Why is she so scared?

[biscuitb92]

Hello everybody,

I have two dogs, named riley and roxie, but for right now I am really concered about riley. We think she is about 3 months now, and she is a cockerspaniel/beagle mix. Ever since we got her, she has been scared to death of everthing. She is always hiding under the bed when we have people over. she is okay with us at home but if she see's one person she runs underneath the bed. This has gotten so bad that she won't even go outside to go the bathroom, because she knows their will be people there. I need to know what to do. We have tried everything, I just is so sad to see her so scared and so nerveous. If you have any ideas what to try please let me know.

[DogLover8]

Welcome to Global Paw.

My dog used to be afraid of everything too when she was puppy. She has grown out of that. It helps to socialize a dog with many places, people, etc. It is important not force a dog into situation it is afraid of.

[IceyBlueSibes]

Welcome!

Socialization is a huge key. I'm sure someone here will give you a more in depth answer.

Also be sure not to force her to come out, or have the people try and force her to come out either. My suggestion would be to have a little box or container outside with some really yummy treats. If someone comes in, and the person as the opportunity to toss her a treat, let them. Don't make a fuss over her though. Just toss a treat and leave her alone. Hopefully she will associate people coming over with getting yummy treats.

How long have you had her? If it hasn't been very long, it will take time for her to adjust.

I'd be sure to take her out to many places, and expose her to new things and people. Don't rush it though, or you'll traumatize her. Puppies go through a fear period. Start by taking her out in the front of your house, and slowly move to going around the neighborhood, then maybe down the street to the next neighborhood, etc. If you happen to walk by someone, ask if they would mind giving your puppy a treat.

I'd also suggest puppy/obedience classes. This can help boost her confidence, and is a great way to socialize.

[briarlow]

Socialisation sounds as though it's the problem here which is best done between 7 and 12 weeks. Hopefully you'll get round it but not every dog does unfortunately!

[Sophie45]

My six month old pup is very shy with new people, especially men lately. I definitely have noticed different phases since I got her at ten weeks old, but my only advice would be to be very patient, keep exposing her to new situations, new people, but in a pleasant, enjoyable way, and definitely never ever force her into anything, it will make everything worse. Luckily, you got her so young, you can help her "grow out of it" probably to an extent, but I'll bet she will always be on the shy side, which has its perks, too-I never have to worry about my pup jumping on people, or chase after people and they tend to make better guard dogs, too, I think.

[TinyAlbinoDancer]

Make sure that your emotions aren't contributing to the problem. If you anticipate her fear when you have people coming over and tense, she may think you're anxious about the people being over when they arrive. Same with babying her. Babying translates to rewards in a dog's mind, so if you fuss over her when she's hiding she'll think that's what you WANT her to do.

Slow, positive experiences with a variety of people should help. I'd start with having her in the front yard with you (on leash, preferably) EVERY day for progressively longer periods of time. If your yard is fenced, you can begin by leaving the front door open and tossing her a treat whenever she approaches the outdoors. Make sure you're calm and confident when you're working with her. Just stand in the yard with her, and give brief, enthusiastic but gentle praise, and treats for any positive behaviors she shows (such as sitting next to you, laying down, etc.). Once she's able to stay in the front yard and you've worked up to walking around the yard, introduce one person (preferably someone she knows/sees regularly), and do the routine of you being calm and confident, and excited to see the person. Praise for positive behaviors, and have the person give her a treat without looking at her or interacting with her.

Once you've mastered the yard you can do short walks, and then I'd master people coming into the house. Just remember that your attitude affects her. If you're confident and enthusiastic greeting new people, she'll follow your lead eventually. A good bond/relationship with her first is key because she has to trust that you won't let harm come to her.

Good luck!

[fancychicken]

Ignore her response. Don't pet her or say "aww, it's ok " or what ever. That just reinforces her fear. Just keep going ith whatever your doing. Keep things short and fun, just as suggested. Most of us have been through this with our puuies at that age. Shamous used to get so scared he would pee, yelp and run behind the couch. lol