Hello - we are new Fox Red Labrador owners. All new to us and feeling a bit overwhelmed

Discussion in 'Introductions & Saying Hello' started by Sharon May, Jul 3, 2020.

  1. Sharon May

    Sharon May Registered Users

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    So we are first time lab puppy owners. We have little Amber who is 12 weeks old. She is not a very confident puppy and we are struggling a bit with this. She will go up to visitors at home after a while. Her sisters in her litter are the same and apparently the first litter her mum had all the bitches were the same. Went for first walk today - end of road and back. Small steps at mo. Any advice on how we can improve her confidence?
     
  2. 5labs

    5labs Registered Users

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    Personally, I find that a labrador that doesn't run up to strangers and jump up on everyone is a godsend.
    You can ask people not to stare at her or reach out to touch her (which you wouldn't want people doing at the moment anyway) and they toss a few treats on the floor towards her
     
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  3. J.D

    J.D Registered Users

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    I have a fox red that is overly confident around dogs his size when he plays with them(smaller dogs he lets them chase him) but very nervous of strangers. The upside is when we are out walking he circumnavigates people and as @5labs says we have no problem with him jumping up at strangers.
    In the house it comes across as him being overly protective of the house and the barking is deafening when strangers come to the door(doubt anyone would break in)
    I ask people to completely ignore him when they come in. No eye contact no trying to stroke. Once he has had a good sniff and realises they are not a danger he is fine with most people. Bullish men who think he should like them never get to pat.
    It’s hard because you feel the more people stroke your puppy the more confident they will be around people. Toby at 2 1/2 still backs away when people go to stroke his head.
    Use lots of treats when out walking. Ask people not to try to stroke. Just chat to them and ignore the puppy. Easier with social distancing and get to puppy training when you can for socialisation on lead.
    Wonder if they are related. There seem to be a lot of nervy dark yellow labs around.
     
  4. Sharon May

    Sharon May Registered Users

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    Thank you for your advice. I will continue to get visitors to the house to ignore her so that she can come around in her own time. Many thanks
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 6, 2020

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