Fearful Puppy

[KOAandME]

I'm asking this question for my coworker who has a very fearful pup...

Emma (approx. 8 months) was the runt of the litter and at one of her first outtings at a dog park, a pit bull attacked her. Since then, she's been fearful of all dogs and strangers, loud noises, and rarely strays too far from her owners. Because she's so fearful her owner stopped bringing her to the dog park and doesn't seem like she was socialized very much after that.

Does anyone have any tips on helping her assert herself?

 

[Gatorblu]

I would talk to a behaviorist. Not socializing can make matters worse, and incorrect socializing will definitely make things worse.

This has been our experience with a fearful dog. Arabella had two bad experiences at a dog park within a short amount of time. Then we moved. Her fear has been an issue since, and dog parks are definitely out for her. (Which is really too bad because Thor, who loves the dp can't go as often.) We have family members that have very mellow dogs that Arabella is fine with. So we expose her to calm dogs in low numbers when possible. This past trip we took, she was exposed to a very hyper 8 month old beagle mix. She did really well, and I was very proud of her! At the same time there was a blind rat terrier running around and she was very gentle with her. (Again very proud!) We take things in baby steps.

Arabella is fearful of thunder and other noises as well. The Thundershirt has worked great for us! New Year's eve was a bit of a nightmare tho'. We were visiting friends in TN, and if there were any laws concerning the size of fireworks the average citizen could buy, I couldn't tell. HUGE fireworks were going off left and right. All the dogs (my 2 boxers, a rotti and a french bulldog) were pacing and and fearful. We put Arabella in her Thundershirt, plus had to give her Rescue Remedy. We then placed her between DH and me on the couch. She calmed right down after that. All the other dogs got Rescue Remedy as well. We each took a dog to cuddle and soon they were all resting comfortably.

 

[Doodlepup]

Victoria Stilwell

Not sure if you guys would disagree with this, but Victoria Stilwell used a method where every time you walk your dog and theres another dog in eyesight you get your dogs attention with a treat. you then hold her attention for a few seconds before giving her the treat to reward the fact that she focused on you rather than the dog. over time this creates a positive asosciation with seeing other dogs.
It doesnt fully 'fix' the situation but its gotta be some help

 

[LILYLARUE]

Not sure if you guys would disagree with this, but Victoria Stilwell used a method where every time you walk your dog and theres another dog in eyesight you get your dogs attention with a treat. you then hold her attention for a few seconds before giving her the treat to reward the fact that she focused on you rather than the dog. over time this creates a positive asosciation with seeing other dogs.
It doesnt fully 'fix' the situation but its gotta be some help

Yes, she has some great methods and this is one of them. To continue: You must take baby steps. Moving closer and then back a little bit each time. It's no way an overnight fix, but the fear didn't happen overnight either. It may takes weeks, even months for the dog not to react at the mere sight of another dog. Don't rush it. If the dog reacts at 20 ft, then go back to 30 ft and start again. Eventually you will be able to get close to the other dogs. But make sure her body language is telling you that she's ready to approach. If she is showing signs of fearfulness, that other dog may be aggressive in return, so watch the other dog's signals too.

Also - NO MORE DOG PARKS!!! As you can see, one episode can change a dog's mind for life! It's not that your dog isn't socialized, it's that most of the other owner's there don't properly socialize their dogs. The only exercise those poor dogs get is the overexcited times at the dp.