Question
Lola
I bought a registered Shiba Inu puppy from an out of state breeder about two
months ago. She was eight weeks old when we got her and she has gotten
progressively more and more fearful. When we picked her up she was very
sweet and affectionate towards me and my boyfriend, but hid from anyone
else. She does not have problems with other dogs or even cats, just people.
Now she has gotten to the point where she spends most of her time under
the couch hiding. I try to socialize her with people but it's not working. She
shrieks and shakes until i pick her back up again. Potty training has went well
but when she has an accident I put her nose in it, spank her, and chain her on
the porch for ten minutes. If there are people walking around nearby she
shrieks and pulls on her leash to the point of choking herself to try and get
away. When I come out she hides under my legs and continues shrieking and
shaking.
She is afraid of everything besides other dogs. She will not even try jumping
off the couch or bed and now she weighs 12 lbs and is plenty big enough to
attempt such things.
I am worried that she will always be scared of everything and everyone and
will continue spending most of her time in hiding.
How do I get her to become less fearful?
AnswerIt sounds like she wasn't socialized much before you got her, which makes me fear that she came from a puppy mill. It makes perfect that she is fearful of new people. She just needs to be socialized for her to get through this, which I'm glad you understand. I will tell what you need to do, but keep in mind that this isn't going to be an overnight fix and you need to have plenty of patience.
First of all, and this is going to difficult to face, you need to force her into these new situations with new people. The good news is you also get to reward her with lots of treats when she has earned them. It's okay to force her out of hiding, but do so while using calm tones. When she freaks out, just hold her and console her calmly and gently. The calmer you are, the calmer she will begin to feel. And do not let her go until she stops resisting. When she finally begins to settle, she can also have a treat as a reward.
So she's about 4 months old now? Was she ever open to new people and simply began going backwards or has it just gotten worse? Irregardless, start with just making her sit and stay while people are around and once she calms down, you can let them slowly walk closer. Once she freaks again, do the same. Hold her until she calms and have them take one step closer. It's hard because you feel so bad for her, but be strong and remember that unless you can break this, it's only going to get worse and possibly acquiring aggressive habits. So anytime you can bring her out to public places, do so. Just keep calm so she senses that there is nothing to be worried about.
I also always recommend training and socializing classes. They are both beneficial for pet socializing as well as getting acquainted with different pet owners as well. I want you to keep in touch as this could be a long process.
Also, on the note for the potty breaking, remember that she can only be punished when she is caught in the act. And saying "no" is good, but honestly, spanking her and rubbing her nose in it, really is only added stress. All you really need to do is quick pick her up and place her in the yard and don't forget to say "go potty" and really praise the heck out of her when she goes. This hold true for both urinating and defecating. When she defecates in the house, pick up the stool and have her watch you place it in the yard and allow her to smell it.
aggression in aging dog
Question
Niko
I have a thirteen year old, female, Samoy
Dog light and shadow chasing
Question
Jenni
My 3 year old Cavalier King Charles Span
Sudden aggression within pack after a death
Question
Sudden aggression in o
We have an approximatel
My dog is shaking and hiding under my bed recently
QuestionRorrie and Pencil
QUESTION: My dog, Rorr
