My dog Mallory is so shy
When we had the baby shower a few weeks ago people wanted to meet her and she had a total meltdown and I had to put her in her crate in our bedroom the entire time because all the new people at her house totally freaked her out. Like I said, we have taken her everywhere with us and believe me we have never abused her in anyway. I don't know about the owner that had her before she ended up at the pound though and I have to wonder if this isn't where all this stems from as when we got her she did a lot of cowering and submissive piddling. But now with the family she is great. She adores her whole family and is very outgoing and fun with all of us, but I truely think she just wishes the rest or the worlds population would dissappear. Is there anything I can do to help her other then keep introducing her to new people and situations? |
|
|
| That is unusual for a sheepie, huh?
Remember Dudley? Winchester's brother? He was like that too. He didn't like meeting new people at all. So, when people came over, I had to make sure they stayed calm and didn't approach him. If he was allowed to warm up to them on his own terms, he did much better. It was a challenge introducing him to his adoptive family that way. But, they were very good about it and have since consulted a behaviorist to work with him on this issue. I haven't spoken to them lately, though, to see how it is going. Perhaps I should... |
| Yea Tammy, all the Sheepdogs we've had in the family have been very out going. They've all loved new people and new situations and just went with the flow. Mallory is so different. She has the loving personality but she is just so afraid to trust people at first. And just like Dudley, it has to be on her terms.
Like somebody can sit down and Mallory will approach them but if they reach out to touch her she is off like a shot. But if she walks up and sits beside them and then nudges them and they pet her, that's OK with her. It's like she is afraid the world is out to get her. She won't even go out the back door if their is a person in one of the adjoining yards. She will even stand at the open door and look all around to make sure their is nobody out there then she will go down the steps into the yard, but not until she has scanned all around the yard and surroundings. I don't know, just wish I knew how to help her understand the world doesn't have to be so scary for her all the time. |
| I think maybe some dogs are just like this? I don't know his whole background, but we fostered a dog who was afraid of his own shadow. Literally.
He was quite a sweetie, though! |
| I agree with Ron, dogs like people have different personalities. Just because she isn't gregarious and outgoing doesn't mwan there is anything "wrong" with her. She is also still pretty young, as she matures she may become more accepting of strangers and strange situations. In the mean time I'd continue to do what you are doing, expose her to new people and situations but when she scared or overwhelmed allow her to retreat. |
| My parents' sheepie is like this and always has been. They got her from the breeder at 3 months old and she's always been shy. I always wanted to take her everywhere with me, but she would get upset and pace in the car and pee, and then the second we were at our destination, she would get out and pee when someone came over.
We socialized her and took her for walks but whenever a person or animal would come near her, she'd be behind me. Of course she is not shy at all at home, but the second we have company she's a mess. She's almost 9 now and she's much better (maybe too much effort to be upset?) and she doesn't pee submissively anymore, but she'll go into her crate and hide for most of the time guests are there. I think it is just her natural personality. Barney on the other hand...will make every attempt to meet new people/plants/animals/rocks/cars/fish... |
| Yes I agree that it is the dogs personality. Just like people they are all different in some ways. My Sian is like that. Has always been shy of strangers but will come around if left alone. She was raised by a lovely family who have two boys and played with the pups a lot. She has been socialised by us too but it hasn't made very much difference. She is a very loving little girl. I think some are more doggie dogs and some are more people dogs. It's funny really because she never batted an eyelid in the ring or at the show, but then I guess that was something she was used to doing - and allowing the judge to go over her. |
| My two mixes were super shy before we got the sheepies. My sheepies joy in meeting new people helped loosen them up a bit but they still have "issues". You might consider trying this with volunteers... as long as you're certain Mallory will not bite.
The new person comes into your home and is invited in... in their pocket they have treats that Mallory views as the absolute best. This person completely ignores Mallory and has a conversation with you. Ignore meaning no greeting or talking to, no eye contact, no touching, etc. The volunteer starts to throw out small pieces of this fabulous treat while interacting with you but continues to ignore her. The visit ends without any contact unless Mallory has initiated it. They make no attempt to pet her or talk to her. If you repeat this often with strangers she may come to view them as welcomed visitors bearing treats instead of a threat. Our trainer did this with Maggie and she was standing on his leg to get the treats within about 15 minutes. But still, he never attempted to pet her and avoided eye contact. Good luck to you! |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|