Suggestions for an overly timid dog?

    • Gold Top Dog

    Suggestions for an overly timid dog?

    As I mentioned elsewhere, Buffy the Basset was retired from a show career because of lack of confidence.  We have only had her since Saturday and have been letting her chill, but I'm not sure we are making any progress...or not much.  She is spending the day outside (doggie door) by choice and is afraid of everything...us included.  I keep going out to encourage her to come in, but she won't do it.  It's funny the way she talks to us, almost like saying "no way, go away."  We'll have patience with her, but I wonder if anyone has some ideas to get her over this.

    I won't let her stay outside at night, so I have to put a leash on her to bring her in.  It might just be that she is used to being outside and likes it, and that's OK for now.  I have taken her for walks, offered treats...now I am wondering, would a show dog consider a "walk"  as "work?"  Maybe I need to cut those out for a while...they were just short ones anyways. 

    Just want her to become more people friendly...I also need to introduce her to our Vet, and get her spayed, but I can't do that to her right now.  I would like a little more trust in us built up.  So I'm open for suggestions!
    • Gold Top Dog
    She definitely needs more time to adjust.

    I think I would do a search for confidence building in dogs and see what you come up with.  If you find later on she may need it.

    Right now I would give her more time. You may find out that being with a loving family will bring her right out of it.

     I would let her hang out wherever she is comfortable for the time being.   As long as she isn't cold.

    But I would definitely bring her in at night.
    • Gold Top Dog
    Have you tried feeding her by hand for a while? Or is there a toy she likes that you could play with?
    • Gold Top Dog
    How old is she?  You need to give her more time. Let her come to you. My guys lived w/ people in their houses, so they weren't bad at all, but my girl, who was 7 when I got her, was not socialized at all, she hadn't shown in years and only saw the breeder and her family she is getting better but she's not great. As far as walking her, she's just not used to the lead, in the ring she has it up on her neck try that, or just go slow and she'll get used to it. Good luck
    • Gold Top Dog
    • Gold Top Dog
    good thread espencer