Puppy Fears

[davidg1]

Hi everyone,
This is my first time posting here. We bought a 9 week old male boxer pup that we took home this past Saturday. He's doing great on his housebreaking and he's very friendly and seems quick to catch on to things.
However, there are two problems we are having and I'd like to hear your opinions. The first is, he's scared of the outside. When we take him out, he'll urinate and deficate but then he wants to run back to the house. We've taken him on walks everyday and he'll go for a bit doing fine but then wants to turn back. If he sees leaves blowing or other dogs, he's very interested and playful. But, he just doesn't like the outside. He actually trembles at times.
The other thing is that he doesn't like small children. Again, outside, he tries to get away and his tail is tucked down. With adults, he's very friendly. In the house, he seems much better with small children.
The breeder is a reputable breeder of boxers who has been doing it for many years. I know that a dog's pedigree is not a reflection of their behavior but he comes from a very good line with most of his lineage being champions.
I spoke with the breeder about these matters and he says that he thinks the pup just has to get used to the outside and to kids. In my experience however, a 9 week old puppy should be excited to go outside and should be inquisitive and playful when out. I also think that a puppy should be excited to see children. If anything, I feel the typical puppy/child problem should be over exuperance on the puppy's part.
All opinions are welcomed!
Thanks.

David

 

[dan h]

Welcome to the board! In my opinion, puppies don't really like the outside. They need to get used to the outside slowly. But it's a normal behavior, so don't worry about it.
Your puppy just doesn't like kids when he sees them or when the kids are playing with him? How big are these kids? I know Max, when puppy, didn't enjoy playing with kids that were about 5yrs or less of age because they were kind of rough on him. Now he is fine and loves kids of all ages. The problem is that kids are now scared of him.

 

[martins]

I agree, we had the same problem when we first brought Roscoe home at 11 weeks, he would go outside to do his business then strain on the leash to get back in. I would take him outside and just sit down on the ground with him sitting beside me for 15-20 minutes or so and just let him see that outside was pretty fun, he'd get lots of attention, petting, and treats just for sitting and then for exploring around. Sooner than I expected, he was asking to go outside just to sniff around, then we had to work on that! Good luck, I'm sure with patience your puppy will learn to love it.

 

[davidg1]

Thank you both for your responses and reassurances. Homer is our first boxer and while I've always loved the breed, they are different than Labs and German Shepards which are what I've had in the past.
Yesterday, I spoke with my vet who suggested taking Homer out and just sitting in front of the house and playing with him with a toy. He said he's used this trick during storms to help puppies who are afraid of thunder. I did this and Homer had a great time and I think he'll be fine pretty soon.
As far as the little kid problem goes, it seems to be under 5 or so. I'm waiting for the next encounter and I'm going to try and get the child (or parent) to keep the chld calm and let Homer "investigate." I think he'll be okay on this count too.
Once again, thank you and I look forward to participating in the group!

 

[Scorpio]

I think Homer is just not used to all this. Don't forget, he's probably never been outside, or with kids, people, cars etc, It takes some getting used to. Ozzy would not go outside at first either, too cold, too noisy, he wouldn't even walk, everything freaked him out. Puppy kindergarten would probably help. You need to introduce him to as much as you can slowly, he'll come around. I remember when we picked him up from the breeders and took him outside, he had never been outside and was scared of the grass! Takes Time.

 

[Michelle F.]

First of all, remember that he has had alot to adjust to in a very short amount of time and that doesn't really depend on age. He was taken from his mom and littermates, in a new environment, etc and the outside is really big and scary to a new puppy. Just give him time and he'll be frolicking in no time! Kosmo was the same way for the first week or so. He shook like a leaf everytime I took him out or he met people on a walk. I also had to carry him outside to do his business! He loves it now. It just takes them a few days to settle in. I would use lots of rewards outside so he associates it with good things.

As far as the kids, I think it is a good thing to let him explore them while they are being calm. I would also give the children treats to feed to the dog. Again, positive associaions with kids as well as good socialization. I hand out treats to some of the kids at the bus stop in the morning and Kosmo has been doing great. He was already used to kids because I have 2 but it help him stay calmer since he knows he is working for a treat.

Good luck and keep us posted. Hope this helps!

 

[davidg1]

Thanks Colleen and Michelle.
Homer is getting much better outside. The weather here turned cold again yesterday though so he's not crazy about the outside. But, he does go to the door and whimper when he has to go which is great! He runs out, pees or poops, and dashes back to the house, up on the couch and onto his pillow and blanket.

I've always had German Shepherds and Labs before. Homer is my first boxer although I always thought they were a great breed. My other dogs always loved the outdoors right away. This was true even when I got them as pups in the middle of winter. But, they all had much heavier coats than boxers do.

I think the "kids with treats" idea is a great one. I'm going to start carrying treats with me and when we see kids I'll have them pass them out.

Unlike my other dogs, Homer takes treats from your hand very gently. Is this a common boxer trait? I've always had to teach my dogs to take them softly.

Thanks again for all your comments!

 

[Michelle F.]

Glad things are starting to turn around for you guys! Like I said, Kosmo adjusted to the outdoors pretty quickly but he is still a wimp! We had it turn cold again this week and he hates going out when its freezing and windy--he's no dummy! He does LOVE to play in the snow though, go figure.

I don' t know if taking treats gently is a boxer trait or not but Kosmo is the same way. I hadn't actually even thought about it until you mentioned it; it's just his way. I think its great though, and it will help when you let kids give him treats. You don't have to worry about him nipping them! How is that going by the way? Have you had a chance to try it?