I think BowWowMeow, Magwart, Freestep, DJEtzel and other people in this thread have given you some really good advice.
I would definitely not recommend punishing the dog for exhibiting fearful behaviors or overwhelming him by exposing him to situations that you know are going to be way above his ability to handle.
I don't really have a lot to add. In my opinion, the basic information on how to handle a fearful dog is pretty simple and not that difficult to find. Doing it is another matter entirely, though. Actually putting in the work takes a ton of time, effort, emotional energy, and patience.
A Thundershirt might help. I have known dogs for whom it was extremely helpful. I've also known others for whom it didn't do anything (Pongu was one of these; I think he was just too severe a case for that relatively minor assistance to make any difference for him). If you have a chance to try it for free, I vote to go ahead and try it. Can't hurt, might help.
Whichever route you go in training.. Just be consistent with it.. The worst thing you can do is flip flop back n forth.. Or not give a particular method time to work before you switch it up..
I was skeptical, but now I am a convert. It has given him the ability to listen when he is scared. He is still scared but now he can focus enough to function.
Tried the "Thundershirt". Complete waste of money. He ripped it off within 2 minutes. You want it? I use love and redirection when he gets scared or nervous.
I just attended a 3 day seminar 'Scientific dog training with feeling' by Dr Ian Dunbar; if you ever get a chance to attend one of his dog workshops or seminars take it, he was wonderful.
One of the techniques that he talked about seems like it would help your husband and dog. He recommended (for example for a dog that is fearful of children) that you stop bowl feeding your dog and for a few weeks all food comes would come (in your case) from your husband by hand. Not necessarily all at once, like a meal. You can use it randomly, or to reward good behaviour, but ALL food comes from your husband and it's important that he does not give any harsh corrections for behaviour, instead showing the dog the behaviour he does want and then rewarding the dog when it's given.
As others have said before me, never correct growling, it's the best way to create a dog that goes from upset straight to a bite. People will miss what to us are obvious canine body signals and say 'I don't know what happened the dog was fine and then it bit me'.
Are there certain situations your pup is really fearful in? It's important to remember that socialisation isn't just exposing your dog to as many things as possible, it's doing so in a way that creates a positive impression on your dog. But you probably know that
Great to hear that the thundershirt is helping you
I just attended a 3 day seminar 'Scientific dog training with feeling' by Dr Ian Dunbar; if you ever get a chance to attend one of his dog workshops or seminars take it, he was wonderful.
I am already a fan of Ian Dunbar and have had one of his books for a while.
Since we have had this pup Super High Value treats only come from my husband. We have had fearful dogs before just never one that was so fearful none of the usual methods worked. The Thundershirt is helping so that the other methods are starting to work. Hubby has been able to play tug and feed treats.
That's great news, there's nothing like seeing a fearful dog come out of their shell. It's the little things that encourage you and I applaud you for sticking with him
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Getting a very shy dog out to a place like Petsmart and successfully through class is a huge achievement. It is monumental progress for dogs like this. Huge, huge kudos to you for getting him this far.
Thanks. Dude is doing great. We still have things we need to work through and some things just can't be changed but finally I can see the progress. :happyboogie:
Thunder-shirt helps greatly, but its so hot I haven't had him wear it for a couple of weeks.
He does ok with the car as long as air conditioning vents are on him. Luckily my car has back vents. He still can not ride in crate in car without getting sick.
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