Hi I m Liz and have just acquired a new border puppy. He s 12 weeks very quiet and traumatised at the moment, will it take long for him to come out of his shell x
Sorry he s 12 weeks as I said, met his mother very friendly lively bitch, now he s at home, he s hiding in his bed, scared when picked up, hasn’t eaten or voided, as yet. Been home 6 hours am I panicking too much
Puppies act differently, everyone and everything is new to him,( was he kenneled or kept in the house.? ) I wouldn’t push him he will come round in time just sit by his bed and quietly talk to him, offering him something tasty.
Hi and welcome. Little guys World has just turned upside down and all he knows and loves has been left behind. As yet, he has no reason to trust you, but he will. Don't try too hard. Rather than trying to encourage him to come to you, sit on the floor with a toy and just roll it between your hand or toss in in the air and catch it. You could also try to gently toss a treat in his direction, but don't look at him or try to encourage him to take it. In other words, let him do things in his own time. Once he takes that initial step, he will quickly get to know and love you
Yes I understand, just thought he might be a little more curious about his surroundings, absolutely no interest in food although he did have some water. Perhaps I m too anxious, not had a new puppy for a long time.
thanks, think I m worrying too much! He came from a kennel but breeder seemed very conscientious, and he hasn’t been in a home environment I guess
I’m guessing that everything is so frightening for him Carry on your daily duties around the house and I’m sure he will settle soon, he will be missing everything he ever had before Do you have other animals or children in the same house, I’m only asking to get a feel of his environment Philippa
Hi sorry not been on site for a bit. He s much more settled now although still pretty nervous does not like going out. Difficult to reward as not food orientated . No children no other pets x
What kind of treats are you using? You need to experiment with what treat he responds to, try pieces of hot dogs, cheese, cooked liver, chicken, etc. I would spend a lot of time just having fun with him, get him to play with toys etc: I think for a lot of fearful/ timid dogs if you can redirect them to something fun that’s half the battle, always take some really yummy treats/toy where ever you go, the main thing is to do things in small doses little steps at a time so as not to overwhelm him.
There are many ways to reward. Food (obviously), toys, play, fuss, even different smells. Find what he likes and use it. Does he like to snuggle up to you or for you to fuss him? Does he like to play? Both can be used to encourage him to enjoy the big outdoors
Yes he loves snuggles quite affectionate but of course very short attention span at 13 weeks. Think we re progressing but as you say it’s finding what he likes x
He won’t be able to resist those hot dog sausages that either come in a tin or you can find them in the chilled sections of any supermarket, they smell so strong they are a great way to get any dogs attention !
Foodwise: Small cubes of cheese Small cubes of corned beef Hot dog sausages Liver (baked in oven to dry it out, then cut small) If he's fed kibble, put some in a plastic bag overnight with a clove of garlic to add smell My old lad used to like apples above all else It really is just trial and error, but I think you'll find if he's nervous outdoors, he won't be interested in food treats while out. That's when being inventive helps. Nervous dogs tend to like cuddles as they both reward and reassure. Keep your voice happy and jolly, but don't talk his head off ( ) Play is your friend with a nervous dog. It can be used to relax him, reward him, distract him and just for fun
Thanks for the food suggestions, once he gets out he improves, he s very laid back I think, he went out for a short walk this am, having slept all night, he s very good like that, been up for 2.5 hours, went back to bed. Happy to stay in his bed! I. Letting him dictate his own pace so left him to decide when he wants to get up! Trying to alternate bouts of play and walks with sleep and rest in a routine, hopefully he ll get the hang of things, he s an adorable affectionate pup just very sensitive I think x
