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Thread: It bothers me that Roxy is afraid of me

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Northern Canada
    Posts
    5,530
    I can relate--we have a number of timid dogs. It takes them a long time to come around.

    This is going to sound kinda mean, but it's been really effective for us. Don't comfort her when she acts scared. If she gets positive attention for acting scared, she will continue the behavior--it gets her good things! You act like every thing is just fine. Don't coddle her or cuddle, no extra treats ect when she is acting scared. Reward the heck out of her when she acts brave--even it's for something silly. I acted like a complete fool the first time Franklin got on the couch. Now he gets up there regularly. She will take her cues from you--you act brave and confident and eventually she'll follow suit.

    It can take a long time and some of it may never change. I will never be able to take Pacer into town with me, but I can pet him and play with him now. when we first got him, he was untouchable, wouldn't come near us.

    Most of our timid dogs have been more afraid of my hubby than of me. For a few of them, we've made Stuart their primary caregiver. All good things come from Stuart for those dogs. He plays with them, gives them treats, feeds them ect. He never does any discipline or even raises his voice to them. Eventually they realize that he's not so bad after all.

    I'm sure Roxy knows that you love her. It's just her lousy start in life that makes her act frightened. Abuse in those formative months is very hard to overcome.

    edited to add: there's a very good book called "help for your shy dog" I can't remember the author, but it has lots of really good ideas.
    Last edited by Glacier; 11-18-2004 at 02:11 PM.
    If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you must find the courage to live it.
    --John Irving

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