belt for humans.
2006-12-23 06:00:23 · answer #4 · answered by LINDA S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My family have had a few Chinese crested dogs and they always seem to be one way or the other, either really confident and totally manic! or nervous like u described, the vet may be able to help with tips on this, lots of patience and gradual socialising at first with people and other animals that are calm may help. There are lots of good training books around or if u wanted to u can get in touch with dog behaviourists for one on one advice!
She will need lots of patience and baby steps taken with her, its also important to not encourage nervousness ( by comforting her as she will think there is really something to worry about!)
good luck!
2006-12-21 00:02:04 · answer #5 · answered by BABY BELL 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What's this "will not let" stuff? She's a little dog. You're the leader. You don't need to be mean, just do it. Don't like the coat? Tough! Don't like the car? Tough! Deal with it. Would you let a child get away with this stuff?
1) Obedience class
2) Nothing In Life Is Free
http://www.k9deb.com/nilif.htm
http://www.goof.com/~pmurphy/NILIF.html
3) Once she's got the basics down, agility classes are great for building confidence in a dog.
2006-12-21 01:12:35 · answer #6 · answered by DaBasset - BYBs kill dogs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be patient and slowly start basic training over. Get her use to you touching her head, paws -- a daily massage they get used to quickly. Take her walking in the neighborhood and then gradually take her to petstore, walking around malls, dog parks, having people come to your house and acting calm around her so that she can sniff them. Doggy classes are good. There is this herbal tincture called Rescue Remedy that is good to calm nervous doggies.
For car -- take her outside and sit with door open. Eventually ask her to sit in your lap, then another day start the car up, and then eventually start car and drive around the block. Increase your distance. A car seat that allows her to sit high and look out the window may help.
2006-12-20 22:54:16 · answer #7 · answered by JusMe 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This 'she won't let us' mentality is adding to your problems: pick her up firmly & put her in the car! YOU must be the boss. Take her to the local parks & walk her. Let her intereact with other dogs (do NOT pick her up when they approach) and talk in happy tones to her: 'be nice' etc. When she interacts well, praise her. When she doesn't, tell her firmly 'NO!'. Sign up NOW for a basic obedience class - ask your vet for someone he reccomends that has a behavior specialist on staff. Take their advice & work with your dog everyday. The sooner you get this under control, the better - older dogs get very set in their patterns & it is harder to change their attitudes. Go now, and good luck!
2006-12-21 00:14:51 · answer #8 · answered by mustanglynnie 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well when you got her home, why didn't you put her in training lessons, socialization classes, take her to doggy parks to interact with other dogs etc.?
Why are you making her wear a COAT? Dogs are wild animals and in the wild, dog's don't wear coats!
You need to get her into obedience and socialization classes now.
If you can get over the aggressivness and she is able to go in the car (you will need to get a travel crate for her), you will be able to take her to doggy parks, go to agility classes (doesn't mean you need to show her, just get her active with a few toy/small breed classes in your area) - she will have a lot of fun jumping over the hurdles and playing with other dogs.
2006-12-21 00:30:10 · answer #9 · answered by Elena 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
don't be rude to it, speak sofly and slowly...wiz love....
thats all
the pet itself would understand u love it and would be good u u as well
2006-12-20 22:52:19 · answer #10 · answered by giri 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋