I have a 13 week old black lab puppy named Dottie. She's only been home for 6 days. She is very timid and is clearly still adjusting to her new home and family- but she's unpredictable. For example, this morning she was afraid of my husband and hid behind me when he was around. He spent a lot of time with her and she seemed to come around. He was relieved at lunch because she seemed excited that he was home but as his lunch hour rolled on- she became increasingly afraid of him. Any ideas on how to handle this? Has anyone had a puppy who behaves similarly? Any help or guidance would be great!!
Re: New Puppy question Welcome to the forum from me and Edsel (5 month black). Initially Edsel was more stand-offish with my OH and we think it was because of the difference in voices. He spent the majority of time with me and seemed to almost act as if was being scolded whenever Mark spoke to him no matter the situation. I convinced him to raise his voice in pitch a little and speak softer and it seemed to work. Good luck and make sure to share some pics of Dottie!
Re: New Puppy question Hi and welcome would love to see some photos when you are free If your OH has a deep voice, the pup might feel that they are being told off. Sometimes just using a 'happy' or even 'childish' voice can help. Good luck and let us know how you get on
Re: New Puppy question No, I can't help. I guess patience is needed and just letting her find her own way. Welcome to the forum
Re: New Puppy question She may have missed out on some vital socialisation before you had her. Was she living in a kennel before you had her or in a house?
Re: New Puppy question Thank you . . .yes she was in a kennel before we got her- maybe that's it. Would you recommend having her around other people/dogs in spite of her fear? I don't want to push her- but at the same time I really want to socialize her. My hubby has a pretty high male voice- but he is 6'2" tall- I guess that could be it. Thanks again for the replies . . . Katie ps- I don't know how to upload a pic- but she is super cute!!
Re: New Puppy question Hi I think stacia has hit the nail on the head. It's a vital time from 8 weeks onwards to socialise lots before the fear factor sets in. When we got our pup that was really important to us to get her at that time. She was out and about from then and is a confident little thing. So I guess now you need to get her out little and often. Not over do it but don't over reassure her if she looks anxious. Just be matter of fact about it. Have you got some puppy classes booked ? The trainers there should give you some great tips and enjoy her Emma.
Re: New Puppy question Yes I think being in a kennel until 12 weeks of age has possibly affected her socialisation. You will need to try and work extra hard to expose her to all the things she has missed out on. With regards to being around other dogs and people etc I wouldn't force the interaction as you may end up making it worse (more so with dogs) just take her out and about and just let her watch the dogs. If she wants to go and say hello choose a calm quiet one who is polite - even better if you have a friend with a dog like this. Interactions with new people should be short and sweet and don't let them force themselves on her - lots of people like to cuddle puppies and rush straight over but this may not be the best thing for her. If you have people come round to your house ask them to sit on the floor to spend time with her as they will be less frightening for her. The same for your OH - get him to go down to her level but not bend over her and speak to her in light happy tones.
Re: New Puppy question I agree it sounds like lack of socialisation and I would encourage you to take her out and about as soon as you can. My last Lab was quite nervous of other dogs and unfamiliar people all his life and I think this was because we got him at 10 weeks and then kept him in the house and very secluded back garden until 14 weeks (vet's advice) and even after that most of his outings were to a stable yard and fields where he met a very small number of people and dogs. I got my new pup in October and took her out and about everywhere before she'd had her second jab (against vet's advice) and she is very friendly and confident. I also wonder if getting your OH to feed Dottie would help.
Re: New Puppy question [quote author=Joy link=topic=6975.msg95036#msg95036 date=1405418551] I also wonder if getting your OH to feed Dottie would help. [/quote] Good point! I forgot that we did this too. Told OH that Edsel is quite fond of anyone he views as a food dispenser!
Re: New Puppy question from a teeny tiny black 5 1/2 year old Lab known as The DivaDog and her pet human
