I like cooking up chicken and cutting it up in small pieces for my dogs. (I even have several baggies in the freezer). They like this much more than cookies or "doggie treats" and it's better for them. My dogs will do "almost anything for "chicken" and have always turned up their noses at doggie treats (they either get full of them or tired of them). I just think this might be a better "motivator" for you with your pup.
With that being said -- it is a fact that some dog's basic temperment is to be somewhat shy/fearful. My little Bichon is this way - and this is definitely not the way that Bichon's usually behave. Even my vet said - they are usually much more outgoing - but everyonce in a while you run into a "fearful/somewhat shy one."
Regardless of his being shy, he is a wonderful pet. And over the years (he is four), he has become more and more outgoing --especially with people and other animals that he has come to know well. I think having another dog has always been the very best thing for him. My little Yorkie pup drives him crazy, but they also play a lot. He especially loves to run with other dogs and children.
He has become very fond of many of my neighbors and will readily run into their houses for treats. He likes children. He doesn't bark much, has never bitten anyone in his life, doesn't have a mean bone in his body, and I heard him growl for the first time in his life when he was three years old.
He loves to sleep with me (this is the one time and place he is especially lets me know he wants to be with me).
I think your dog's basic temperment (like mine) is being somewhat shy. And - with a lot of love, talk, holding him, being kind to him, and being gentle to him, he'll become more outgoing and more affectionate. Continue to be playful with him - even if he doesn't play back. I think with a pup like this - the quieter you become - the quieter he'll become also. Keep him interested and knowing that "life is fun" as much as possible.
A dog's being shy has advantages also. My dog is certainly the best behaved thing in the world -- very good in public.
You just love your little pup, hold him a lot, play with him (even if he doesn't play back for a while - eventually you'll find something he enjoys doing) and keep him happy, healthy, well fed, and secure. I'm sure you'll see some improvement in time. Be sure and try and let him play with children and other dogs outside - this is the one thing my dog does love to do. He can run and keep out of their reach --he especially enjoys this!!!
Good luck! Carol Jean |