We've now had Shadow for a week, and it's very clear to see that he's nowhere near as well socialised as Willow, who we have done a LOT with. He's a lot more timid of things that she's completely blasé about - like the dust truck I mentioned in my other post, garage doors or shutters opening, new dogs etc. When we walk them together, they play and run and have a lot of fun like you'd expect, but when I take them out separately, Willow is happy to run around like a loon, whereas Shadow stays right on my heels. I know Willow was like this to start, too, and Shadow is more puppy-like in every way, so is it just a matter of time with him? I know there's supposed to be this 16-week "window" for socialisation, and they're now 15 weeks old, so I'm worrying that I should be packing EVERYTHING I did with Willow into these few days, even though the rational part of me knows there isn't simply a switch that turns off! On a separate note, the tip to walk them apart was a great one - I can really see our bonds strengthening when we're one-on-one, especially with Willow, who has more confidence to be a bit apart but also loves being recalled for a quick roll around on the ground and a cuddle
Re: How to "man-up" my puppy I think in your care he will become more confident While the early period is important, they do keep learning and can definitely un-learn fear if it's replaced by something positive. Training with positive reinforcement is a great confidence builder and fear conquerer
Re: How to "man-up" my puppy Thanks Rachael. He's certainly not a generally nervous or scared puppy, just less boisterous than his sister and jumpy at loud noises - except gunfire and fireworks, which he doesn't even flinch at. A friend of ours had a lab puppy that was terrified of everyone and everything. It was sad to see, although he's grown into a lovely adult - one of Willow's best mates - so I can see there's plenty of hope for Shadow, too. I do love this positive reinforcement. I know I'm not perfect and have a lot to learn, but they really do respond so well to it. The people involved with its concept and bringing it more mainstream should be very proud
Re: How to "man-up" my puppy Bringing up two puppies from the same litter can be hard, but not impossible! You need to make sure you focus on training with each pup separately as well as together. Walking then separately is a good thing to continue doing, but also make sure you have seperate training and socialising sessions at home too - so spend half an hour with one pup and then half an hour with the other. Some pups will always be more timid than others though and it's not always necessarily something that the owner did or didn't do - they're just wired differently, like humans. You can have one from a litter who is fab at everything and one who is a nervous wreck!
Re: How to "man-up" my puppy I'm sure shadow will grow in confidence. If I was you as long as he doesn't seem overly timid use the opportunity of him staying close to you off lead to reinforce it with cues and treats. That way when he turns into a typical male Labrador and wants to head for the hills at any opportunity you have already trained him to stay close. ;D
Re: How to "man-up" my puppy [quote author=Jen link=topic=8878.msg126243#msg126243 date=1416817999] I'm sure shadow will grow in confidence. If I was you as long as he doesn't seem overly timid use the opportunity of him staying close to you off lead to reinforce it with cues and treats. That way when he turns into a typical male Labrador and wants to head for the hills at any opportunity you have already trained him to stay close. ;D [/quote] Haha, he already has us sussed when both of us are walking him. I treat for coming back, so if there's any distance between DH and I, he runs between us, sitting beautifully at each and requesting treats. He's not daft I do give them separate training time - as well as doing some training together because it's good for Willow's sit/stay to have him as a distraction and for her to learn to settle when he's being trained. But, generally, it's much easier for them to be trained separately. Although they don't have half-hour sessions, yet. They'd collapse if I tried to do it for that long! About five minutes a go is our maximum. I'm also going to start taking one into the bedroom with me while I work, leaving the other in the crate int he living room for half an hour here and there (and alternating which is with me). I fear this may be a slippery slope to pups being on the bed, though
Re: How to "man-up" my puppy It's right that you are aware of it, and can adjust what you do with Shadow. It might also be his personality too though. Some dogs are just more 'clingy' - that can be a blessing when they are older. Socialisation is critical. I wouldn't say I over did Charlie's socialisation, not when he has to live in London, I think I did the right thing (particularly since he came through months of isolation and crate rest with no ill effects at all). But there are distinction advantages to not having a dog that views the entire world as his friend to be meeted and greeted and happily gallops into any situation without a second thought... The dynamics might be very different with litter mates though, I know you are absolutely aware of the problems (I wouldn't be without the articles that have been posted on your threads) and Shadow being more timid than his sister might be something you want to guard against.
Re: How to "man-up" my puppy I wouldn't worry too much about it to be honest . The last Lab I had was bold, confident, outgoing from the very start whereas Sam was cautious from the off and whilst definitely not a nervous dog , at three years old he is still cautious . Tess was of the " Fools rush in " brigade , whilst he will stand and consider things for a while , quite simply they are all very different , even from the same litter . He will grow in confidence for sure but don't push him too hard, let him be as he is whilst gently encouraging him to try new things , he will get there in his own time
Re: How to "man-up" my puppy I'm sure a huge amount of it is down to personality. Pongo is completely unafraid of anything, and it is not because we've been particularly assiduous at socialising. Great in some ways, not great in others (a few months ago he really wanted to go and play with the combine harvester working in the field next to the house ).
Re: How to "man-up" my puppy Thanks for your comments and reassurance. I'm a bit of a worrier and really want to ensure I'm doing the best I can do. They do have such different personalities, it could well be that it's simply another part of his. Like you say, it could be a bonus to have him being a bit less gung-ho! Luckily, for now, Willow doesn't run up to dogs or people she doesn't know, but as soon as she sees someone she recognises, she goes over like a bullet. I have a feeling we may have more issues with that when she's a teenager
Re: How to "man-up" my puppy I agree with all of the above. A week is only a short time too - you will see a big difference in a month's time, I think
