Dog Community

Scared of Everything

Posted : 3/23/2006 11:41:47 AM

Hey everyone

I need some help with our new girl Bailey. I have been reading through everything but have not quite found the answer.

First off she is terrified of everyhing! The trash cans, doors, the refrigerator door, even me sometimes (and I have done nothing to cause this - believe me) when I move suddenly or something like that. While Im on here she will suddenly decide the chair Im in is scary, and her reflection in the tv, mirrors, windows, etc. Anyway just scared to death of everything. So, should I ignore this? Show her to the things? (that didnt work out well with the mirror as I wrote in another post in "anything & everything";) I saw not to comfort her so I wont, but how can I get this to stop and will it just go away if I ignore it?

The next quesion is about leaving her alone when I have to leave the house. We just got her a few days ago, so she has not been left yet. I do not want to crate her just because we have never crated any of our dogs, and my moms dog who also lives here is not crated. My ideal situation is where she can sleep in bed with us, do as she pleases during the day, and can be left in the house while we are gone.
Since shes so young I guess putting her in a room for now would work? And how do you know when to give letting her free while your gone a try? Of course after shes potty trained, but I also dont want to take the chance of her chewing wires and stuff.

Any suggestions would be great. I am very patient with her and understand what puppies are going through. She still whines a little but we just took her from her litter at the pound a few days ago. I think she is starting to learn her name, and today ws the first time she stopped and looked at me when I said NO so I gave her lots of praise... I hope she gets that one soon. Potty training has been ok, she has not yet peed in the house but thats because we take her out so often, but she did poop 3 times, I just grabbed her and said no and put her out. The "come here" thing is neither here nor there at this point, but I know its too soon to expect that.

Anyway any suggestions would be great! Thanks

huskymom

Posted : 3/23/2006 7:26:24 PM

Well it sounds like you are doing pretty well on your own. Personally I think that crating her would be a good idea especially since she is so timid. It will make her feel safer. All of my dogs will go to thier crates if they are feeling unsure about anything. It is a good place for them to collect themselves and calm down.

You already know not to coddle here when she overreacts to things. If she had a place to call her own she could go there to settle herself. You might be surprised. And it really helps with potty training. Your choice though. My oldest dog is just now being left out of his crate when we are gone. He is a year old and we dont leave him loose if we are going to be gone more than a couple of hours. He is however confined to the kitchen and my bedroom. I would let him have the bathroom too but he has recently discovered the joys of shredding toilet paper.

glenmar

Posted : 3/23/2006 7:30:34 PM

My dogs also love their crates. They have HUGE crates and are more than happy to be able to have a place to rest, escape from the others, whatever. NONE of my dogs is left loose when we are gone. I have 6 german shepherds and in the case of fire, I don't want terrified dogs scaring the crap out of firefighters. Crated, they can be pulled to safety. I don't want to think how frightened dogs are going to react to firefighters, in their odd getups, breaking into their home. It could be with a fire ax to the skull.

huskymom

Posted : 3/23/2006 7:36:27 PM

Glenda that is definatley something I would worry aobut with the girls but Crusher doenst care bout what a person looks like. If the are standing on to legs or in a chair with wheels they are fine with him. He met his first snowmachiners the other day and did not have a care in the world. The only thing I would worry about is what he would do once outside. So this is a very valid point.

glenmar

Posted : 3/23/2006 7:43:29 PM

But, consider all the circumstances too...the flames, smoke, heat, etc AND what firefighters wear can look downright ALIEN. My sweet Sheba is reactive to say the least...she'd be the first to go.

spiritdogs

Posted : 3/23/2006 7:56:23 PM

"Help for Your Shy Dog" by Deborah Wood
"The Cautious Canine" by Patricia McConnell
Great reading for people with dogs that need confidence building.

loveukaykay

Posted : 3/23/2006 11:46:41 PM

Thanks for your suggestions, I will consider the crate, but will still hope to eventually have her be able to be out while we are gone. I will read up the timid thing but for now Im trying to ignore her, although its so temping to go hug her... I just laugh a little cause it sure is cute when she growls at her own shadow