I have a female border collie mix.She is 2 years old and shy.I have had her since she was 6 weeks old.She went every where with me.When i take her places she hides behind me and freezes up and sometimes she growls.I would like to do more with her in the sports she love but cant because she is shy At home she is fine and when other people she does not know come over she is not afraid at all.She barks and gos right up to them some people she will let pet her and some she wont.
If anyone has any info on how i can get her to come out of her shell please tell!!
2007-12-18 07:25:59 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Concur with the others, that this is a common trait in BCs.
You want to continue to socialize your dog as much as possible, to as many experiences as possible. But take it slow, and give her a place where she can retreat when she becomes uncomfortable, even if that refuge is only hiding behind your legs. DO NOT force the socialization; that doesn't work. Instead, coax it - Clicker training, treats, praise, and playing can all be used to help her gain confidence in each new setting or situation. You've said that you've always done this with her, continue to so do, but watch her, and be ready to go sloooow when you need to.
The advice of telling people to ignore her until she's comfortable enough to come investigate is very sound. This is exactly how we deal with shy dogs at the BC rescue group where I volunteer. I'm a large, loud, bearded man, the kind of guy who freaks dogs out just by existing, and every one of the BCs on site love me - even the previously abused and the under-socialized ones. I largely credit that to the fact that I studiously ignore every one of the dogs until *they* approach *me.*
2007-12-19 02:29:44 · answer #1 · answered by Laird C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have the same problem with my 2 year old collie mix.
it is a trait of the breed and requires special attention, but is something that can not be corrected completely.
Do not pressure her to do things she is not comfortable with because it will just scare her even more.
The best thing I have found is to just tell people you meet that she is shy. If they ignore her then eventually she will get curious enough to go investigate. Warn people not to make sudden movements because this will frighten her.
I guess patience and lots of it is my best advice.
But don't they make an excellent faithful companion?
2007-12-18 07:31:27 · answer #2 · answered by Sarah K 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know the problem. I have a purebred border collie and she is extremely shy. The worst part is that she is supposed to be a service dog. When I go shopping she keeps trying to hide behind me instead of walk forward.
One trick when you are first introducing some one to your pet is tell them to ignore her. Let her get curious about your guest. Eventual she will get bold enough to introduce herself to your guest.
2007-12-18 07:41:03 · answer #3 · answered by Belgariad 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wonder if it would help, to start taking her to a dog park, so she can start meeting new friends, and maybe she will start to get used to meeting new people?? Or do you have friends that have dogs?? They could bring them over and she could start socializing with them! Or maybe you could sign her up for some kind of class, with other dogs!! Good Luck!
2007-12-19 03:39:41 · answer #4 · answered by meloni o 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take her to some pet stores so that she will be comfortable around people,
show her that socializing with humans is a good thing.
also take her to dog parks and obedience classes, she will work on her skills and will be socializing at the same time.
2007-12-18 08:09:17 · answer #5 · answered by Ashton Brooke 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I HAD A BLUETICK COONHOUND THAT WAS THAT WAY. IT TAKES A LOT OF PATIENCE. AND HANDLING. BUT IT WILL PAY OFF IN THE END. GOOD LUCK.
2007-12-18 07:34:58 · answer #6 · answered by RATZ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you give her more attention and give her treats and play with her then let her sleep w/you
2007-12-18 07:34:16 · answer #7 · answered by Annie N 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋