Timid Puppy

[Jennie1019]

Thanks for the link!!

[Jag]

You're welcome! More responses may come. Weekends can be slow here. I've heard lots of talk about Karen Pryor...

[onyx'girl]

Cute pup, do you know his background(or breeder) before the family let him go to you?
Breeders who use early stimulation in pups first days life give them a better start. It can make a difference in some of the temperament and behaviors.

[pyratemom]

"Then last night we took him to my daughter's gymnastics class."

Fast moving people like kids at a gymnastics class might be too much stimulation for him at this point. I would continue with the suggestions of walking him while he is still hungry and treat for good behavior. Pick the people you let approach him and treat him (preferably people you know at first) and make sure it is always a positive experience. "A hungry dog will work for food." was one of the first training lessons I learned. Mostly try to find a good trainer to help out first hand along with keep coming to this forum.There is a lot of knowledge here and people that have had GSD's for generations.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Hi Jennie - I am on Twitter for my friend's dog business and the fearful dog lady and I have chatted a few times: Fearfuldogs.com Lots of good information on that site. Let me know if you contact her because I could DM her to give her a heads up that you are. She does consults by phone and could probably help with trainer recommendations.

I would also join this group: shy-k9s : shy-k9s It is worth if it if only for the archives.

[Jax08]

It does sounds like he has some fear issues and that is why he's growling. The peeing is submission. I really advise getting a good trainer to help with some behavior modification and continue to socialize him at a distance that he feels safe enough not to react.

LAT (Look At That) helped Jax who is fear aggressive towards dogs. Also, the command Leave It helps as well.

Lots and lots of positive reinforcement. If a person tosses treats to him, will he take them? Some dogs are so worked up and focused on the object of their fear that they won't take a treat. Others will. If he is just watching a person without fear, you treat him. As you move closer and he is not reacting, continue to treat him. if he looks at a person and then looks back at you, lots and lots of treats. You have to find his treshhold. Maybe today he has to be 20 feet away from a person without reacting. Work that to 10', 5', greeting the person. A good trainer will help you with these issues.

[Jax08]

Suzanne Clothier: Working With Fearful, Anxious & Reactive Dogs

[Jennie1019]

Thanks everyone for all the tips! Today's trip to the vet today went much better than expected!! When we arrived everyone was so nice. Sarge did start off with growling a little when the one tech came over (slowly) to try to offer him a treat. He wouldn't take it from her. She then went to the back and got some "good" treats. She was very good with him and he did take the treats from her. Once he was "ok" with her she took him back to have his nails clipped. He did very well with this. No barking or growling. They did say he was a little nervous, but I expected that. They kept him with them for approx 5- 10 minutes to give him more socialization. They put us in the exam room first and the vet brought him into the room with her. He let her do the exam and give him his shots. She was also able to pull his baby tooth out (it was barely connected) and put her hands in his mouth with no problems. He did not pee at all during this visit! The vet also gave us a list of trainers in our area, I am going to begin calling them for find out if any specialize in what we need. Jean, I may also contact the fearful dog lady. Thanks again everyone!!

[codmaster]

Great!

[Jag]

I'm glad things went well!! Some vets and techs will jump right to wanting to muzzle without taking the time to even try. I like your vets office!