my dog is scared of his own shadow and he likes to bark at my freinds
2007-06-21 10:51:53 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Socialization and desenitation are your two new best friends. Your dog will be afraid of things he doesn't know. Start taking him for walks, focus on areas like public parks, near school yards, beaches and pet stores. If you are afraid of him nipping on someone a muzzle is a good choice for these walks, actually I suggest it anyways. The Dog Whisperer on National Geographic Channel has done tons of shows on this. He is a great resource and I suggest buying his book, it's my bible on dog training. The more you socialize your dog by bringing him into contact with those things he fears will teach him not to be afraid. If he barks at your friends introduce him to your friends, and when he starts to bark distract him, change his focus by giving him a quick tug at his collar. It will take work, Patience and understanding but all of that is part of pet ownership!
2007-06-21 11:05:06 · answer #1 · answered by Kellie D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AMEN to Shadow (above)
Consoling the dog when he/she is afraid is the best way to encourage fear aggression! If you keep giving the dog positive attention for undesirable behavior
("its ok, there there....awwww....its ok...come here...good dog") whenever something is scarey or new people are around ---you will have a dog who thinks it is highly desirable to bark at your friends - go after other dogs, and react that way.
Shadow is 100% right - encourage the dog to check it out and build his/her own confidence.....confidence is not the same thing as aggression. Most aggressive dogs are NOT the pack leaders!
2007-06-21 18:02:44 · answer #2 · answered by Lakshmilover 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since my Border Collie was fully vaccinated, I have taken her every place I possibly could to get her used to new things.
You also are not supposed to "console" your dog when it's afraid, as this is a way to reinforce and encourage the behavior.
My dog is a year old now and she is still going thru "fear phases" which are quite common until 18 months to 2 yrs old. When she gets scared of something, I encourage her to check it out so she'll come to understand it won't harm her and that there is nothing to fear. You gotta be patient tho.
2007-06-21 17:58:43 · answer #3 · answered by Shadow's Melon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This dog was never socialized. Dogs are rarely born being afraid. They need to be taught that the world for then is a wonderful place. I could explain to you in lengthy manner how to socialize a dog but it is better if you are taught in person. You should enroll in a good obedience class. They will teach you about dog behavior, how to teach and socialize your dog and this will make your dog a better and safer pet.
2007-06-21 17:59:00 · answer #4 · answered by DaveSFV 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok for like a week have your dog a leash ok then walk around the areas that are most scare to him and reward him when he does good also make shure you are come and not putting of to much energy because your dog will feel it
2007-06-21 18:01:43 · answer #5 · answered by anna h 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ahaha mine did the same thing for awhile. He'll grow out of it but you can help by socializing him with other dogs, places, and people. g'luck
2007-06-21 17:57:22 · answer #6 · answered by LivingInnuendo~♫ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think u should watch the dog wisper in the national geograpic channel
2007-06-21 17:59:52 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Love, love, reassurance and more love. Praise him when he does well, when he is behaving like you want him to. Talk in a calm, monotone, relaxed voice when he seems frightened and rub his chest.
2007-06-21 17:58:47 · answer #8 · answered by CoronaGirl 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋