[rebecca446]

My puppy is 5 months old and he is scared to death of everyone except us. We brought him to the vet on Wednesday and boy did we have a bad experience. He got so scared that he released his anal glands

and boy it did not smell to nice. Any way any thoughts on how to help him be not so scared. He has been this way since we got him about 2 1/2 months ago. We got him from an older couple who did not socialize with the pups at all. It took him a few days to get used to me and my family.Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated.

Behr's favorite sleeping position.

Becky, mom to Behr(bear)

 

[lcht2]

hmmm..i sort of have the same issue with tyson (he is 5 1/2 months). he loves my neighbors, family, and friends, but when it comes to "strangers" he doesnt want anything to do with them. he doesnt hackle up or bark at them, he will even go up and sniff them, but he does not like to be touched by them. i dont know if it has to do with socializeation(sp) in your case or mine. it could be a "fear" period he is going through. puppies around this age kinda go through an anxiety phase also. i would just recommend positive "stranger" experiences with treats and lots of fun.

 

[BlackGSD]

Has he has any socialization in the last 2 1/2 months?

 

[rebecca446]

Yes he has with everyone possible. But as soon as some one comes to my house he runs and hides. We bring him everywhere we go. He even does this with people he has seen before and had contact with.

 

[lcht2]

Originally Posted By: iluvmybehrYes he has with everyone possible. But as soon as some one comes to my house he runs and hides. We bring him everywhere we go. He even does this with people he has seen before and had contact with.

was he abused at all when he was with the other owners??

 

[Kayla's Dad]

It does not sound like a fear period as those are relatively short lived-unless you are coaxing/telling the dog it is alright during that time.

I would try several things.

First try to ignore the behaviour. Don't tell the dog that it's alright or encourage him to come out. If you are doing this, you could be encouraging the fear and hiding behaviour.

Does he have favorite treats? Give some to your visitors. Close off rooms and other areas where he may run to hide-but with one or two safe places remaining. Have your visitors come in and sit calmly (on the floor would be great-ignoring the puppy but with treats out where he can see-smell them. (Not feeding him first could help). If and when the dog comes out to investigate, have them continue to pay attention to something else with their hands out and allow the dog to approach them.

It may take some patience on everyone's part to get through this.

Hopefully you'll get some other suggestions to try as well.

Good Luck.

 

[rebecca446]

As far as I know there was no abuse. It was an elderly man and woman that had him. The only contact they had with him was to feed him. I guess you could say we sort of rescued him from a bad situation. He is great with my husband myself and our three children but when it comes to other people thats a different story.

Becky mom to Behr(bear) 1/ 27/ 2007

 

[Sasha2008]

Socialize.....socialize.....socialize, bring him everywhere possible. Bring lots of treats and reward his good behaviour. Patience is needed too, remember he is just a pup so small steps.

We brought Bogart everywhere dogs could go, and still do. We bring Bogart to the vet every Saturday for a visit see how much weight he gained. lol The receptionist gives him treats every time.

He loves it.

Just little things to get him used to different surroundings.

Bogart's Dad & Mom

 

[chevysmom]

He's a beautiful boy! My Chevy is almost 5 months and acts scared towards strangers that come up to him even though we've socialized him since day one. Some he will warm up to and others he wants nothing to do with them. He has no problem with those he sees on a somewhat regular basis. Our trainer said to ignore the behavior and do not console him (awww...it's okayyyy)--that makes them (the dog) think it's ok to be scared and nervous. He does not warm up to the vet

even though we're there about once a week for a weight check. I am hoping this is just a phase he's going through. We socialize him as much as possible. Good luck!

 

[lcht2]

Originally Posted By: Sasha2008Socialize.....socialize.....socialize, bring him everywhere possible. Bring lots of treats and reward his good behaviour. Patience is needed too, remember he is just a pup so small steps.

X2!

 

[shilohsmom]

I agree with everyone, socialize, socialize, etc. I'd also like to suggest some training which might also help boost his self esteem.
Good luck, he sure is a cutie!!

 

[onyx'girl]

I would give confidence boosting exercise and keep his brain busy. Good reads are "Click to calm", by Emma Parsons, and "Control unleashed", by Leslie McDermont.
My dog hates the vet, too and a couple weeks ago, we had to go for heartworm blood draw. Vet and tech, had to do it in the rear leg, and Onyx just buried her head in my lap(with muzzle on as in feb we had bad experience with rabies shot/fear& growling). After that, the vet sat down beside Onyx, and just let Onyx sniff, she was again muzzled. Then she slowly petted onyx on her body(massage, TTouch?) Onyx after a few min. was ok with her, but wouldn't make eye contact w/her. I then swabbed Onyx' ear for vet, but she was able to pet her ears. We didn't want to push her over the edge. We were there for almost an hour and a half-last appt. of the day, and I was very happy with the way things went this time~ and tomorrow, I hope we have a good experience as well. She has to go for an ear re-check. Good luck with your pup!