[OzzieBom]

I have a 4 month old Miniature Schnauzer who I love dearly. We have completed puppy class and now are on to intermediate classes. The problem I have is that recently my puppy seems scared of me. He shakes and keeps his tail down when I approach him and will not come near me.

I think it what I have been taught in puppy class may be causing my problem. We were told to yell sternly at the puppy to let him know when he is doing things that are not acceptable. I've been pretty consistent and now he's scared of me. This is the only reason that I can think of that started this behavior. I have to mention that my boyfriend does not reprimand the dog when he is not behaving appropriately and isn't afraid of him.

I am so scared that I've lost my puppy's trust and an extremely worried that I won't regain it. This truly hurts me and I don't know what to do. I would appreciate any suggestions or help to resolve this issue.

Thanks!

[mona08]

I too felt I had lost the trust of my puppy. I have had her since she was 10 1/2 weeks old. When she was 6 07 months old, I yelled at her for chewing the heel of my favorite high heeled sandals. She ran under my bed and looked so fearful of me. I have never felt so awful. I know it may seem crazy but I apologized to her. I kept telling her I was sorry. When she finally came from under my be bed I took my time and then picked her told her how sorry I was and comforted her. I really felt it took a few days for her to trust me again ans she did. What I learned is that still need to discipline her but to do it in a stern voice not angry. Hopefully some others will post to give some helpful tips.

[MrAndrew]

There's a huge difference between YELLING at your dog and sternly commanding "No!" Obviously the puppy-class instructed didn't clarify this well enough to you. You should never yell at a puppy because, as you've discovered for yourself, it scares them and can do permanent psychological harm.

You'll need to bond with your dog to get them to trust you again, take long walks and practice giving commands like heel, sit and stay. Reward positive actions with pats and soothing words and when you need to correct your puppies actions just speak in a firm, commanding voice, you don't need to yell for your dog to understand you, they actually have pretty good hearing. Good luck.

[davlin47]

Hi


First of all, don't spoil her like crazy. this will actually have a bad effect over the long run. (You've tried to make up for all of that, so now just behave normal, or she might just learn to behave like that to be spoiled).

She will not have you forever. She's still under the shock, but this is a normal experience for a small dog. Try to carry her to the door, show her the opening and closing of it, so that she has an idea of the "process" which involved her being smashed. This way she will learn how to watch out.


Thanks
Have a nice time a head.