| Junior Member Newborn
Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Connecticut
Posts: 5
| 
With a dog that is scared of people, Here is what you should do (based on my experiences) Shy dogs don't trust people, and sometimes don't trust anything. Right now, affection isnt going to get him to trust you, because he is in a un balanced state of mind, all he wants to do is get away, so when you try and pet him, you're just nurturing that state of mind, which isnt good. Completly ignoor him. No tuching, talking, or eye contact. He needs to learn that people want nothing to do with him, and people are not a threat, and there is no need to be afraid. Do not let him jump on your lap. He is basicly telling you he is the boss, and he isnt alowing YOU to tuch him. He is making the rules. Best thing for this, is a looong walk. Every day. 1 hour at the minimum. And he has to walk at your side, with you leading. Many people dont agree with this and say something like "Well the walk is for the dog not me, he should be able to walk in front so he can smell the ground and have fun" Smelling the ground and running around in front isnt "fun" for them, its a tracking mode they're in, and they are just excited. Excitment isnt natural for dogs, it is a moment where, they dont know what to do, so we take their behavior as acting "happy" or "excited". Walk him at your side. After about half the walk is over, or at least a good 30 minutes of good behavior, THEN you can stop and let them sniff the grass, but ONLY when YOU decide, dont let them pull you over to it.
As for the tile floor, I know it seems harsh but this is what in IMO works best. My dog had problems with going in the basement, he was terrified, but how he loves going in the basement espescially in the summer because its cooler. Take Chico for a long walk. Get him REALLY tierd. Have his leash on when you get in the house. If there is any way you can get a somewhat running start that would help. So with himi at your side, run onto the tiles. When hes moving faster he has less time to re act and put up a fight. Even if he does, dont give in, and dont stop until you are both in the middle of the tiled room. No affection at this point, because he is very stressed right now, and affection would only intecify that. Now that the hard part is over, walk outside. Do that many times, probably for at least 10 minute sessions each, at least 5 a day. Just walking from the carpet area, to the outside, then repeating. At the end of the session, its probably a good idea to let him play outside for a while, if you have a fenced in yard that would be good, and you can see if he will wlak on the floor on his own, but i sugest you leave the leash on so you can make corrections as needed.
For the crate. Its best to start out with putting his blanket in there, and jsut leaving the cage open. If he wants to go in, thats good, if he doesnt, its fine. As long as he isnt afraid of it. After hes used to it being there, try throwing some food in there, so he can go in, get rewarded for going in (the food) and come out. After he is fine with going in and out of the crate, try making him stay without the door shut, if you cant do that its fine. After a while try shutting the door for just a short time, 10 seconds at the most. And then let him come out. Eventuly, you can increase the time so hes staying in for a couple minutes, then ten, and eventuly a hour.
Keep in mind NONE of these things will happen over night, you have to give it time.
Good luck =) |
New Dog kind of skittish need help 
Looks like there isn't much left for me to say. LOL
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