Very nervous dog

corgankidd · 10-06-2006, 02:04 PM

I have an 8 mo. old rott/st. bernard that I have had since she was 7 weeks old. Since I got her I have taken her everywhere with me!! She comes to work with me, she goes to friends houses with me, she even comes with me on any errands I have to run. So she has been very well socialized but within the last couple of months she has developed a bad fear of strangers. I'm not sure where it stemmed from, but whenever she sees someone she doesn't know her tail goes between her legs and she acts as if she is being cornered and starts almost panicking. However, when she is at my house she is fine with anybody who comes through my door. She is actually overly happy to see people when they are at my house! Its only when she is at my work or on a walk. My question is do you think taking her everywhere with me is having a negative effect on her personality? Should I leave her home sometimes to gain some independence or something? She is a big dog so I am not comfortable with her having this fear of strangers and would really appreciate any help.

alundy · 10-06-2006, 03:10 PM

I think taking her everywhere is a good thing. You shouldn't start leaving her home more, or it will only make her fear worsen.

Some dogs are skittish with strangers, even despite your good socialization. Perhaps its in their genes... I know a Ridgeback who is so wonderful and smart, and they socialized her so well, but she shies away from strangers.

First of all, do you coddle her when she shows fear? Just like with young kids, if you make a big deal of her fear "awwww, baby, it's OK, you'll be alright, hug hug, kiss kiss" it only reinforces it. I think humour is a good tool with fear. If she senses that you are nervous, she will think something's wrong. Get some friends and family to arrange meetings out in the park or on the street - tell them to bring treats so they can reinforce positive meetings with your dog.

puppy girl · 10-06-2006, 04:14 PM

what a scrared dog! When my dog sees strangers she gets so excited and happy. Maybe she gets tired out a bit. You should leave her home once and a while.

sheltieluver · 10-06-2006, 04:34 PM

I think that taking him everywhere is great for socialization and I would continue to do so. It's important to keep exposure to new things/people and situations upbeat and safe so it does not carry fears that he will carry for the rest of his life.

Alundy has a great idea - have some friends meet at a park, giving treats to your puppy so he has positive experiences with people outside your home.

blackgavotte · 10-10-2006, 06:00 PM

I just want to add that while its great that you have socialized her so well, but in fact she also should learn to be left alone, she needs to understand what that is. She won't be able to go everywhere with you all her life, better to get that out of the way. Start by leaving her for just short times, say 15 minutes or so, then lengthen the time... She can become extremely needy and dependant if you don't help her mature in this way. I agree, some dogs are just skittish around strangers, and if nothing has happened to cause this, it could be just in her makeup. I agree that you should not console her and buy into it... have you thought of joining a good training class? This is the right time of year, there are lots of training classes starting up now, she will have to meet strangers in the class setting and the teacher can help you and advise you with the problem. Good luck.

Alpha · 10-13-2006, 12:15 PM

Socializing is a wonderful thing. But it seems from reading your post that she may have had a bad experience. You may never know what happened so it may be hard to work on, but you seem willing to try!

The park/treat idea is a great one. Carrying treats around with you is imparative! If someone wants to pet your dog, first make her sit by your side. Be confident, do not give her any reason to feel wary of the stranger. Give them some treats to feed her. And most importantly do NOT let anyone maul her when she does not appear to be comfortable.

Always allow your dog to initiate the patting/feeding whatever. Forcing her into uncomfortable situations will only make matters worse.

Good luck