Adoption of an older Dog

Question
We have a dashound 1 1/2 years old.  He has been with us 5 weeks.  He has ajusted well but he is spooked or shy when strangers are around. and he follows my husband around when ever he moves.  He comes to me to eat, go out, or when my Husband is not around.  This does not bother me but I would like to know if this is normal.   Jeanette

Answer
Hi Jeanette,

Thanks for choosing me to answer your question here at AllExperts.

Your dachshund has not been with you very long and may still be getting used to his surroundings and the new environment.  Also, his history and genetics could figure in to what you're referring to as shyness.  He may have lacked socialization to people during the sensitive periods for puppies when he was a puppy.  That doesn't mean that he still can't be socialized, but now that he's mature it means that it will be a little more challenging and you will need to go slowly and carefully with him as you work to get him to trust people so that he doesn't become more fearful or shy.  Let him go at his own speed - don't force him to interact, as this could make him more fearful.  

Genetics may play into his shyness or fearfulness, as these can be heritable traits.  So, you may be working with not only what his nature is, but what his nurture/environmental experiences were in the past as well.  It's relatively easy to socialize puppies before four months of age to people, but it becomes a bit more challenging as dogs mature.  Also, if socialization isn't maintained even after the puppy period, some dogs 'lose' their socialization, even if they were very well socialized as pups.

The fact that your dachshund is engaging with you and letting you know when he needs something is a good sign.  It shows that he looks to you as someone who's consistent and can be relied upon.  Build his confidence by making him work for some of these things he seeks from you or your husband - make him sit before you give him attention, food, water, treats or walks.  Training dogs skills actually builds dogs' confidence, in part because it gives them something else to think about besides being fearful or shy.  So, think of getting someone professional in to help you with tricks and training, or look for a good positive methods class (no harsh corrections, no choke collars, food/toy reward and motivation based training).  

The fact that he sounds a bit 'Velcro-ed' to your husband and follows him around whenever he moves seems as if the dog may have or be developing some separation issues.  Prevent these before they start by teaching your dog to be alone in a crate or room for a few minutes alone each day, a few times a day.  Put him in his crate with his collar off (for safety) and a stuffed Kong or other safe toy to chew on, so that he associates your leaving or your husband's leaving with positive things, not negative ones.  If he is unable to be alone (barks, defecates, urinates), you may need to consider hiring a positive methods professional trainer to help you with the separation issues.

Hope this helps!  Happy holidays -
Madeline Friedman, M.A.
Volunteer at AllExpers.com