skittish pup and funnny eater

[Littleone]

Mya is 8 months old now and she has 2 "problems".The first is she has become very skittish about loud noises and about getting out of your way when you walk by her.She hates the sound of anything that makes a crinkly noise.And if I yell at my son about something she will run like I am yelling at her.I don't know what to do!Also she is a very funny eater,she will not eat alot and when she does she will go to her dish and get a mouth full of food and then walk away to eat it.Half the time she drops it on the floor then eats it off the floor.And she is also skittish about anyone being around when she eats.If anyone can help please let me know.

:confused: Littleone mom-Tyson(6 yr semi flashy fawn male)
Mya(8 mo flashy brindle female)

 

[Shelby]

Shelby is a picky eater as well!

picky eater I have a 3 month old Boxer, her name is Shelby she is a grazer, well that is what my vet called her because she basically will just pick food here and there! From her dish:rolleyes: But It isn't a bad thing, it is a combinaton of not wanting to eat because it is too hot and because, they are so hyper when they are pups that they honestly forget about food i mean lets face it you and i both know how hyper boxers are!But as for the skiddish thing i can't help you... Sorry when did you get your precious pooch?

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Picky eating is typical for a puppy. Don't worry about it unless they show other signs of illness (won't take water or won't eat for several days and are lethargic). They will eat when they get hungry enough. If you recall, I'll bet your son went through a similar stage with food when he was a baby too.

As for the loud noises and skittishness, this also is typical. Boxers seem to go through two stages of skittishness where they seem to be afraid of everything. One when they are pups, about the age of your dog, and again at about 18 months old. I have a one year old and a two year old and they both hate loud noises, especially motorcycles and fireworks. I don't think they'll ever get over those two noises. But, during Maggie's puppyhood I tried very hard to reassure her about each noise, petting her, with soothing words, identifying the noise (its a car alarm, its ok, it won't hurt you, daddy's here, etc., etc.). Soon enough she has become accustomed to many loud noises and car alarms, etc., But she is soon to come to her second stage, so I guess I'll have to start all over when that happens.

Lots of love, reassurance, pets and patience and she'll be fine.

Good luck

 

[kassa]

I would avoid coddling a dog that is fearful,
especially a puppy. You do not want to send
the impression that their fear is a good thing
by "rewarding" them with cuddles and sweet
talk. Just ignore it.

When there's a thunderstorm or fireworks, get
out the treats and dance and hand them out like
candy (ask for some sits and downs, too). If
you're on a walk and there's a loud unexpected
noise, keep walking, put an extra bounce in
your step, sing cheerfully. At this age
they're still very much basing their
reactions on your behavior, and if
YOU seem unbothered by something and actively
distract them into "normal" behavior, they
will get over the event much faster.