Shy puppy

[Milliemae124]

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Hi so I have a 6 month old cockapoo but she is really shy around other people. Because she is really fluffy everyone wants to stroke her but when people go to touch her she shies away. When we’re on a walk and she sees another person or dog stops and has to wait for them to go past. We got her from a place called raffles cockapoos which are very professional breeders and socalise their puppies from a young age and so I don’t understand why she is so timid around people. Does anyone have any tips with helping her gain confidence?

 

[JoanneF]

I would start by being quite firm with people not to touch her. It isn't fair on her if she dislikes it - apart from the fact that she is small and they are big, imagine how you would feel if every passing stranger stopped to stroke your hair - I know it is only an analogy but it is a fair one.

So your job is to protect her from what she finds uncomfortable and in turn that may help her confidence. Also she may start her second fear period soon so it is especially important that all her experiences are positive.

A word on socialisation - it's not about everyone and every dog meeting her. Think quality, not quantity. Letting all and sundry (people and dogs) near any puppy can be overwhelming and frightening - the opposite of what you want. Control the socialisation by being selective, especially with other dogs and kids. Look for calm role model dogs, and adults and children who can be trusted not to get over excited and let her approach them, not the other way round. Socialisation is not about plunging your puppy into every new experience, but rather allowing her to see, hear and get used to people and situations calmly and from a safe position.

 

[Milliemae124]

I think she has started the second fear phase as she had definitely gotten worse. We took her for a walk yesterday night and she got scared of a plastic bag, she wouldn’t go in that direction and her tail was tucked between her legs. It’s not nice to see her like it and so I will definitely be more firmer with who can and can’t stroke her. She seems to be better with people who are older as they are a lot more calmer. Thanks for your help

 

[Josie]

Why do they get a second fear phase @JoanneF?

Very interesting topic.

 

[JoanneF]

I *think* it is because as they would have evolved in the wild, this is the time they would start to explore more independently. So it would make them more naturally wary and not just act on their curiosity. Happy to be corrected on that though!

 

[Violet Turner]

@JoanneF, puppies can have a second fear period. A Second Fear Period?

 

[JoanneF]

@JoanneF, puppies can have a second fear period. A Second Fear Period?

Yes, that's what I said ...

Also she may start her second fear period soon

 

[JudyN]

My dog has become braver (OK he's eight but...) by realising that he doesn't have to approach anything he's fearful of (his main bugbear is dustbin lorries, and other large vehicles parked by the kerb), but helium balloons can be a bit worrying too. I'll basically ask him if he wants to be a big brave boy or he'd rather go the other way and often now he'll walk quickly past the scary object and then look to me for a treat for being such a hero.

 

[Josie]

My dog has become braver (OK he's eight but...) by realising that he doesn't have to approach anything he's fearful of (his main bugbear is dustbin lorries, and other large vehicles parked by the kerb), but helium balloons can be a bit worrying too. I'll basically ask him if he wants to be a big brave boy or he'd rather go the other way and often now he'll walk quickly past the scary object and then look to me for a treat for being such a hero.

Dennis is exactly the same! He's also decided to suffer with selective hearing since he hit 10....