Nervous Pointer

[calibra]

Hi

I am in need of some help. My Pointer seems to be vervous of strangers. She is always alert of her surroundings.

- I have had the dog since she was 7 weeks old. She is now 7months
- I have taken her to parties (not many times)
- I have taken her to meet various people.
- She's not nervous of things such as fireworks, hammer, car's/
- She is not nervous around other dogs.

She is just nervous around strangers. If we are walking in a field and a stanger comes by she comes and walks with me (which I like). However if a stranger bends down and to touch her, she grows or bounces back. If she is connected to the leash, she will bark if a stranger comes to close.

If a stranger ignores her, she approches them and extends her neck to sniff them. After a while she will go near them but won't let them pet her. After about 4 hours, she's made a new friend.

I need to know, can I ever get her over this?. It is stressful for me as I am really fond of my dog.

My trainer says she will never be "normal" however I am going to prove her wrong (I hope).

This is my plan.

- Yesturday I handed by dog to my sister and let her take Rosie to one of her Friends house (I was not pressent). After 2 hours the dog was playing fetch with my sisters friend. She was there 4 hours total.

- This evening I am going to go to the vets and sit in reception for 1hr 30mins.
- I am them going to see if I can take her round my mates house (she has not met him yet) and see how she acts

- Tomorrow evening I will take her to the dog park. I will speak to some strangers and walk with them (if they let me).

- Saturday morning we will be down the vets again for 2hrs waiting around in reception.
- We will then walk around town (should be busy) and the market for 2 hrs

- Sunday (not sure what to do yet)

- May day (bank holiday) I will walk her round the fair (again should be busy)

In June, she starts hunting (the training course).

She is very weill trained and is very intelligent.

Any advise would be good.

Thanks

James

[Shadowkins]

She may be just the type of dog that needs time and space to familiarize herself with people and surroundings. She is very young yet...I would just be patient and expose her to as many new situations ( as you are planning to do ). In time, she will come around! I would just tell people you meet to give her some space and not try and pet her right away...let her come to them on her own terms. jmo

[Cassiepeia]

A shopping centre car park might be a good place to take her as well. Lots of people all different, all ages, all sizes etc...
I'm so happy you're going to work with her on this. I hope you'll keep us up to date on her progress.

Cass.

[calgal]

To me it sounds exactly like most puppies at that age. Just make sure while she is going through this learning time, you keep taking her around people and kids of all ages.

[poodlesmom]

Sounds like you have the dedication and patience that will help your pup learn to be comfortable meeting new people.

[calibra]

Hi

Thanks for your comments. I will see this through and train make her better around people.

I know she is never going to be 100%, but will give it my best shot.

Pointers are suppose to be nervous dogs anyway.

Thanks

James

[gsp4619]

I never knew them to be nervouse but learn something new everyday. I seen your post in gun dog. Have you had any luck their, I did not go to see the replies yet.

[calibra]

Hi

Thanks for all the comments.

I have had a busy weekend out and about with the dog.

Rosie is no longer nervous of walking in to town when it is growded.

She now does not like people's hands going near her unless they give her a treat

Thanks

James

[Shadowkins]

One step at a time, right? looks like she is making progress and just needs time and tlc...which she is already getting . In time she will trust strangers but she is young yet. Good for you!!!

[briarlow]

Is she extremely intelligent and up to working all day? Only asking this as my young SWD is exactly the same! She is a bit too bright and is wanting to do things all of the time, she's never still.

[WolfRyder]

it would help if the people approaching her would understand about approaching unfamiliar dogs. Straight-on, hands out to pat without an invitation is considered very rude in "doggie language" and your girl seems more sensitive to the nicities of doggie behavior then others.

I know T-Bone prefers to be asked if he wants a pat from a stranger rather then them just patting him anyway.

Desensitisation is the key. I try to have treats T likes a whole lot to give to people to offer to him. Sometimes he takes it, sometimes he doesn't and sometimes a lot of people/activity is overstimulating for him and he stresses out. So we keep our distractions down and I cut him slack on days that aren't as good as others.