shy/cautious/weak nerves?

Bee · 06-28-2011, 04:22 AM

We have a pup who is now 14weeks. We got him at 12 weeks. He is a gsd x weimaraner.
When viewed with his litter mates he was the 3rd to be at the door and investigating me as the visitor. He played with his litter mates giving as good as he got. He didn't startle when I dropped my keys just behind him. He came and laid next to me and enjoyed some petting.

His first journey in the car was unfortunately just over an hour long in a borrowed car(mine was off the road needing repairs) with the worst suspension. He cried for part of the journey, drooled and threw up.

He was very quiet for the first few days, but did eat and made pals with my other dog who is a border terrier and super friendly bitch. He came round after the 2nd day and started to come out of his shell and become mischevious.
He has been going out now for 6 days. In the house he is pretty laid back and not spooked by very much at all.
He is now over the car nerves, which I'd say is what it was as a pose to motion sickness. He is still uncomfortable about the car but will get in by himself and doesn't drool and will settle to sleep. When off the lead he is happy to explore a little way away from me and has been getting braver with going to meet new dogs(I always shout ahead to see if they are friendly as don't want him to have a bad experience, so clip him up if the reply is a negative) and already has a reasonable recall as I have been training him to come to a whistle in the house for a titbit or fuss reward.
I've been walking him with my daughter up to her school to socialize him with kids and get used to traffic noise. He does get stressed out from this and pants. He also will veer away from people as they go to pet him. He doesn't shut down or panic, but it's obvious he does not want them to touch him.
Would this be something that will improve with time as he becomes more settled with all the hubbub of noise and what can I do to help him along and become more confident?
Is it a case of he is just cautious of the new things and I just need to give him time or is he actually timid/weak nerved(I apologise as I'm not entirely sure what the definition is for this). I'm asking so I can get things in place to help him along if it's a case of bad nerves.
If you need anymore info I am happy to oblige.
Sorry for the long post, I just wanted to try and give as much info as I can.

Freestep · 06-28-2011, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bee

Is it a case of he is just cautious of the new things and I just need to give him time or is he actually timid/weak nerved(I apologise as I'm not entirely sure what the definition is for this). I'm asking so I can get things in place to help him along if it's a case of bad nerves.

It does sound like he's a bit timid, whether he has "weak nerves" or not, it's hard to say. He's definitely not a bold, fearless pup from what you're describing but lots of socialization and good experiences can help that. Have friendly strangers give him treats, if you can. He's quite young and impressionable, so protect him from situations that could be scary or dangerous for him (ie dog parks). A puppy socialization class would be great! Chances are his confidence will come up as he learns that he can overcome scary situations.

Bee · 07-09-2011, 01:18 PM

Apologies for the delay in answering. Thankyou for taking the time to reply Freestep

I've been taking him to the market in our local town and just sitting with a pocketful of biscuits for anyone who comes up and wants to pet him for an hour or so at a time. Market day is twice a week and noisy and bustly which is ideal. I'm definitely seeing an improvement, he will now just lie down and watch it all going on and not bothered by the noises. He will now approach children off his own back with a wagging tail so I feel confident that in time he will be the same with adults.
Re dog parks, there aren't any at all that I know of in the uk. But there are lots of areas favoured by dog walkers (there are only restrictions on sections of the local beach where dogs aren't allowed, everywhere else outside they are) I have taken him to and he now approaches dogs with curiosity if they are calm dogs. He's not inviting them to play but has started to show signs of thinking about it.
I'm guessing it's just a case of exposing him to lots of people and well mannered dogs and time. Lots less worried about it now

06-28-2011, 04:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
Bee Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 62	shy/cautious/weak nerves? We have a pup who is now 14weeks. We got him at 12 weeks. He is a gsd x weimaraner. When viewed with his litter mates he was the 3rd to be at the door and investigating me as the visitor. He played with his litter mates giving as good as he got. He didn't startle when I dropped my keys just behind him. He came and laid next to me and enjoyed some petting. His first journey in the car was unfortunately just over an hour long in a borrowed car(mine was off the road needing repairs) with the worst suspension. He cried for part of the journey, drooled and threw up. He was very quiet for the first few days, but did eat and made pals with my other dog who is a border terrier and super friendly bitch. He came round after the 2nd day and started to come out of his shell and become mischevious. He has been going out now for 6 days. In the house he is pretty laid back and not spooked by very much at all. He is now over the car nerves, which I'd say is what it was as a pose to motion sickness. He is still uncomfortable about the car but will get in by himself and doesn't drool and will settle to sleep. When off the lead he is happy to explore a little way away from me and has been getting braver with going to meet new dogs(I always shout ahead to see if they are friendly as don't want him to have a bad experience, so clip him up if the reply is a negative) and already has a reasonable recall as I have been training him to come to a whistle in the house for a titbit or fuss reward. I've been walking him with my daughter up to her school to socialize him with kids and get used to traffic noise. He does get stressed out from this and pants. He also will veer away from people as they go to pet him. He doesn't shut down or panic, but it's obvious he does not want them to touch him. Would this be something that will improve with time as he becomes more settled with all the hubbub of noise and what can I do to help him along and become more confident? Is it a case of he is just cautious of the new things and I just need to give him time or is he actually timid/weak nerved(I apologise as I'm not entirely sure what the definition is for this). I'm asking so I can get things in place to help him along if it's a case of bad nerves. If you need anymore info I am happy to oblige. Sorry for the long post, I just wanted to try and give as much info as I can.

07-09-2011, 01:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
Bee Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 62	Apologies for the delay in answering. Thankyou for taking the time to reply Freestep I've been taking him to the market in our local town and just sitting with a pocketful of biscuits for anyone who comes up and wants to pet him for an hour or so at a time. Market day is twice a week and noisy and bustly which is ideal. I'm definitely seeing an improvement, he will now just lie down and watch it all going on and not bothered by the noises. He will now approach children off his own back with a wagging tail so I feel confident that in time he will be the same with adults. Re dog parks, there aren't any at all that I know of in the uk. But there are lots of areas favoured by dog walkers (there are only restrictions on sections of the local beach where dogs aren't allowed, everywhere else outside they are) I have taken him to and he now approaches dogs with curiosity if they are calm dogs. He's not inviting them to play but has started to show signs of thinking about it. I'm guessing it's just a case of exposing him to lots of people and well mannered dogs and time. Lots less worried about it now

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