How do I handle a scared dog, please help?

So we got a puppy yesterday, chocolate Labrador, boerboel mix. (about 7-8 weeks old)

She lived on a farm, is infested with fleas (got her on treatment today) and was with a lot of other dogs and I don’t think that she got a lot of attention or food for that matter.

The problem however is that the puppy is TERRIFIED of everything, when we get up she runs, when we call her she runs, when my other dog comes near she is scared.

I have NEVER had a dog this scared and my parents are afraid that the dog might stay scared and become aggressive. (They had a previous experience like that with a shy dog and it bit a child, they had to put it down in the end) so we have 10 days before they want to take the puppy away. PLEASE HELP!

I know that this is new surrounding and she probably needs time to get used to us etc, but is there anything that we can do. I.e. in terms of training or attention to get her to come out of her shell?

I really don’t want to have to end up taking a dog to the SPCA.

She doesn’t even play with us or behaves like a normal puppy.

Oh and I also have two other dogs (very loving and friendly, they weren’t as terrified as puppies)

Answer #1

hysterical’s point about now “comforting” this pup is right on the money, when it reacts frightened…However, you JUST GOT THE PUP…and tho it’s more fearful than any other other pup you ever got, that doesn’t mean that it will stay that way. When the pup is just laying around, pick it up…put it in your lap, and speak softly…pet it…at first it might seem frightened, but it is actually learning that no harm will come…and that it “feels good” to be talked to and carressed. Also…food is HUGE motivator…use food to get it to come to you…to follow you…

Once this pup hits about 4 months DO enroll it into a group obedience class…socializing with other people and other dogs, will boost it’s confidence…LEARNING will also boost confidence. (not to mention a Boerboel needs a lot of socialization).

For the time being, let it get accustomed to your voices…your touch…the new smells…the sounds…give it a little time to come out of it’s shell.

p

Answer #2

Try your best not to comfort it, I know that might sound a little heartless but your basically reinforcing your dogs idea of fear, its like telling him You’re right go ahead and be scared, this is basically depriving your dog of self confidence, reminding him that your not always going to be there. Try your best to ignore the signs of him being fearful, if he takes the clue that whatever is that is going on is a neutral thing then he will most likely see it as neutral as well.

Other than that I don’t really know much else you can do D: try enforcing the idea that its a calm environment and that she has nothing to be scared about. I think though if she had any past caretakers then they might’ve caused a dependency on their caretaker, it’s a bad thing to do in my opinion. Try your best though

Wish you luck :)

A website I picked up that might be helpful for you

http://www.scaredydog.info/?gclid=COa78d-hyp8CFegL5QodU2FaOA

Answer #3

I have had an experiance like that before and you could either soothe it as best as you can. You can let it sniff your hand and get used to you. Give the dog time to get used to your house and smell everything. If you dont want your dog to get put down and he is really not adjusting to your household try putting him in a training place to turn him into a dog for the blind or deaf..you get the idea!

Answer #4

go to youtubeand try look up that stuff with pros doin it

Answer #5

This might help also: A puppy that’s not encouraged to build self-confidence can become an overly shy dog. It’s during a puppy’s socialization period that his confidence is instilled. Some breeds tend to be more timid than others, however, shyness can become a serious behavior problem with any dog that’s not properly socialized. Shy dogs tend to be afraid of everything from people and strange objects to loud noises. You can’t force a dog to be brave; you can only encourage him through praise and leadership: http://www.raisingspot.com/behavioral-problems/shy-dog

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