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by cat1111 on 01 June 2009 - 14:06
I just got a 11mth old male gsd that has had very little Socialization. He is not Aggressive in any way, my kids can pet him and he even hides behind them for safety. he is getting a bit better but still scared and pees when he get really scared. Any ideas on how to help it get more relaxed and his confidence?
by DebiSue on 03 June 2009 - 01:06
Take him to an obedience class then on to an agility class. These are great ways to build confidence and a bond between you. Most agility classes insist you have had obedience first which is always a good idea. We used agility to build confidence in our old girl and we start again with our new girl next wednesday. What is scaring him enough to pee? He needs to know he can trust you to protect him. Keep him close and encourage him to check out scary things, but be gentle. Don't force anything on him but depending on what it is, sometimes you have to power through. Don't baby him if he is scared. That encourages him to continue. Ignore the peeing, hold him steady. Don't lean over him, don't raise your voice. Reward, reward, reward any good behaviour. Sounds like he needs to know he is part of your pack. Patience, patience, patience. Good luck with him. Sounds like he needs a lot of work and I hope you have the time to devote to him.
by SitasMom on 03 June 2009 - 22:06
DebiSue - I agree with all you wrote.
Babbying him is the worst thing you can do. Teach him to look at you to your guidence when he's afraid - and you cannot show anticipation for his reaction.....
I had a horse who used to totally freak out every time we were on a ride and a dog came up. 9 times out of 10 I landed on a heap on the road.....ouch..not fun!
One day I dismounted a ways away from the dog's house. When the dog ran up, I called it and petted it and gave it some bones. The horse was very much uninterested. Next day, as we were riding by, the dog came running up, I called the dog and acted like the dog was a friend and the horse just kept right one trotting .........
Best I can tell is that I would get all worried about how the horse would react, the horse would then look for something to be afraid of, and when the dog came running she just freaked.......I stopped encouraging her and she stopped being afraid.....
They depend on us for leadership.
Babbying him is the worst thing you can do. Teach him to look at you to your guidence when he's afraid - and you cannot show anticipation for his reaction.....
I had a horse who used to totally freak out every time we were on a ride and a dog came up. 9 times out of 10 I landed on a heap on the road.....ouch..not fun!
One day I dismounted a ways away from the dog's house. When the dog ran up, I called it and petted it and gave it some bones. The horse was very much uninterested. Next day, as we were riding by, the dog came running up, I called the dog and acted like the dog was a friend and the horse just kept right one trotting .........
Best I can tell is that I would get all worried about how the horse would react, the horse would then look for something to be afraid of, and when the dog came running she just freaked.......I stopped encouraging her and she stopped being afraid.....
They depend on us for leadership.
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