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The puppy that I got from the pound a few months ago is terrified of people, in particular men. When I first got her, she wasn't nearly so nervous, but after she turned about 4 months (which I've read can be a canine fear period) she's gotten worse.
I socialize her very often, taking her everywhere with me. The places I take her are sometimes parties with loud teenagers, parks, car rides, fields, quiet houses, visiting other dogs, just about anywhere you can take a dog. She's even been to Walmart.
But she runs when approaching groups of people, and won't even sniff a hand. If forced to interact with people, she just stays quiet and upset. However, she is really a happy little troublemaker at home or around the people she likes (there are only 5 people in this category, sadly).
I have determined that she is a German Shepherd/Husky mix. I got her from the pound when she was 10 weeks old. Wow, lots of info. Sorry.
What do I do to make her less timid?
By Becca from Ft Collins, CO
Did this start right after a vaccine? Sounds like usual vaccine damage. I suggest homeopath and remedies. Raw diet is best. Exercise as much as possible. Look up vaccine ingredients (poison) on vaclib.org. You will never vaccinate your pets or your children, your Mom or yourself. NO ONE. (04/29/2010)
By vicki hood
If she is happy with the socializing she receives at home and with the people she knows and likes, then just respect that and let her be. Maybe she's just not ready (or may never be ready) to be taken everywhere and anywhere. :-( Forcing her is only going to make the behavior worse. Give her a couple months the way she is happy and feels safe and then just try taking her to one quiet, non-crowded place now and then and see what happens. If she seems to be doing better, then you can take her to one louder more crowded place to see how she reacts. (04/29/2010)
By Deeli
If she is a husky/GSD mix, she is a working dog. Give her something to do! Have you thought about maybe agility or fly-ball? You don't even have to compete, build her a make shift course and train her on it. It will give her better self esteem, burn off some energy and you might even find a new hobby! My Papillon really came out of his shell once we started agility! You can find lots of free plans for agility jumps, etc on the web. Good luck! (04/29/2010)
By miche todd
I agree with Deeli. I have a mini Dachshund who is extremely timid too. He's very happy at home and with those he knows and accepts into his family, and with our other Dachshund. Plus he loves to torment the cat. Actually they torment each other. But he is a very happy dog. But when someone comes around that he doesn't know, or hasn't accepted, or if we go somewhere other than home, he cowers and shakes and is extremely "afraid" acting.
He has been this way since he was about 4-5 months old. I used to worry about him constantly. Talked to the vet several times. I finally just accepted that that is just his nature and don't worry about it anymore. He recently turned 7 years old and is still the same way.
Each dog, just as each person, has his/her own personality traits. And this is just one of his many. It's part of what makes him an individual, and part of what makes me love him so much! (04/29/2010)
By Cricket
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