Very shy 13 wo puppy

[Cammotwin]

I've been trying to introduce my 13 week old female puppy to new people and animals after getting her second set of shots last week. Shes so shy, she either leans against my legs or squeezes between my legs. What do I do at that point? I've either stepped over and away from her slightly and tried to coax her to someone with a treat. If I go to the side of the other person and try to get her in front of us, she ends up on my side where we're all in a line. We havent gotten into puppy classes because of the shots.

[Freestep]

Originally Posted by Cammotwin

I've been trying to introduce my 13 week old female puppy to new people and animals after getting her second set of shots last week. Shes so shy, she either leans against my legs or squeezes between my legs. What do I do at that point? I've either stepped over and away from her slightly and tried to coax her to someone with a treat. If I go to the side of the other person and try to get her in front of us, she ends up on my side where we're all in a line. We havent gotten into puppy classes because of the shots.

Keep doing what you're doing, lots of positive, non-threatening interaction with treats. Don't force too much on her at this point, just make it fun and safe. Get her into a puppy socialization class as soon as her shots are done. Some classes allow you to participate once two of the puppy vaccines have been given, so you might want to shop around.

[sagelfn]

Agree. Keep it fun and don't force her to meet people but also do not coddle her. Socialize her TONS everyday. Just seeing people/dogs/etc.. and being around them is socialization. She doesn't have to be interacting with them all the time. Just needs to learn these things are normal and nothing to be scared of.

[MaggieRoseLee]

Just having her out and about is important. Don't overwhelm her or push her into anything. It's ok if they stand back and watch, then approach when feeling more confident.

Our pups really pick up from us. So when WE are calm and normal and even ignoring new and potential strange things, they should pick up from us that it's ok.

I bring tons of teeny treats on my puppy's adventures. And skip the meal prior to the out and abouts.

Even better... all the clicker/treat training we've been practicing in the house I can now take to the outdoors with distractions. Make it easy at the start but it's something that should be familiar and reassuring to the pup in a new place.

Intro to Clicker Training (perfect for puppies!)

Great info on the above site.

[Mom2Shaman]

Absolutely everything said above. My new boy is shy like this. In fact, first time out he literally hid up under my skirt and peeked out. I have been taking him out with my older, rock solid dog and letting him "shadow" him. When the pup sits and wants to watch and analyze a situation, I let him for about a minute but then we move on. Not forcing interaction because I do want to keep him aloof from strangers just a little bit, but if he wants to interact I let him with praise. Keep at it. Don't coddle or the dog will find a benefit in the that kind of reaction.