Fixing Socialization Problem

[graftongal]

I am having a problem with my pup and I would like some advice.

At Christmastime we were at a family get-together, Dax was around 3 months old. He was doing well with everybody, introducing himself and being really friendly, but still a bit shy. A typical puppy. My uncle then thought it would be funny to grab the dog and put him into his lap, hold him tightly and not allow him to move while he shook him around and was being rather rough with him. :angry: After a couple of seconds I yelled at him to stop, I could tell the dog was scared sh*tless. After that he ran under the couch where I was sitting and didn't move until we went home.

Ever since then he hasn't let another stranger touch him. I have had numerous people (including children) ask if they could pet him and I'll try to relax him, make him sit, but as soon as the person reaches for him he spazzes out, squeals and does everything in his power to get away. At least he isn't trying to bite however. I thought this behaviour would go away once he got older but now I'm starting to worry because it hasn't gotten any better.

Does anyone have any advice to get this problem corrected before he gets any older? I understand why he acts the way he does and I don't blame him. I don't think though that it is fair to him to have to be afraid of strangers. Help please!

[ducksoup]

First take your uncle out and shoot him -- that was stupid on his part!!!! Just take the time to get pup associating people in general especially strangers are not all bad and scary -- "socialize" pup back into group situations where nobody touches pup -- just have him on lead at first next to you -- get him used to sights and sounds of group of people -- gradually encourage others to approach him (on his terms at first, not theirs -- this means getting down to his level -- soft spoken -- happy happy voice -- let pup get used to otheres before they try to move in on pup, etc.) -- slowly but surely should get idea that not all humans are so scary -- eventually he'll get over experience of your uncle

[franklauzon]

You may also consider keeping treats on yah, and when a stranger wants to meet your pup, have them give him a treat... Maybe he'll warm right up to the feeding hand!

He'll start associating meeting new people with treats, and enjoyu it, once there cut back on treats, same as in teaching commands...

Might work!

If all else fails, call Ceasar! ;)

[verno]

I have heard Frank's advice several times. Getting strangers to give treats would be what I would try first. Then get a halloween mask and scare the crap out of your uncle.

[nimkii]

Lots of exposure on Dax's terms. Sit with him in a park, take him to a school yard, home depot, a farm market, your local downtown. Lots of exposure. The training group helps (I'll be sure to keep a little extra Roll Over). But if people come to pet him explain what you are doing and why.


I can gaurantee you though, he'll never go to your uncle again.:boxing:

[pameladallaire]

Hi Graftongal:

Get some friends to help you out with this. Have them lie or sit on the floor with treats in hand and completely ignore the pup. Put the puppies dish close to the group with something special. If it goes to the dish, just ignore it but if it goes to one of the guests tell them to put a treat in front without saying a word. I have tamed lost dogs that went feral this way, only I had to start with the dish 20 feet away. I just took out the dish every day at the same time and sat with a book and read. Every day the dish got closer until the dog came and put his head on my lap. :)

If a person tells me I can't help an animal, I immediately set out to do so. So far, this winter, we have tamed 8 feral kittens.

Pam