Dutch Shepherd Forum

I just got an eight week old puppy, I've had him for a week now and I noticed that hes timid around new people, but hes great with me and my wife. The weird part is that hes not scared of loud noises, ie street sweeper, pots and pans hitting the floor, hair dryer etc. He does love chasing after his ball and other toys.

My question is would he make a good schutzhund dog or would he be better at SAR? What can I do to get him over his shyness? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!!

give the little one some time! He's only a little baby, if every new thing is a calm positive experience, he will react much better to it next time :dswink" You did not like all the new things you saw as a child right away, did you?

If you tell people to ignore him, he will feel more comfortable going up to them. Trouble it, with a puppy, its pretty much impossible. They are like a magnet they are so darn cute and people can't help wanting to pet them.

the poor little guy is only 8 week, the other day sadie (7months) was afraid of a loose carpet fiber. He will learn what life is in time.

When you start taking him out into the world, if he's interested in investigating someone, have that person give him a treat (quietly).

Whatever you do, do NOT tell him, "it's OK," or anything else that would justify his concern. You can greet people yourself, ignoring him and having them ignore him, too. You can play with him in the vicinity of something that concerns him. Reward him for any interest in others, but don't force him to greet anyone he doesn't want to greet.

As far as his future, who knows? He's just a baby...

So you found your pup, Kamil from Canada? Tell us more about him! (And still, please tell us more about yourself too and don't forget to sign your posts)

Just keep on socializing him and that means taking him everywhere with you to as many different places as possible. This doesnt mean to have people petting him, rather have him always focusing on you and learn that people are of no consequence. Eventually he will see that strangers are a normal part of life and nothing to be scared of.

Thank you guys for posting your thoughts. Its been a couple of weeks now and there is a significant improvement. Initially he would bark at everyone but now its the rare person and now he will actually come up to people. His tail isnt wagging but its not tucked underneath either. I'm happy with the progress.

Anyways I found some really good videos discussing fear stages in young puppies. I'll post the links just in case anyone else has similar issues now or later..

part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOuwZcqn ... re=related

part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kjywxm- ... re=related

part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjWBnJ69 ... re=related

Hey, I see your from London Ont...that's where I grew up!

Sugars Mom wrote:Hey, I see your from London Ont...that's where I grew up!

Don't worry, it's not your fault