Hello,
I have a 5 month old puppy, Ski (golden retriever), who is very timid.
When I got him, from a breeder at 8 weeks, he was terrified of so many things - just normal plate clattering in the kitchen would frighten him. The rustle of a plastic bag OMG how terrifying! After lots of slow introductions and encouragement he is okay now with these common noises.
His tail lives between his legs most of the time He always sits on his tail - even when wagging it.
But when romping around with Jackson our older dog, Ski acts like the normal confident puppy - He even tries to have sex with Jackson - so is showing dominance. Jackson is not timid in any way and is a great buddy for Ski. They even cuddle up together to sleep.
Ski is an extremely gentle, sweet boy who sits, stays, walks on lead perfectly, never jumps up etc So very well behaved.
So has this puppy been abused? Have the breeders beaten him? We got him at 8 weeks - so SURELY not?? Why is he SO scared? And if he was, wouldn't he realise we are gentle and loving and won't ever hurt him? Is it just his nature then?
I hug & cuddle him a lot & put my face on his and talk softly to him, gentle loving strokes etc which he loves - so why isn't that making him feel safe and loved? I don't cuddle and sook him when he is frightened of something - I just give reassuring pats and say "it's okay" Come on" Good boy" etc. I've tried "fun-slapping" him in play to try and get him used to some rougher play - but worried that might be the wrong thing to do so have stopped doing that. Our other dog loves fun-slaps on his back and bum (I hope you know what I mean when I say that!) I've tried to "rough" play with rag toys i.e. tug of war - but Ski won't be in it. Jackson loves that!
I'd love him to not feel so frightened! A perfect example for you is this morning we had a bank valuer visit to measure our house - Ski ran (cowering) and sat up the back yard because he was so scared of the measure (it was a wheel on a long stick) the man was using! He wasn't scared of the man - it was the stick-wheel thingy. Anything new sends him running and cowering.
Ski has bonded very closely to me, I can never leave the room without him following and laying down quietly at my side. Wouldn't matter if I got up 10 times, he sticks to me like glue - is this because he feels scared? Our old dog also like to be near me, but is not obsessed with having to be near me. This is not a complaint, I'm just to trying to give you all a bit more knowledge about Ski. Even within the room if I move out of sight, Ski will get up and shift to a position where he can see me. He does spend hours at a time outside in the garden with Jackson, away from me and is fine with that. It's only inside the house he behaves like this.
Sometimes he cowers at us as if WE have been beating him and abusing him????? Example - the phone rang and I made a clatter and ran - Ski cowered and panicked as if I was about to beat him?? Ski wags his tail, but keeps his bum down at the same time in a cowering manner even when excited to see us. He prefers to walk behind/beside us, seems confused/lost/cowering when walking infront of us. Again, not a complaint, just trying to give you are much about Ski's personality.
The other thing that he has finally overcome, is us telling him to go outside. He used to be scared to actually walk past us (when we are holding the door open for him). As if he thought we were going to beat him as he walked past!!?? OMG as if!! So is that another sign he WAS abused buy the breeder? He is okay now thank goodness (giving him loads of praise still) and will happily go past us.
Also when feeding him, he will not eat until I have walked away. He will sit back away from his food, even if I call him and tap his food.. he might inch forward a bit, but all cowered and tail between legs. Why would he be doing that?
When he is laying down, should you reach down and touch/stoke him with you hand, his back leg comes up in a fearful manner (like he is about to roll on his back) and you can see his tail tense.
Apologies for such a rambling letter. If nothing can be done to help him, we can accept this is how he is because Ski truly is a beautiful darling boy - loved to bits, and we will just make allowances, and help him the best we can when he is fearful. I just want to know if I can make him feel confident - because he should feel confident! Poor thing must be terrible to feel so timid. Apart from his timidness, be is incredibly well behaved, and was extremely easy to train. He is well socialised with other dogs and is great with our cat.
Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Grace
