Shy Puppy

[Salukifan]

I agree with Vickie.

I know that you probably just want reassurance that your puppy is "normal" (which he most likely is :))

BUT none of us have ever seen your pup so we can't really say whether it may be a serious issue or not.

If you do think it may be an issue and you've noticed that he is more nervous than other puppies his age, then have him assessed by a professional.

I would listen to Vickie.

if the vet thought your pup's behaviour of sufficient concern to mention it, I'd suggest you contact a decent professional and have him assessed.

Problems identified in pups tend to have better outcomes than in adult dogs - you more have time to work on solutions.

If you want assurance your pup is "normal" get it from someone who's actually seen the dog.

Edited August 15, 2012 by Haredown Whippets

[Heston1]

I would not be taking advice on an Internet forum about this pup. None of these people have seen him. If you are worried, take him to see someone & have him assessed.

I had a warning about one of my BC pups from my vet many years ago. He was 4 months at the time & very timid at the vets. He was also timid in other, but not all situations. I spent A LOT of time training and even more time managing him for the rest of his life.

He was a very sweet dog & a great companion, but as he matured, he did display some worrying behaviours. I'm glad I got help with him when he was young. I was still managing him till the day he died.

I've had 5 BCs since & none have done anything but wiggle & try to lick my vet or any other person.

Yes - Agreed, I guess I was looking for some reassurance that it was going to be ok - that seems to be what other people use this forum for. Perhaps I was wrong. But, perhaps this post will also help others out there unsure of whether to ask or not what to do.

He already has been at Puppy Kinder and I asked the trainer there what she thought last night (she is also a vet nurse at the same vet) She seemed to think that yes he is a shy pup, but that he came around after a few hours of being there and was happy to have cuddles. We will take him down to the vet regularly and walk him through without him having any treatment so that he can feel comfortable there. We are going to continue to work with her one on one for training for a few more weeks to see how he goes and use all the techniques she has provided us with, including getting him out and about as much as possible to try new things in a supportive way.

The simple fact is that he will never be the outgoing puppy that has an abundance of confidence, but he is so easy to train and responds really well when I ask him to do things, I'm happy with that and I just love working with him - he has perfected shaking hands last night!

[Nekhbet]

Remember there is a difference between shy and genuinely fearful. The vet saw your pup under a very stressful situation and your dog is still developing. Don't let the comment consume your life but just keep in your mind you don't treat your dog like you would every other because he just needs a little more guidance and confidence.

[Tassie]

Heston1 wrote

We will take him down to the vet regularly and walk him through without him having any treatment so that he can feel comfortable there.

I always think this is a great idea - and my guys go in for regular weigh-ins for that reason. Mind you it has failed to convince my agility BC girl - now 10.5 years old, that the vet's is a great place - waiting room, yes, scales, yes ... then it's "and now we leave again". :D She's normally a dog who loves to meet people who don't have dogs with them - but she won't take treats from the staff - even if there are no other dogs in the waiting room - and while she will sit with me reasonably comfortably waiting for a consult - I then have to carry her into the consult room - good thing she's only 14.8 kg :laugh: . Once in there, she's fairly OK - although her heart rate is always way high.

[furbubbas]

Hi Heston,

Just my 2 cents worth...from an owner of a BC who was a very shy puppy, and now displays elements of fear aggression (I have since discovered the breeder used a sire who was known to have temperament issues, so am dealing with his fear as a long term possibility).

I completely agree with what others have said - your approach of introducing them to everything and anything in the world is the right way to go. I'm very thankful I did this earlier on as I can only imagine how he'd be otherwise. And a good trainer is priceless. Provided you're doing those things, you're doing the very best for that pup.

[Heston1]

A quick update for everyone.

We took the advice and got a professional out to assess Heston. @doglifetraining reached out to me on here and came to visit our boy. She gave us some wonderful tips on dealing with him and helping him overcome some of his concerns and fear.

Although we are not by any means fixed, I am happy to report that when I dropped Heston off to the Vet this morning to be castrated (poor baby) he ran straight in and up on the scales! lol

He is turning a corner and the fearful puppy I had weeks ago is slowly being replaced by a more confident albeit a little more boisterous boy! We take him to the dog park every day so that he can socialise and have a play. He has even started to insitgate some of the interaction, although does come running straight back if he gets a little fright for some reassurance.

So - thanks again for everyones advice - I took it on board and cannot be more happy with the results we are getting. It will be a life time commitment to ensure that he does not revert back to this, but we are seeing some progress :D

[persephone]

:) well done!

[BC Crazy]

Congrats Heston1 Sounds like you are on a roll now with Heston. Great work. Sounds like he couldn't have a more dedicated owner.

Some pups just need to build up their confidence a bit & they go through lots of changes as they mature both mentally & physically, fear periods e.t.c.

On occasion my girl still 'checks in' with me if she feels uncertain about something. Maybe Heston would like to teach Stella how to run into the Vets, Stella has to be carried :laugh:

Edited September 7, 2012 by BC Crazy