Me again (Carol Jean)
There is one thing I forgot to tell you --- and even my vet who noticed that my little Bichon puppy was fearful - told me this.
Don't baby your puppy and hold him all the time. Don't try to protect him every second, and alway tell him that everything is okay because you're there to hold him and help him and protect him.
You need to help your little guy become more independent and help him venture out as much as possible on his own (even around the house). No fears can ever be overcome - if we never face them. This is true with both people and dogs.
The more dependent you allow or let your little dog be on you - the less able he will be able to overcome any of his fears of other people and animals.
So - keep this in mind and try and make his becoming a more independent a part of your daily routine. Even going for walks can help with this.....walking past other people and other animals will help him become more used to them.
(Don't pick him up if he appears to be afraid - walk him quickly past these people or their pets - or stop and visit and let him stand and wait - (no baby talk to him).....and he will become less afraid.
Good luck! Carol Jean |