LOLAFOLATA Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 (edited) Hi, As new Mastiff puppy owner, am asking advice on methods to overcome shyness and fear (a concern in giant breed). Have 20wk old brindle bitch, "Daisy-Mae" we brought home a month ago. It took a couple of weeks for her to accept myself and daughter. She still won't go near my husband. Guarding instincts strong as she still barks at anyone in household who, in morning, opens slide door from hallway to family room where she sleeps with my other 2 seniors. This is becoming annoying but also worrying that she doesn't recognise us as her family/pack. We are only going for short walks around our block at this stage but it's pretty slow going as she is balking at everything. Sometimes just shuts down and won't budge - won't even take treats and I have to drag her forward. It is improving, as she is looking to me for guidance, but very slowly . Have been quite firm with her home manners and she is doing well with come, sit, drop, wait etc. Afraid this all goes out the window when she shuts down in stressful situations Have completed 4 weeks of puppy classes where I would have to lift her out of car (27kg)and drag inside. Once there she would just lay down and watch the other puppies (sometimes go to sleep). Occasionally would growl at rude pups and only interacted on couple of occassions in free play time. Totally avoided the other owners - more afraid of people than other dogs although not that keen on them either. ETA She loves my guys (both 8) and she interacted better with trainer's adult male boxers when there than with pups. We start formal training classes this coming weekend. Feel it's going to be a real struggle in unfamiliar territory with so much more going on - cars, people, dogs, noise and planes - being under flight path to airport. Have been reading up quite a bit in this thread on de-sensitizing and would like to get more hints and tips as I don't quite understand a lot of the lingo - sorry Thanks in advance Lola Edited February 9, 2012 by LOLAFOLATA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 poor pup . Where did she come from?Sounds as if she may have missed out on all her socialisation .... I hope there is a good trainer /behaviourist somewhere nearby who can observe and help - cos I think this one would be better dealt with having a professional at your side . Best of luck with it all... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirty Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 I would be bypassing obedience classes and getting some professional one-on-one help ASAP. I had a Great Dane pup with similar issues (although she was completely shut down). I got a great trainer to come and help us she made great improvements. You can't muck around with a giant breed with serious behavioural issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nekhbet Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 That is definitely not right, what has the breeder had to say about it all? Was it even a registered breeder? I personally would have sent the dog back, I know it sounds harsh but none of this is something that a well socialised and genetically stable puppy should be doing. Contact K9 Pro and see who is close to you trainer wise that would be able to help and who they recommend as having the necessary skills to handle this dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOLAFOLATA Posted February 9, 2012 Author Share Posted February 9, 2012 Have booked with a behaviourist recommended to me for consult next Tuesday. Not registered breeder - first mistake. They did say she was not like the other pups in litter - very shy and reserved tending to watch her litter mates play. Ruled by heart not head - second mistake - thought I could bring her around. I will do everything I can to help her. If she is not able to be re-habilitated and shows any sign of instabilty or aggression I will take the next necessary step. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 I suggest you hold off on any group classes until after the consult. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifi Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 I suggest you hold off on any group classes until after the consult. totally agree with this, you don't want to confront her any further at this point. I hope your behaviourist can assist, and as someone who recently had to have a re-homed adult wolfhound PTS, when you are dealing with a hard wired issue and not just a shy/socialisation problem it can be a heartbreaking road. Wishing you success and a corner turned very quickly. fifi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillbear Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Have you had her eyesight checked? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fifi Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Have you had her eyesight checked? Very good point Gillbear, a full health check also, before her behavviourist is a good idea. fifi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOLAFOLATA Posted February 10, 2012 Author Share Posted February 10, 2012 Have you had her eyesight checked? Have you had her eyesight checked? Very good point Gillbear, a full health check also, before her behavviourist is a good idea. fifi This had crossed my mind as we had a rescue lab we thought had poor eyesight that behaved similarly. When there were people or dogs in the near distance she would go off - moreso in poor light! Daisy's been to vet twice in last month and he is pleased with her. Due back in a month for heartworm injection so will ask him to check sight then. Behaviourist suggested I not participate in group class but take her to grounds and walk her around carpark a little once all the activity settles and classes have commenced. Only 10-15 mins or what she can cope with and come home. One thing in our favour so far, that even when in frightened state and not able to escape, she has not resorted to biting. Thanks for advice. Stay tuned. Shay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirty Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 Unfortunately I did have to take the next step with my girl, but not just for behavioural reasons. She also had severe health problems. She did make great improvements with the help of a trainer but she was never a 'normal' dog, and you should prepare youself that your pup might also never be 'normal'. Unfortunately she is now out of the most important socialisation period and who knows what happened or what she experienced with the breeder during this time. I wish you good luck though - my girl never bit either, despite being so fearful and in so much pain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burkes Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 Not sure which behaviourist you are using but can recommend Heike Hahner out at Braidwood. We have used her for some of our rescue dogs with more serious issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOLAFOLATA Posted February 13, 2012 Author Share Posted February 13, 2012 Not sure which behaviourist you are using but can recommend Heike Hahner out at Braidwood. We have used her for some of our rescue dogs with more serious issues. Thanks Burkes. Ran into Raelene from ARF at my vet the other day and she recommended Raelene Koeber. Dog obedience class was very encouraging. Daisy went into flight initially after getting out of car. Made her sit and we just stood quietly by the car. She watched as the classes commenced and started to take steps forward. Took our time to get across car park - 15 mins into class but we ended up joining in. She was nervous but not overly stessed. Ended up staying for whole class on the fringes just watching. We did manage a sit and drop and a bit of free walk. She completely relaxed in free play with other puppies. It was great to see her galumphing around trying to keep up with a kelpie - wishful thinking :laugh: . She was even ok around the people because they weren't paying attention to her. As soon as someone would try to touch her though, it's where's Mum - I'm outta here! One guy came up from behind when I was talking to instructor and she freaked. Hopefully Raelene will be able to give us some tools to work on this tomorrow. How do you stop people from approaching your pup/dog short of wearing a sign or having the dog muzzled so they give it a wide berth? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Fox Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 (edited) She was even ok around the people because they weren't paying attention to her. As soon as someone would try to touch her though, it's where's Mum - I'm outta here! One guy came up from behind when I was talking to instructor and she freaked. Hopefully Raelene will be able to give us some tools to work on this tomorrow. How do you stop people from approaching your pup/dog short of wearing a sign or having the dog muzzled so they give it a wide berth? You need to be very VERY aware of your surroundings at all times and be prepared to step in front of the dog and tell people to back off if need be. Use your body to block 'scary' people (place yourself between the threat and your dog), do not place the dog in a situation where she will feel cornered. Keep your distance. Approaching a dog from behind is just plain bad manners, particularly at a dog club where people should know better... Something like this may help a little: http://www.k9pro.com...s-DT-WORKS.html http://www.k9pro.com...s-DT-WORKS.html Edited February 14, 2012 by SecretKei Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megan_ Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 Yip - at training I talk to trainers but keep my eyes on my dog and my surroundings. I always say "I'm listening, but I have to focus on my dog" and they understand. The benefit of this too is that your dog will most probably focus on you which is half the battle when you have a fearful dog. Also, don't be afraid to muzzle your dog. They seem to get a bad rap but when the muzzle is on you don't stress as much, which in turn places less stress on your dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kustali Posted February 15, 2012 Share Posted February 15, 2012 She was even ok around the people because they weren't paying attention to her. As soon as someone would try to touch her though, it's where's Mum - I'm outta here! One guy came up from behind when I was talking to instructor and she freaked. Hopefully Raelene will be able to give us some tools to work on this tomorrow. How do you stop people from approaching your pup/dog short of wearing a sign or having the dog muzzled so they give it a wide berth? You need to be very VERY aware of your surroundings at all times and be prepared to step in front of the dog and tell people to back off if need be. Use your body to block 'scary' people (place yourself between the threat and your dog), do not place the dog in a situation where she will feel cornered. Keep your distance. Approaching a dog from behind is just plain bad manners, particularly at a dog club where people should know better... Something like this may help a little: http://www.k9pro.com...s-DT-WORKS.html http://www.k9pro.com...s-DT-WORKS.html I like the look of the harness! and you can get whatever badge you want! I don't think a muzzle is a good idea, she is not a biter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Fox Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 Yep Hannah, they are great. I have one for each of my dogs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumabaar Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 She was even ok around the people because they weren't paying attention to her. As soon as someone would try to touch her though, it's where's Mum - I'm outta here! One guy came up from behind when I was talking to instructor and she freaked. Hopefully Raelene will be able to give us some tools to work on this tomorrow. How do you stop people from approaching your pup/dog short of wearing a sign or having the dog muzzled so they give it a wide berth? You need to be very VERY aware of your surroundings at all times and be prepared to step in front of the dog and tell people to back off if need be. Use your body to block 'scary' people (place yourself between the threat and your dog), do not place the dog in a situation where she will feel cornered. Keep your distance. Approaching a dog from behind is just plain bad manners, particularly at a dog club where people should know better... Something like this may help a little: http://www.k9pro.com...s-DT-WORKS.html http://www.k9pro.com...s-DT-WORKS.html I like the look of the harness! and you can get whatever badge you want! I don't think a muzzle is a good idea, she is not a biter I actually found a muzzle the perfect tool to make people give me space with my dog. It really makes people stop and think before approaching, giving you time to take control of the situation. The dog doesn't know that the muzzle is anything to care about!! Doesn't matter if the dog actually NEEDS a muzzle IMO if it needs space then the muzzle can be a great human conditioning tool lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Fox Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 I actually found a muzzle the perfect tool to make people give me space with my dog. It really makes people stop and think before approaching, giving you time to take control of the situation. The dog doesn't know that the muzzle is anything to care about!! Doesn't matter if the dog actually NEEDS a muzzle IMO if it needs space then the muzzle can be a great human conditioning tool lol. I always wonder about that. I would think that a good deal of people would give the 'vicious' muzzled dog space (which can be a good thing). But some might also see it as a license to pat the dog as it can't bite them? Have you found that to be the case at all? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOLAFOLATA Posted February 16, 2012 Author Share Posted February 16, 2012 (edited) She was even ok around the people because they weren't paying attention to her. As soon as someone would try to touch her though, it's where's Mum - I'm outta here! One guy came up from behind when I was talking to instructor and she freaked. Hopefully Raelene will be able to give us some tools to work on this tomorrow. How do you stop people from approaching your pup/dog short of wearing a sign or having the dog muzzled so they give it a wide berth? You need to be very VERY aware of your surroundings at all times and be prepared to step in front of the dog and tell people to back off if need be. Use your body to block 'scary' people (place yourself between the threat and your dog), do not place the dog in a situation where she will feel cornered. Keep your distance. Approaching a dog from behind is just plain bad manners, particularly at a dog club where people should know better... Something like this may help a little: http://www.k9pro.com...s-DT-WORKS.html http://www.k9pro.com...s-DT-WORKS.html Yip - at training I talk to trainers but keep my eyes on my dog and my surroundings. I always say "I'm listening, but I have to focus on my dog" and they understand. The benefit of this too is that your dog will most probably focus on you which is half the battle when you have a fearful dog. Also, don't be afraid to muzzle your dog. They seem to get a bad rap but when the muzzle is on you don't stress as much, which in turn places less stress on your dog. She was even ok around the people because they weren't paying attention to her. As soon as someone would try to touch her though, it's where's Mum - I'm outta here! One guy came up from behind when I was talking to instructor and she freaked. Hopefully Raelene will be able to give us some tools to work on this tomorrow. How do you stop people from approaching your pup/dog short of wearing a sign or having the dog muzzled so they give it a wide berth? You need to be very VERY aware of your surroundings at all times and be prepared to step in front of the dog and tell people to back off if need be. Use your body to block 'scary' people (place yourself between the threat and your dog), do not place the dog in a situation where she will feel cornered. Keep your distance. Approaching a dog from behind is just plain bad manners, particularly at a dog club where people should know better... Something like this may help a little: http://www.k9pro.com...s-DT-WORKS.html http://www.k9pro.com...s-DT-WORKS.html I like the look of the harness! and you can get whatever badge you want! I don't think a muzzle is a good idea, she is not a biter I actually found a muzzle the perfect tool to make people give me space with my dog. It really makes people stop and think before approaching, giving you time to take control of the situation. The dog doesn't know that the muzzle is anything to care about!! Doesn't matter if the dog actually NEEDS a muzzle IMO if it needs space then the muzzle can be a great human conditioning tool lol. I actually found a muzzle the perfect tool to make people give me space with my dog. It really makes people stop and think before approaching, giving you time to take control of the situation. The dog doesn't know that the muzzle is anything to care about!! Doesn't matter if the dog actually NEEDS a muzzle IMO if it needs space then the muzzle can be a great human conditioning tool lol. I always wonder about that. I would think that a good deal of people would give the 'vicious' muzzled dog space (which can be a good thing). But some might also see it as a license to pat the dog as it can't bite them? Have you found that to be the case at all? Have been off the air for few days. Had wrong Tuesday - Having first consult with Raelene Tuesday coming. Can't wait! Walks (short ones) are very challenging SecretKei, Thanks for the link to harness. Definitely think I'll invest in one. Jumabaar, This was reason I mentioned muzzle in my post. Would prefer not to have to use one on Daisy but I use a muzzle on our male bull mastiffx just for vet visits and people put plenty of distance between us when they see him. ETA Have absolutely no idea how to use the multiquote thing as you can see :D Edited February 16, 2012 by LOLAFOLATA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now