Scared puppy

morningbeam · 05-20-2008, 11:59 AM

Our puppy Maddy and her brother came to us as foster puppies 2 weeks ago and they were pretty much perfect puppies. They (Maddy in particular) picked up basic obedience and potty training almost immediately. We decided to adopt her I told my husband that it was up to us not to "screw her up" .

Well, I think we already did....Poor Maddy had 3 traumatic days. First she got too close to my cat Koco who gave her a good swat...so good in fact that Maddy's nose and lip were bleeding. So she is now understandably scared of the cats (we have 3). Then her brother was adopted leaving her as the only dog in the house. I work from home so she got used to staying/playing with me. PLUS we set up a "play day" with a friends pup. Finally last night, while baking, my son dropped a baking sheet (it hadn't been in the oven so it was not hot) either on her or next to her. Either way it made a loud noise and terrified her. Since then she was been walking around "on egg shells".; her tail is between her legs, she jumps at noises, and rather than with being with one of us hides under the table, chairs or in her crate. I've been trying to use treats to get her comfortable staying with me again but she either ignores them or brings them back under the table, chairs or in her crate.

Any suggestions? I completely understand her fear (and the last incident did just happen less than 24 hours ago) but I hate seeing her walk around her own home terrified.

nas58 · 05-20-2008, 07:24 PM

It seem like she could still just be getting used to her new environment and the other changes that are going on (ie loosing her brother). In all likelihood she'll adjust and end up being just fine. In the meantime, there are some things you can do to make her feel more at ease. The most important of which is to give her time and be supportive without encroaching on her space too much. She's been rattled a bit over the last few days, so she just needs to relax!

Here's a more detailed article for your situation. Overall, I think Petwave is a pretty solid resource. Good Luck!

http://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Dog-Beha...-Behavior.aspx

B-Line · 05-20-2008, 09:13 PM

Take her for a ride in the car and drive, full throttle. Gas it at every light, slam the brakes at every stop. Take some fast, sweeping, heavy G-Turns, and scream the whole time..

I'd be willing to bet, by the time you get the puppy home, she'll be so happy, she'll go hug the cat...

LOL..

Hope you know I'm kidding.. It will pass with time. but Obedience and Agility and all sorts of training really does help build confidence.