The best free bdsm sites

My dog is very shy and afraid of most situations- how can I change that?

My little Dandie, the Catahoula Leopard dog, is afraid of many things. For example, she shies away from a simple brushing, or she will hide for a long time in her cage if someone raises his voice at her. She gets a lot of affection and praises, but I cannot seem to make her more confident. I mean, she's very submissive. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can change that? She's a very sweet dog, but I hate that every single thing she will hide in her cage...and FYI- She was never abused, I got her from the shelter as an 8 week old puppy.

Public Comments

1. Take her out to the street to see people and other friendly dogs. Avoid mean dogs.
2. Continue to shower her with praise and earn her trust. Also positive reinforcement works awesome in training dogs. Any time she does something you want her to do give her lots of attention and treats, but when she runs and hides, don't talk mean to her or do anything. simply ignore her. Dogs Live for the love and praise of their owner!
3. I would socialize her take her to parks or car rides anywhere that allows pets. Praise her alll the time and give her treats when she is social.
4. Maybe you should bring her out more, so she get socializing with other puppys and hopefully that can impore her personality?
5. I believe some dogs, like people, are shy and others are outgoing. One of my dogs is very shy. Like yours, he was never abused or mistreated. Several things we've done have helped him come out of his shell: 1. I took him to obedience classes. I would enroll us in course after course (not just the first basic, but also several advance courses) - not to learn more obedience (although that was a bonus), but to get him use to being around strangers. 2. When strangers come into my home, I always instruct them to ignore him completely - no eye contact, no sudden moves, no petting. If he comes to them, fine. But they have to pretend he doesn't exist, until he is calm around them. Then, they can pet him. If I explain to visitors that he's really shy and I need their help, they're always willing to do what I've asked. 3. We started tracking training. It's a lone sport, but one that seems to help him build confidence. 4. If we're outside walking and I see a potential problem coming our way (say a bicyclist or baby stroller), I walk off to the side, about 5-8 ft from the path (as close as I can without him freaking out), and put him into a sit position and require him to hold it until the "offender" has passed. If you've mastered obedience training, the command will help (doesn't completely eliminate, but helps) divert his attention from his fears. Lastly, as your dog becomes more confident, start introducing him to new situations a little at a time (gradually expanding the experience), but over and over again. It's like taking small steps... one small step won't get you far, but if you keep repeating it, you'll eventually walk miles. For us, we're still working on loud bangs (fireworks & thunder), but we're getting there. Good luck!
6. You need to work with her slowly to show her these things ( brushing, strangers, etc..) bring good things. You also, should work on being a benevolent pack leader to your dog. Dogs are social animals (just like people) and they need a calm and confident leader (as we do). She needs to earn rewards, whether it's food, praise or attention. Your dog is actually more stressed if it is not clear to her that you are in charge. If your not in charge, to her that means she has to take that role. Try gradually exposing her to new situations and make them positive, like lots of treats or praise. However, never pet your dog or give treats, when she is shaking, crying, barking or growling. You should only give attention to a dog who is calm and relaxed. If you have in the past or if you ever give her attention (even talking to her telling her not to be scared) you have actually communicated to have that she should be afraid. Also, do not yell at her, that will definitely make her worse. Humans yell out of frustration. If you find yourself getting frustrated you need to learn how to communicate in dog terms. The more you learn about dogs and show your dog you are the leader and will keep her safe, the happier and stronger bond you both will have. They are worth it. If you are not confident enough of taking this on yourself much is perfectly understandable, please hire an animal behaviorist or a competent dog trainer that use positive methods only. That is what the professionals are for. It's never too late to make things better. Here are some recommended reading for you: The Other End of the Leash, by: Patricia McConnell The Loved Dog, by: Tamar Geller The Power of Positive Dog Training, by: Pat Miller
7. My dog was shy as well. She wouldn't go though new door ways, we had a heck of a time at the vet every time. We signed her up for puppy class, a nine week program, once a week for a hour. She was like a new dog.