Fear stage... it's driving me nuts!

[Montys Mom]

I'm getting so frustrated. My 11 month old, Monty, is scared of everything. He's scared of his water bowl, he's scared of laundry baskets, he's scared of trash cans. I've gone through two bowls now... the first new one I bought was a Le Bistro automatic waterer system, and he was scared of it. It gurgled when it filled up and he wouldn't go within 5 feet of it since. Then I took that back and got a really big stainless steel bowl but he's scared of it, too. The bowl he has is too small and I feel like all I do is fill it up so I wanted something bigger but I guess it's not going to happen. I tried ignoring him and it doesn't help. He just stays as far away as possible. He's been properly socialized and he even goes to work with me and is fine. It's just stupid little things that shouldn't bother him. It's getting so frustrating and I don't know what to do about it. Help?

 

[Indy's mom]

Poor, sweet Monty. He really is afraid you know. And I agree, it can make the people they live with chuckle a bit, but mostly it makes us frustrated for them.

The best thing you can do for Monty is to show him that that big old stainless steel bowl is not a threat at all. Handle it when he can see you, casually and without looking at him at all. Speak to yourself or someone else in the room, not Monty in a normal, calm voice. Same thing with laundry baskets, trash cans and any other irrational fears he may develop...and he likely will. On the bright side of things, when he sees you going about your business with no concern, he learns that there is truly nothing to be afraid of and he will take his cues from you.

Never, ever try to reassure or console him, that will only tell him that he was right to be fearful in the first place. It's tough when your 65 lb baby is cowering :eek:and quivering, I know, I remember. But he will get thru this and you will be glad you held fast.

If you do a search you will find many more tips. Most come down to the same thing, ignore his fear and go about your business.

Good luck Monty, this growing up stuff is tough big guy, but you can do it!

 

[ELubas]

I agree with Indy's Mom. Don't indulge the fear but also show him there is nothing to be afraid of. My last girl was very timid as a pup but grew up to be quite brave And be sure to reward when he is brave and gets past things. My girl was terrified of all things to do with the yard-hose, rakes, wheelbarrows, you name it-who knows why But after she kept finding toys, treats, etc. on them, near them, etc. she grew to like them Hang in there-Monty will grow up and wonder why he was ever afraid-and it is instinctual-a little fear is a good survival skill