He's so cute and all. I do know allot about this kinds of dogs. But this one is very shy act scarey. Won't come to either one of us. He runs and hinds with his tail between his legs. How can I get him trained not to be so afraid?
2007-02-06 13:24:31 · 19 answers · asked by pinkish 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
My first warning: (and this has nothing to do with his breed!)
A puppy that acts like this is not the best choice for anyone. One of the tips on picking a puppy out of a litter is do not pick the pup who runs and hides! A well-socialized puppy will come toward you, unafraid, confident, and friendly, not barking or aggressive, and not with its tail between its legs.
The very shy pup is more likely to have problems in the future, and has a greater chance of becoming a fear-biter.
However, since you already have this pup, just keep him in one quiet room for now. Move slowly and quietly for now until he gets used to you. Spend as much time as you can just sitting on the floor or somewhere in the room where he can see you. Act like you're not particularly interested in him, just go about your business. This way he can get used to seeing and smelling you, and hopefully learn that you are not a threat. Make sure that he sees you bring food and water to him. Just slowly work up to petting him, then to touching him all over his body. When he runs or tries to avoid you, don't say anything--if you soothingly tell him 'oh, it's okay' or something like that, it will sound like praise. Instead just ignore him. If approaches you at any time, quietly praise him (loud praise may frighten him.)
As he gets used to you, start working with him by taking him places (don't go where other dogs may be until after he's finished his puppy shots) and by having people come over. When you have visitors make sure they understand to be quiet and gentle around him. Start slowly--just short trips at first, then eventually take him to parks, hang out in front of stores, and other places where there will be lots of activity. (This is good for any puppy!)
With time and patience, you will hopefully have a well-adjusted, confident, happy puppy. Good luck!
2007-02-06 13:40:55 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I had a 6 week old golden retriever and she is very well behaved now so I'll help :) I fed my dog in the beginning what the breeder fed her, but I slowly switched her food to Purina One Lamb and Rice formula(make sure it says for puppies!!!) It is what I have always fed my dogs. Okay so to switch the food you should feed the dog the amount of food according to it's weight. Let's say the bag says 1 cup of food for 10 pounds (I'm making these numbers up so make sure to look at what the bag says) Give the dog 7/8 of a cup of the old food and 1/8 of the new food. The next day 6/8 of the old and 2/8 of the new and so on until you are giving it 1 cup of the new. Also, puppies should eat about 3 times a day, so make sure to divide the cup into three meals. Once it's six months feed it twice a day and ask your vet when you could feed it once a day. You should take puppies out to potty every two to three hours and be sure to praise it every time it goes potty where you want it to! The main times to take a puppy out is in the morning, after eating, after play time, and before bedtime. Try not giving your puppy water during the night so you don't have to wake up in the middle of the night to take it out. Also try to play with your puppy alot but remember that young puppies sleep alot :) Also, the first night will be hell because it will cry because it misses it's mom and siblings. Don't get upset, just try to comfort it. This will strenghthen your bond. Oh and the most important thing to know about puppies! Enjoy the adorable tiny furball while it lasts! They grow up so fast :)
2016-05-24 01:31:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call your local animal shelter and ask them for a recommendation for a good trainer who is knowledgeable about dog behavior and uses positive training methods. If you or your boyfriend already know a good vet, you can ask your vet for a recommendation too.
Your pup may have gone through an experience that frightened him, or he may be genetically shy. Either way, it's important to start working with this dog with an experienced person ASAP, to work to socialize this puppy well. All pups need good socialization, but it's vital for Pit Bulls and for shy dogs - those especially need the supervision and guidance of a knowledgeable trainer.
There's also a great Yahoo group for owners of shy dogs that you may be interested in joining - they have a lot of good info about working with shy dogs.
2007-02-06 14:50:44 · answer #3 · answered by Bess2002 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He's just not used to being away from his mom and littermates. He's in a new place with new smells and new people. Most pups are a little skittish.
Sit down on the floor with some yummy smelling treats. If he comes over to you, give him a treat and tell him 'good dog!' in a cheerful squeeky voice and pet him if you can. It might take a while depending on the skittishness of the pup.
Don't chase him or grab at him. Let him come to you. (A squeaky toy might help too). It'll take a day or two, but he'll figure out you guys aren't so scary.
Hope this helps
2007-02-06 13:57:26 · answer #4 · answered by LX V 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First off, give him some time to settle in and get used to his new home. At least a week. Then slowly start taking him over to friends' houses or having one or two friends come over, preferably with their dogs if they have any, to get him used to new people and other animals. A puppy class is a great way to build trust in a timid dog. Now is the time to be concerned about this! Puppies are still learning about the world, and will accept new things as "normal". If you wait until he's an adult to get him over his shyness, it will be 100 times more difficult. Good luck!
2007-02-06 13:43:32 · answer #5 · answered by lizzy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Give him about a week to settle down and get used to his new surroundings. If he's coming around, then find a good obedience trainer to learn the basics and then some. They are an excellent source of info and tips to help you get the most out of your dog.
Good Luck with your new puppy! Once that bond forms, he's yours unconditionally!
2007-02-06 13:43:45 · answer #6 · answered by blackbriar2006 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should pick a day and give the pit bull some treats and let him get used to having a new family because he is probaly going to get used to you. Don't back away and act like he's the boss go on and pick him up and play with him show him how fun you really are but don't play with him to rough just gently.
Glad to help! Keli
2007-02-06 13:37:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
DO NOT PAY ATTENTION TO THE DOG!!
You will praise him for his skittish behavior or scare him more.
don't look at him, ignore him completely (keep your back to him if you can..just sit in the middle of the living room with your back to him..don't call him coax him or anything)..let him come to you when he is ready. When he does, remain calm, don't get excited or it might spook him...just let him be okay.
That will conquer the behavior with you and your bf in the home...then, when he is finally comfortable with you..take him to a certified trainer.
Pit bulls are wonderful doggies, but can become shy and skittish easily, it is important to train them and socialize them in the proper manner.
good luck.
2007-02-06 13:41:19 · answer #8 · answered by spottedmyappy 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get some help in the 'real' world as soon as you can. Fear and shyness in puppies turns into aggression when they grow up. You want to reward the dog with treats, praise, and encouragement when he hangs out with you, and you really want to be hooking up with a trainer that uses all-positive methods. To find a trainer:
http://www.apdt.com/po/ts/default.aspx
2007-02-06 14:12:26 · answer #9 · answered by Misa M 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think after couple days he will be more sociable. My puppy was the same way...i was worried that he was way to calm and shy.
After 2 weeks, he is now running around and follwing me everywhere.
just spend some time to bond with him
2007-02-06 13:29:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋