Hi All, I have a Labrador Retriever named Czar and is 11 months old. He is an amazing dog and gets along in the family perfectly fine. The only concern that I carry is his behavior on a day to day basis. Ever since we got him, he has been very scared of anything new and till age is. When he is introduced to new dogs/puppies or people, he would keep to himself being completely reserved, and if some dog/person would try to play with him, he would get very scared and starts pulling away. I have tried numerous times putting him in day boarding that way he would socialize with other dogs but he would first fight back to go in and if he goes in, would sit in a corner the entire time there. What I have understood so far is he lacks confidence. Can anyone please help me how can i help Czar gaining that confidence and what should be done which would help him break that safe shell that he has created around him. Thanks.
Hi and welcome . Would it be possible for you to walk him with another dog owner ? This often helps to build confidence if they see another dog enjoying a walk and can accompany them . If you can just start with very short walks together , so that his fears don't have chance to build , and very slowly extend them .
Welcome to the forum I would avoid or stop putting him in the daycare situation. It sounds like it’s overwhelming to him. A situation that is too scary for him won’t help him to get used to things - it will instead accentuate his fear. It would be better to do as Kate suggests and have calm interactions with one quiet dog at a time. Do you know anyone with a very sensible, quiet, confident adult dog?
Hi Kate, Thanks much for the suggestion. It seems that i can definitely try doing that. Can start with friends whom Czar have met once or twice and then gradually with neighbors, which might help him.
Hi Rachael, It seems to be a sensible thing to do. I do know some people in the community who has well trained dogs. Can start introducing Czar to them. Thanks
My 11 year old Lab has never been interested in other dogs (it took her 6 months last year to accept our puppy but we got there in the end). When out off lead, she will avoid other dogs by either doing a semi circle of running to get past them or she will stick close. To be honest, it has never really bothered us and she is just a great dog. Your dog is still very young and the most important thing is fitting in with your family as you say he has. I wouldn’t force it and don’t put him in situations you know he won’t like.
My dog has always been a cautious/nervous dog, especially around large dogs, loud/deep barking dogs and large groups of dogs. We did a trial at daycare when she was close to a year old, and it was obvious she was totally stressed and uncomfortable, and she is also very uncomfortable at dog parks. She will warm up with friendly dogs if she is 1 on 1, so I try to walk her in less busy areas, or at less popular times. If she shows nervousness around a dog, I call out to her and say "it's OK" and we walk on or change direction. She has some dog friends that she gets along with really well and I try and meet up with them regularly instead. We chose a dog walker who walks Quinn solo on leash, but also sometimes meets up with other of her clients dogs 1:1 with temperaments she thinks would work well. Do you know anyone you could start meeting up with 1 on 1? It may take some time for him to warm up and make friends.
Hi, A close friend of mine just got a dog and I believe that introducing Czar to him should help him overtime. I also do know some people and dog walkers who can take him on walks, which i think would be helpful to him. I do agree that it's all upon time and patience which I believe should help him.
