[slane86]

Hello all

We recently picked up a puppy from the local animal shelter, he is 5 months old and seems to be absolutely terrified of most everything, and was the only one not adopted out of his litter because he was "too shy". He's an absolute sweety, and loves to be loved on, but when we went to pick him up from the shelter he would not walk on a leash or at all for that matter. He layed on the floor in the office when they set him down (they had to carry him to us, because he wouldn't walk) and shook really badly. We had to carry him to our truck. He is not growling, whimpering or anything really...just seems to be scared. He won't leave the bed we made for him, even though he has come very very close with the temptation of lovin's and treats. He slinks when he walks, as though he is afraid someone is going to get him. He seems very excited to see us when we walk in the room, and wags his tail and will lick all over us when we get on his bed with him. He does not bite, and allowed our 11 month old to touch his ears, eyes and face as well as tail. He even waged his tail as our child crawled by, and licked all over his legs when he was close enough. My question is, even though this is our first night with him, and he's sure to be shy....do you think this is behavior we should be worried about? We fell in love with him and his shyness, and just want to make sure no one see's any red flags that we are not seeing (especially since we have an 11 month old). Anyone experience this?

[Todd]

Hello and welcome aboard!

Sounds like he need to be socialized with both people and other dogs. There have been several threads/questions like this one in the past so rather than explain the same things again, here r some links to a previous threads with the same treatment approaches with similar situations...

increasingly afraid

My dog is scared of walks

Scared Pup

Fearful Dog

how to socialize dog - Google Search

how to socialize dog - Google Search

Good luck!

[cigwyllt]

I adopted a pup of that age and his behaviour was exactly as you describe. I was extremely patient with him, carrying him when he needed to be moved from one room to another and just building up his confidence. He was always a clingy dog but not unhappy. He grew to be a really fun, playful adult, always keen to go out for a walk, always ready to play with anyone. Patience and affection will work wonders.

[slane86]

Thanks for the really good response, I'm happy that he will adjust, he seemed fine in the house last night, roaming all around while we were in bed, and sleeping next to my side of the bed all night. He only went to the bathroom on his blanket, which we sort of expected because he's used to going to the bathroom where he lays (at the pound in a cage). Any advice on getting him outside to go potty?

[cigwyllt]

I'm afraid toilet training was a life long battle where Yeti was concerned but in his defence I was only a teenager, at home with my parents when I got him and their dog had a tendency to mark his territory so it was an uphill struggle.

But my oldest dog is a rescue who seemed to be unused to indoor life. She would mess everywhere but I found that taking her outside - rather than leaving the door open for her to go out on her own - and confining her to a very small area when I was out meant that she understood.

It really isn't easy when your dog seems petrified and won't move when you put him down but he will learn when you praise him effusively for doing the right thing in the right place.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by slane86

Thanks for the really good response, I'm happy that he will adjust, he seemed fine in the house last night, roaming all around while we were in bed, and sleeping next to my side of the bed all night. He only went to the bathroom on his blanket, which we sort of expected because he's used to going to the bathroom where he lays (at the pound in a cage). Any advice on getting him outside to go potty?

This question is asked quite a bit. These threads should help you out...

Crate Training - Newfie!

peeing ALL THE TIME!!

Housetraining help PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't housebreak 2 year old

Google

[ThereseAline]

I had a similar situation. I had a dog that was very afraid of other people. I got her when she was 10 weeks old and chose her over her sister that looked just like her because she wasn't as shy. Her sister cried when I held her and couldn't get comfortable in my lap, but Daphne seemed right at home. But when she grew up she grew fearful. She scared my friends because she would bark at them, but she never bit and actually never approached them. She was just afraid of them and barked to keep them away from her. Some people never understand though, and she wasn't thought highly of by my friends. But she was the sweetest, most loyal dog and I would've felt safe if there had ever been an intruder. I think she would've surprised herself if ever her moment of truth had come.
We had to give her away when we moved; she was a high-energy dog and our current home lacks space for a dog.
I'm not an expert, but I wouldn't worry too much. I don't think your dog will turn violent if that's what you're thinking.
I agree with Todd, he just needs some socializing.

[slane86]

Unfortunatly my son has develped a rash since we got the dog, and seems to be allergic to either his hair or the dander. We had to give our new puppy a new home. After many many tears because we already (even though we've only had him for 5 days) considered him one of our children. My son and Casso (the puppy) chewed and played on all the same toys. Casso just needed love and he warmed up and came out of his shell like you wouldn't believe. He is with my husbands parents now, and LOVES it there (he has playmates and a yard to run in). I miss him so much already. But my baby comes first, and until hes old enough to walk and talk and be off the floor where all the hair is...this was our only option. The humane society we got him from told us if we couldn't keep him that we had to bring him back to them. He was caged and ignored for the first 5 months of his life there, and we are sure that is why he was so shy at first. He honestly is one of the BEST dogs I've ever been around. He even let us give him a bath, with no bolting or crying or shaking.

[GSDS4Life]

I'm so very sorry that you had to give him up. Must be heartbreaking.

and until hes old enough to walk and talk and be off the floor where all the hair is...this was our only option.

To be honest, crawling to walking will not make a difference. The fur is on the dog not just the floor.

Maybe next time you can try fostering?

Has your little one been around dogs before? If so was there any reaction?

[slane86]

Originally Posted by GSDS4Life

I'm so very sorry that you had to give him up. Must be heartbreaking.



To be honest, crawling to walking will not make a difference. The fur is on the dog not just the floor.

Maybe next time you can try fostering?

Has your little one been around dogs before? If so was there any reaction?

He has been around other dogs, but not for prolonged periods of time. A family member suggested it might be the breed of dog? We had no problems other than sneezing until 4 days into having the puppy, thats when he started breaking out.

[Todd]

I'm sorry to that you had to give the pup up. A dog to try would be a poodle. They don't really shed so it may work out a lot better but I would try fodtering a few poodles and see how things go first or take one as a trial. There are also other Hypoallergenic dog breeds out there and these are the breeds you'd want to choose to eliminate or lesson allergic reactions. Here's an article from the web...

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Top Dog Breeds for Allergy Sufferers

Hypoallergenic dog breeds can be a great option for some dog lovers who suffer from allergies. No dog is 100% non-allergenic, but some dogs are basically "low-allergy." Though they shed little to no hair and less dander than typical dogs, all dogs will shed some dander - even hairless dogs. Generally, dogs without hair or with continuously growing hair tend to be the most hypoallergenic. However, some of these dogs will need to be kept on a strict grooming schedule. Please note that some people are actually allergic to dog saliva. Unfortunately, there are no specific breeds with "hypoallergenic saliva."

People with very severe allergies may still not be able to tolerate hypoallergenic dogs. If you are allergic but love dogs, consider some of these hypoallergenic dog breeds. If you decide one might be right for you, spend some time around the breed to see if you have an allergic reaction before you decide to get one of your own. Also know that each dog, regardless of breed, can affect each individual allergy sufferer differently. If you have allergies, you might even find a certain mutt that does not affect you adversely.

Potentially Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Basenji
Bedlington Terrier
Bichon Frise
Border Terrier
Chinese Crested
Coton de Tulear
Havanese
Irish Water Spaniel
Kerry Blue Terrier
Maltese
Poodle
Portuguese Water Dog
Puli
Schnauzer
Shih Tzu
Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Xoloitzcuintli
Yorkshire Terrier
Hybrid Dogs and Mixed Breed Dogs

Hybrid dogs are the result of controlled cross-breeding. Dogs such as Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are crossed with Poodles and tend to take on their hypoallergenic qualities. Dogs that are mixed with known hypoallergenic breeds can sometimes be considered low-allergy, but one never knows the true makeup of a mutt. If you suffer from allergies, but find a mixed-breed dog that you think might be hypoallergenic, try spending some time with the dog to see how you react.
Managing Your Allergies

Depending on the severity of your allergies, you may still be able to live happily with dogs. The key is to minimize the amount of allergens in your home. Vacuum your rugs and upholstery frequently and wash your curtains and drapes often. Consider using some type of air purifier. You can also talk to your physician about medical therapies.

Further Research:

hypoallergenic dog breeds - Google Search

hypoallergenic dog breeds - Google Search