Timid Boxer

[BoxerSwim]

Does anyone have a boxer that is timid? Gwen is very skittish around loud noises, new environments and new people. It has its benefits but I am wondering whether or not I should be concerned.

 

[BABYGURL]

My Diva is afraid of everything - some of her biggest fears are:

The Vacuum
The Hair Dryer
The Garbage Disposal
Fans
Loud Mufflers

Diva is also very anti social around new people. She will go up and sniff them out - and then come right back to her mommy's lap!!

 

[mancin]

It's typical for boxers to hit a fear period from 6 - 14 months. From a previous post of yours, it seems Gwen is about 7 1/2 months?
Are these fears recent or has she always been scared of these things?
Try and get her out as frequently as you can to expose her to new sights, sounds, and people. Don't overwhelm her, but the more she sees, the less scared she'll be.
Just be sure when she is acting timid, don't try and soothe her. She will view this as postive attention and it will get worse.

 

[Layla's Mum]

Layla is somewhat timid. She doesn't like meeting new men and seems afraid of them. Certain situations also make her shake and seem afraid. Just be sure to do what mancin said and not baby her when she seems afraid. I made that mistake and now we are constanly trying to work with her to get her out of it. Just act nonchalaunt(sp) about the situation. Hopefully she'll get over this phase none the worse for the wear. Good luck.

 

[BoxerSwim]

You are right she is about 7 1/2 months and she has been fearful for as long as we have had her, since about six months. She does warm up after being exposed to the environment or individual. When she is outside or with other dogs she is completely different very bouncy and playful. But when something is new she will walk real low to the ground always ready to spin and run. I live in Baltimore and when I meet other boxers at the park they are so very gregarious in comparison. As I mentioned she has gotten better but there are still times she is very skeptical of what is going on. She is always looking to us for reasurrance, but I feel this might be contibuting to her anxiety of being away from us.

 

[LeahR]

Mason is 4 years old and is and always has been afraid of everything. He is not to the point where he shakes or becomes aggressive so we dont worry about it, mainly we laugh at what a big wuss he is. Dogs are like people, I say as long as it doesn't interfere with their way of life (i.e. keeps them from enjoying things) then do what others have said and don't baby 'em!

 

[Murp.mm]

Hi, my 10 month old boxer Ali is timid too. She was worse when she was younger but is improving. But loud noises will make her jump and she is weary of some things and people sometimes. When she is afraid she will walk low and keep her tail between her legs until she is sure that person is ok. She will also get beside or behind me. But she is improving a lot. We take her everywhere and I the more exposure she gets the better. It's funny because when someone comes to the door she usually doesn't bark as my poodle takes pride in that job but she will wiggle and dance and jump even when she doesn't know the person. I think outside she thinks she has to look after me and I usually know everyone in the area and I say hello and that makes her feel less threatened. I also took her to obedience class and plan on going back again soon.

Mom to Ali (Boxer 10 months), Poodle (2 1/2 years (Sook, Cat 11 years)
1 Frog