My Mason used to be really scared of big dogs....when I would try to take him to a dog park, he'd put his butt on the ground and refuse to go in. Even after we are in the park, he would jump up and "insist" that I pick him up too. I wanted Mason to socialize, so I didn't pick him up and forced him to be on the ground with other dogs. For the first several visits, all he would do is hide behind my feet, ball up and shiver. I felt terrible and worried that I might be traumatizing him, but I hoped that he would eventually get used to it.
He is now 8 months and finally coming around. I can tell that he is still afraid of big dogs....but last week he finally went on his own and followed around other dogs around the park !! I definitely think it has to do with their personality and not young age. I saw little puppies smaller than Mason actively chasing around St. Barnards!! I couldn't figure out why Mason was so antisocial.
I think you can train your dog to be sociable, but you have to refrain from "babying" your puppy. If you continue to pick him up when he's afraid, he will learn to do this everytime. Believe me, it's hard when those adorable eyes are looking up at you going "help!".....but your puppy will learn! |