Advice needed, shy dog

[Jakesmom]

My 2 1/2 year old english cocker, Sophie, is "shy" and seems to be getting worse with time, not better. We got her as a 12 week old, and I was more or less home with her for the first 6 weeks we had her. I spent alot of time training, socializing (I thought), etc. She was always a bit "shy" until she got to know someone, but this behavior seems to be getting more pronounced as she is older, not better. She is very active, playful, etc with family, but seems fearful with most new dogs and humans. Dogs she knows well, and people she knows well, she is thrilled to see. The odd thing is, on a seemingly random basis, she will find a new dog attractive and try to play, instead of running back to me as she does with the vast marjority. She is also quite nervous at the vet and groomers. We have a 10 year old golden whom she adores, he is quite confident.

Any ideas for giving her more confidence? She likes clicker training, I'm just not sure what to reward or how to proceed with using this to "train" her to be less fearful. (if this is really what this behavior is).

thanks

Jake's mom

[Giselle]

At around 9 weeks, puppies go through a fear period. However, puppies also tend to go through another fear period, around 6 months on to one year. Many owners don't know this so their aggressive socialization decreases and their good intentions are lost. The best you can do now is start back at Square 1. Analyze how you used to treat Sophie when she showed anxiety. Did you pet her to reassure her? Did you start to get nervous? Did you treat her? Did you praise her? Sometimes, we involuntarily reinforce our dog's anxieties by trying to suppress their nervousness. Oftentimes, this completely backfires on our initial intentions. I made this mistake with Lucky so I can certainly feel your pain! Stay calm and confident and Sophie will follow in your footsteps.

Also, make socialization frequent and fun but also cater to her pace. If she starts to salivate once she sees new dogs at the park, take a few steps back and stay in that step until she is more or less comfortable in a new situation. As soon as you feel she is confident and ready, bring her closer to these strange dogs in the park. Once she shows anxiety, take a step back and stay in that comfort zone until you feel she is ready. The biggest mistake you can make now is rushing her. While she is comfortable (NOT when she is anxious), treat her and praise her. As for clickers, honestly, clicker training doesn't mean much to me. After all, humans have a built-in clicker - our ability to say "Yes" ;)

ETA: I love your dog's name ;) My name is Sophie, too.

[borzoimom]

I agree completely about the last fear stage. I am concerned she is nervous at the groomers. Is this also a vets office? Dogs can smell the fear from other dogs ( this musk is pasted in the form of a gas if you catch my drift..)
However- if the dog is being roughly handled at the groomers, that would explain that one too. If it were me, I would hang out one time at the groomers. Or pop in unannounced..
The fact she is trying to play with other dogs once in a while is a good sign. The other post said alot of what I would have, but it sounds like to me she is just young. Do not overly reassure her when she is scared as actually you are praising her for being scared.

[ridgebackpitmix]

The above posts are true. Your dog will gain confindence from you, it's hard to do yes. But just remember not to treat, or coddle anger or fear. And you must stay even with your mood. Your dog will see that you lead, and they will follow, and the rest will fall into place.