[PersistantPuppy]

Hi everyone,

I have just joined here because we got a 7week old Border Terrier on Sunday. She seems fine, mostly - in that she sleeps more than she does anything else, but puppies do that, so thats fine. She isn't eating all that often - say about twice a day, so I am free feeding her for now until she settles in. Toileting and water drinking are ok.

My question is - how can i help her confidence? She is interested in whats going on, and is friendly with people, and has moments of play which last about 2 minutes before she scuttles back to her crate and watches. Earlier on, I made a sudden movement which she didn't expect, and she started yelping and backed away like I had really hurt her! This really upsets me, because I feel like I am betraying any trust she might have built up in the two days she has been here.

Am I worrying too much? Expecting too much? Its been over 10 years since I have had a puppy, so...I'm not really sure what to expect for puppy behaviour! I don't want to let her down by doing something wrong...

Thanks to anyone that can help!

[SnowWhite]

its a big adjustment for a little puppy, moving to a new home. What i always think is best is to build a bond of trust with your puppy- it sounds like you haven't had it very long, so i don't think there is really an issue there. A good way to jump start a strong bond is to hand feed your puppy. It helps the pup know who their mother is- who is doing the feeding and the protecting. It makes puppy a little more confidant to know who they can run to when something goes wrong. If you've only had her a few days, it takes a while to build up a solid bond. Don't worry to much, she'll gain her confidence after she recognizes you as her protector and is more comfortable in her surroundings.

Good Luck!

[PersistantPuppy]

Thanks for your quick response She has been better today, and is lying beside me sleeping on the sofa. I hand fed her at lunchtime, funnily enough, because she was interested in my sandwich, lol, so I softened her kibble with warm water and fed her it, which was quite a lovely experience!

[SnowWhite]

Oh excellent! I saw the picture in your other post. Molly is quite the cutey.