[katorx]

Hello,
I picked up my 15-week old Boston one week ago. He came from a breeder on a farm out in the country, and I live in an apartment building in the city. Once we arrived home last week, we immediately went to our potty spot and had a successful pee. I was letting him sniff around when one of my neighbors dog, who was off leash for some reason, ran up to my puppy. My puppy was very frightened by this incident. Since then, he's been needing a lot of coaxing to go outside and has been very nervous. He'll go potty fine, but after he goes he is just really anxious, shaking, and barely takes any treats I offer. If we see other dogs outside, he is still very nervous, will growl or cry, and has had a couple of submissive pees. I've tried to do everything I've read about...praise anything positive, initiate play with a toy outside (which hasn't worked), treats, etc. How long should I anticipate before I see him relax outside? His breeder was surprised when I told her he's been scared around other dogs as he played with everyone at home. I'm really trying to stay positive and not lose patience, but it's really hard to see him so scared. I know the move from farm life to city life is a big change, but it's hard to hear about other puppies who adjust so quickly. It's also hampering out potty-training since we spend a good minute or two just to get out the door and walk down my hallway, he's had a couple of accidents while we are walking down outside. In my apartment, he's totally playful and loving, he just hasn't been very consistent on eating his entire dinner.

Thanks in advance, I'm just feeling down and want to make sure I'm doing the best thing for the little guy...

[DawnieDogg]

Hey Katorx! Sorry 2 hear about your nervous puppy. Well, this seems 2 be a difficult 1 we got here. I'm going 2 tell you what I think may be going on & what I precieved from your post.

Your small breed puppy recently was adopted out to his new mommy. However, he was taken out of the only familiar enviorment he's ever known.

Before the neighbor's dog even came into the picture, your puppy was already in a slightly uncomfortable, new enviorment. All new smells, none of the old, familiar ones. Everything looks different. He might even be feeling lonely w/out his littermates. From what I precieve, he seemed 2 already be on the edge & walking on eggshells sort 2 speak.....THEN....a fast moving, confident, "in-yo-face" type of dog (I'm not saying the other dog was mean), approaches upon him quite un-expectedly. Totally spooked your dog out & possibly even caused some anxiety. Your dog has quickly developed trust issues and fears. His only confidence is located inside the apartment.

In order for the advice I'm about 2 give you to work, you need 2 be committed. For you and your new puppy. Ok here are the steps.

#1. Boil up boneless chicken, let cool and cut up into dime sized pieces. (I recc. that you. make a lot of chicken @ first, so you don't find yourself having to make more during progress)

#2. Take things very slow. Earn his trust and confidence back. NEVER push or pull him into walking. It will disturb his focus.

#3. Toss a piece of pre-cut chicken (pieces HAVE 2 be small. If food rewards are too big, by the time the dog is done chewing it, he forgot why he got it in the 1st place). Aprox. 1-2 feet in front of him. Encourage him to move towards you. I use the term "come". Praise him when he makes ANY move in the right direction w/out showing fear or reluctentness. Tell him he's a good boy & everything is ok.

#4. Try to keep repeating this process UNTIL 1 of the 2 listed below finally happens.

*Stop when you have made it aprox. 10-15 feet, w/out any signs of stress or hesitation. When done, go back home while cont. 2 praise him. Try to repeat once every 3-4hrs.
*IMMEDIATELY stop if he starts 2 pull back or hesitate in anyway. (Don't force him 2 do it, it will cause more fear). Crouch down 2 his level and gently pet him. Re-assure him it will be ok and offer a small piece of chicken 2 begin 2 re-coax him.
*Try once more. If he is still too scared, go back home & re-try again in a couple of hours.

If you believe in him AND yourself, & you stay focused & committed, this technique should benefit both you & your new arrival. Congratulations & Good Luck w/ training.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW.IF THIS ADVICE HAS HELPED YOU OUT!!