Timid but defensive - scared dog? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

shell820810 · 02-20-2009, 04:07 AM

Millie has always be a timid dog. We got her at 14 weeks, and I don’t think she had been well socialised. She spends a lot of time with another dog and cats now at my aunts house, but still reacts to other dogs outside the house (barking, scratching window).

What I am more concerned about is her interaction with people. You would almost think we hit her the way she reacts. We have never even scolded her or raised our voice to her. She will barely come within reaching distance when she is called, and usually turns the other way. Though recall exercises are working. She has recently seemed to bark a lot at strangers, and then when they turn towards her she cowers away. I think it is fear that is making her so defensive, but dont they say an afraid dog is a dangerous dog. This happens both at our house, and she did it at my aunts house yesterday when they were in the garden, and there was someone in next doors garden. I wasnt there at the time. (she will be 1 yr next month).

She gets so excited when people she knows come into the house, and then after about 15minutes she will be backward again and not really go near them.

Any suggestions??

Mommy_2_Roxy · 02-22-2009, 07:59 AM

Oh, I'm so sorry. Poor little thing. I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions but I'm just giving you a little bump - I'm sure someone on here has some ideas to share

Mom to Hot Rod · 02-22-2009, 08:29 AM

Can you try a training class? This will help with some socialization. Hot Rod was a different dog by the end of training class. He was always wanting to jump on the other dogs and play, by the end of class he was okay to be in the same room with them and stay calm. Or maybe just keep exposing her to others and different situations for short periods of time with rewards. It will take time but I think it will happen. Just don't rush it as it sounds as though she may need a bit of tlc. Good luck.

shell820810 · 02-22-2009, 09:01 AM

We have done a training class at 5 months, and she was so agressive with one particular German Shepherd that was there. I am going to try and take her out more where there are more people and dogs that she can meet.

02-20-2009, 04:07 AM	#1
shell820810 YT Addict Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: N Ireland Posts: 475	Timid but defensive - scared dog? Millie has always be a timid dog. We got her at 14 weeks, and I don’t think she had been well socialised. She spends a lot of time with another dog and cats now at my aunts house, but still reacts to other dogs outside the house (barking, scratching window). What I am more concerned about is her interaction with people. You would almost think we hit her the way she reacts. We have never even scolded her or raised our voice to her. She will barely come within reaching distance when she is called, and usually turns the other way. Though recall exercises are working. She has recently seemed to bark a lot at strangers, and then when they turn towards her she cowers away. I think it is fear that is making her so defensive, but dont they say an afraid dog is a dangerous dog. This happens both at our house, and she did it at my aunts house yesterday when they were in the garden, and there was someone in next doors garden. I wasnt there at the time. (she will be 1 yr next month). She gets so excited when people she knows come into the house, and then after about 15minutes she will be backward again and not really go near them. Any suggestions?? __________________ Toby - 03/03/09 & Maisie - 08/09/09 RIP Millie - 30/03/08 - 24/03/09

02-22-2009, 07:59 AM	#2
Mommy_2_Roxy Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mpls, Minnesota Posts: 558	Oh, I'm so sorry. Poor little thing. I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions but I'm just giving you a little bump - I'm sure someone on here has some ideas to share __________________ My dog's not spoiled, I'm just well-trained

02-22-2009, 08:29 AM	#3
Mom to Hot Rod Donating YT 5000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: MD Posts: 10,908	Can you try a training class? This will help with some socialization. Hot Rod was a different dog by the end of training class. He was always wanting to jump on the other dogs and play, by the end of class he was okay to be in the same room with them and stay calm. Or maybe just keep exposing her to others and different situations for short periods of time with rewards. It will take time but I think it will happen. Just don't rush it as it sounds as though she may need a bit of tlc. Good luck. __________________ www.kissecollar.com Soft Cone Collars for Post-surgery and much more! 10% (non-food) - Discount code YT10

02-22-2009, 09:01 AM	#4
shell820810 YT Addict Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: N Ireland Posts: 475	We have done a training class at 5 months, and she was so agressive with one particular German Shepherd that was there. I am going to try and take her out more where there are more people and dogs that she can meet. __________________ Toby - 03/03/09 & Maisie - 08/09/09 RIP Millie - 30/03/08 - 24/03/09