Lulusmummy Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 Hey everyone Ive been searching through the threads to find some help but just thought id post my situation. Ive recently adopted a gorgeous goldie pup who was 10 weeks old ( we have had her for 5 days). She grew up on a farm and was not socialised well with humans and never let in the house( so toilet training is fun!). Her personality is quiet with a few spurts of playfulness however she comes accross as stubborn. She doesnt know what praise is, so as much as i praise her it almosts scares her when she is in quiet mode. She spends alot of time with her tail between her legs and i feel just horrible! So it would be great if someone could give me some advice to help her bond with me more as she just ignores me when she doesnt want to listen or do something i ask, like come in ( which is another issue i have to wait a while at the door for her to decide when to come in..around 5 minutes). Id just like to make her happy, its gorgeous when she is playful and wagging her tail but most of the time she looks scared of me. Thanks everyone! and hello!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dandybrush Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 im not sure, but if fussing her is scaring her, maybe carry her favourite treat on you for a while and when she behaves reward with a treat, maybe when she settles a bit she will happily let you pat her (dont pat her on the head, rub her shoulders or back) start training now to, just sit, drop, stand or whatever you like using the treats as a reward i think you will be fine, she just has to adjust, i would go the treat route myself im sure other pple will have better ideas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
W Sibs Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 (edited) Hi! Welcome! First off, she is still a baby puppy. Some puppies takes a while longer to settle. Sometimes the best thing for a pup like that is to ignore the pup (it's very hard to do especially when they are so damn cute ). Let her work out what's going on herself and give her time to get to know her new surroundings and the new people in her life. Put her in a pen in the most busiest room and let her have her own space, but let her smell and watch what is going around. If she's not use of people, then too much attention will be overwhelming for the pup. She isn't going to understand any commands you give her, so there is no use of giving her any command :p If she is scared of your voice or whatever, then praise her without being verbal. Let her come to you Praise her by giving her some treats or play. BTW... pics is a must :D ETA: Oh yeah, what db said... training is a great way of bonding too. Also play. Edited June 28, 2011 by CW EW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tlc Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 Hi, not sure I will be much help but it sounds like you are trying a little too hard, if she is happy out leave her out, if she just wants to sit quietly let her. A lot of people would kill to have a lovely calm puppy as the majority of pups are over the top and generally puppy madness. One of my girls is as you have described your and I just went with the flow with her and she has the most amazing temprament and is now a delta therapy dog. After having two puppies that were very full on and playful she was so different. Take her with you every opportunity you get, it is not too late to socialize her now not matter how much or little socialization she had before she came to you. Every little bit and new situations help. We notice at our obedience school pup that come like you have described and within the next two weeks they have come way out of thier shells. Can you take her to any sort of puppy school? this will really help her be more social and bring her out of her shell a bit more. When my guys were tiny puppies, they went everywhere I did as much as possible I think this definatley helps the bonding process but you still have to find a happy medium if you need to leave the pup for any reason, work, school etc puppy still needs to learn that being on its own is not a bad thing too. However it sounds as though you wont have any trouble with this side of things as Aloof puppys tend to not be fussed if you go out and leave them. It is hard to tell from your post if your pup is really just aloof and a bit of a loner or is she is actually frightened, what sort of background has she come from? Other pups in the letter, family she was with? etc etc. Good luck and I am sure there will be others along to give you some excellent advice here. Any pics of your puppy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunnyflower Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 Seems like a normal puppy to me! She is 10 weeks old, taken away from her home, her litter mates, mum and family! Let her settle in! It's only been 5 days and she is a baby. You cannot expect this little pup to just bounce around coming when called, knowing what praise is and all the rest. She needs to get used to you and you need to treat her like a baby. Try teaching her one command at a time and only do it for 3 minutes at a time because her attention span for now won't handle anymore. We have just welcomed a new pup into our home after losing our Cavalier. Duke is 15 weeks old we've only had him for 10 days and whilst he is learning fast, he is a little bit older. We cater to him as a baby and understand that chances are he won't come when called and when he does we give him a treat, we only say his name for praise so he doesn't associate it with something bad. Mainly, give the pup time. It will sleep for the majority of the day and has no idea what you are asking or saying. It's nervous as it will likely still be fretting. Enjoy it and don't stress. The pup will be due for it's second Vac in a week or two, have a chat with your vet and they will confirm it all face to face. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
**Super_Dogs** Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 It may be she is not stubborn, if she was not around people much she may just not understand she is meant to listen to you! The good thing is goldies LOVE food. Always have treats close by and reward all behaviour you want to see. So I would start by rewarding basic behaviours. For example when she approaches you - reward, when she looks at you - reward. Then slowly make her do more to get a reward, which will eventually be basic commands such as sit and down. You want to make her to acssociate you with value - and the value to her will be the treats. When she has had her shots and you can take her out it will be really important for you to socialise her ALOT and take her places where she will meet all types of people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 poor little pup- she has no idea what's going on . ignore her ..and don't ask her to do things.. but, as said, give her something yummy if/when she approaches/sits Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC Crazy Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 (edited) Hi & welcome, It is hard if your pup has not been socialised very much. I'm thinking it is all very over welming for her ATM. The breeder certainly hasn't done you or your goldie any favours. If it were me I would take things very slowly with her, she has just arrived really so she has pretty much gone from one extreme to the other. Outside & not handled, to what I would call "normal" interacting family life. Just sit somewhere quiet within her sight & let her come to you,this may take time, treat her as soon as she does, & stroke her gently, soothing almost. Talk to her & try to slowly gain her confidence This is just an example, I am no expert but I rescued a BC,( the most difficult / rewarding thing I think I have ever done ) that was severely traumatized & never socialised,once I won him over he gave me 14.5 years of unwavering devotion. It will take loads of patience to gain her trust.One step at a time. It is terrible to see a pup that is under socialised but it is wonderful to watch them slowly gain confidence & bloom into a happy self assured puppy. Good luck with her. Keep us posted. Edited June 28, 2011 by BC Crazy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lulusmummy Posted June 28, 2011 Author Share Posted June 28, 2011 Wow thankyou so much to everyone who has replied!! You all know so much! Im definately taking her to puppy school once her second vax has worked ( had it done yesterday..she didnt even seem to notice!) I will defintatly stop trying so hard, give her time and space and hopefully she will come out of her shell. Im very thankful she is such a beautiful placid pup, I know im lucky I guess i just didnt realise there were puppys out there so relaxed! I was expecting a very excitable puppy! Ill focus more on her playful moments...just a bit of a proud mummy moment she learnt to sit( with treats) in just a few tries! Ill definately keep everyone updated and thankyou for all the tips! http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd511/lulusmummy/iphone070.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BC Crazy Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 (edited) OMG !!! She is just adorable Makes me want another puppy to cuddle She is sitting already, Well Done. Off to puppy school & out & about, she is not going to take a backward step now. Enjoy motherhood. :D Edited June 28, 2011 by BC Crazy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lulusmummy Posted June 28, 2011 Author Share Posted June 28, 2011 I know this is a very early update but I have left her to do her own thing today, given her lots if treats as suggested and she has come to be twice for pats and attention and actually wanted cuddles!!! Woooooo I see the light!!! Thanks for the help and suggestions they definately worked! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sas Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 As horrible as it sounds I reccomend you send this pup back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dandybrush Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 lulusmum she is gorgeous and good work with the treats, training and cuddles already!! see nothing to worry about Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
**Super_Dogs** Posted June 28, 2011 Share Posted June 28, 2011 Nice work Keep up the treats for all behaviour you want to see and slowly expect more from her to get the treat. Socialisation with people in the early weeks is so important, so you may find she is never a super cuddly girl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neo2011 Posted June 29, 2011 Share Posted June 29, 2011 lulusmummy, I suggest you stick it out...she will eventually bond with you. My pup was terrified of new people but after lots of socialising, he now LOVES people. Just introduce her to a small group of people (1-2 people) at a time and make sure they are calm and come down to her level with high value treats in their hands. Also make sure they pat her on the chest or under the neck first and not going straight to her head as that will freak her out. Lots of positive experiences with different people will make sure your dog learns that humans are friendly. 10 weeks old is not too late for socialising. Just keep showing her new things and try to keep them positive. Also as mentioned, start some basic training with her as that will help with bonding. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zug Zug Posted June 29, 2011 Share Posted June 29, 2011 I agree - lots of treats as rewards for every time she chooses to engage with you (but no pressure at this point - she needs to make that choice). Make sure you are the source of all things yummy and awesome. When she has more confidence, you can move on to other games and encourage her to be more playful. But for now, no pressure, ignore her most of the time, but reward her with yummy treats each and every time she chooses to engage with you. Also (if she's a bit on the nervous side) I would be making a mental note to start loads of socialisation in the next few weeks. She will need to meet lots of nice people of different shapes and sizes and they all need to give her lots of treats as well (but only if she is calm and looking at them happily and politely). The training begins! This is the fun stuff - and what having a puppy is all about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poodlefan Posted June 29, 2011 Share Posted June 29, 2011 (edited) Hey everyone Ive been searching through the threads to find some help but just thought id post my situation. Ive recently adopted a gorgeous goldie pup who was 10 weeks old ( we have had her for 5 days). She grew up on a farm and was not socialised well with humans Sadly, what happens in a pup's early life stays with them for life. You can do a heck of a lot to overcome early lack of socialisation but it won't get back what she never had. and never let in the house( so toilet training is fun!). Count your blessings. I'd rather have a pup with no history of being and toileting inside than one that's been allowed to do it. On that issue you're starting with a blank slate - that's a good thing IMO. Her personality is quiet with a few spurts of playfulness however she comes accross as stubborn. She doesnt know what praise is, so as much as i praise her it almosts scares her when she is in quiet mode. She spends alot of time with her tail between her legs and i feel just horrible! You need to establish what effective praise FOR HER is and do that. If a quiet "good girl" works better than gushing that spooks her than that's what you need to do. I honestly doubt you're seeing stubbonness. I suspect you're seeing a pup who doesn't know what you want. I think you might also wish to consider that you've got a timid pup. So it would be great if someone could give me some advice to help her bond with me more as she just ignores me when she doesnt want to listen or do something i ask, like come in ( which is another issue i have to wait a while at the door for her to decide when to come in..around 5 minutes). Id just like to make her happy, its gorgeous when she is playful and wagging her tail but most of the time she looks scared of me. Thanks everyone! and hello!! I think she needs you to lower your expectations, to teach her to focus on you and reward her for small steps in confidence and obedience. Take her to good puppy classes and go on to a decent dog obedience club. You need to put enduring effort into building a bond of trust and friendship with her and training works well. You might also consider what some dog owners do and tether her to you by a lead when you are home. That way she goes where you go, you can closely supervise her toilet training and she will become accustomed to the sights and sounds of your every day life. Edited June 29, 2011 by poodlefan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now