Petrified Puppy

[BrassicaBabe]

Hi

We picked up a new pup on Sunday. An 8 week old English Springer. She's been doing fine. Normal puppy exhuberant behaviour. She's been fine with guests including children and quite relaxed. She's even been quiet at night after we've spent 20 mins settling her.

I have a 10 year old GSD and while we've not left them together unaccompanied they've been putting up with each other. The springer is intrigued by the GSD and the GSD would rather she fecked off, but nothing more.

Today I answered the door to a visitor and the GSD gave his usual loud woofs until we were out of sight. (He was crated. He's not a barky dog and only barks when strangers come in) I left the pup and GSD in the utility room (GSD still crated) while I saw to my guest. When I showed him out again the GSD again barked.

I then noticed the springer was cowering in the corner and had crapped herself.

She's been a nervous reck for the rest of the day. Strangely she's fine with the GSD and it seems to be me she's nervous of. I don't think DH is included in this, but I've not had enough time to study this.

I've spent the rest of the day swinging between coaxing her from underneath the sofa or ignoring the timid behaviour. I don't know if ignoring or reassuring is the better approach? She's happy enough to sit on my lap, but any sudden movement from me when I'm standing sends her into a corner.

She's happy enough to eat (well, she's a spaniel but she's walking around with her tail between her legs and ears flat.

Any advice would be gratefully received. There's a big difference between a baby pup and my reslient old GSD. Thanks

[minimu1]

Ignore ignore and ignore.

Hard to say exactly what has spooked her, it may be the gsd barking and then she transfered this to you or just being in new surrondings.

Either way just ignore the timid behaviour let her come to you, do not force her out from the sofa. When you are still just drop treats on the floor around you but take no notice of her at all.

Does she have a crate with a blanket over so she has got a place to go?

Be careful and study what does make her nervous and obviously try not to let this happen. I reckon though if you give her time to find her feet and not reward the timid behaviour she will be a different dog in a day or two.

However do recognise that she may be timid in socialising situations so take it at her pace although this may at times be frustrating but so much easier to deal with than a dog that has anxiety issues later on.

[BrassicaBabe]

Thanks. That's really helpful. The GSD has a crate as they are "den dogs". But we've just gone with a big plastic bed and cushions for the springer. Is that okay? I was trying not to turn the utility room into a room of crates to be honest [hgrin]

I like the dropping of treats idea. She is definitely more food oriantated than the shepherd! In fact, already she is very much all food oriantated!

She seems to be nervous with when I'm stood.

The GSD has his own issues, but at 10 years old I'm happy to work around those