Afraid of his own shadow
 

Okay, so he really isn't afraid of his own shadow, but he is afraid of other dogs! Any advice?? We're doing puppy education at Petsmart and he doesn't like to interact with any of the other dogs. He loves backing up and hiding. He doesn't mind humans though! Help!!

Peggy

I think you are on the right track by taking him to classes. I bet he will get over his shyness in time. As soon as he finds out that other dogs aren't going to hurt him.

Loki is fearful of some dogs and best friends with others. My problem is I never know which will be which. I've done many classes with him, which help because he is focused on me while all the other dogs are distractions. We also go to the playground/park where others walk their dogs and we sit and watch the dogs while I feed him treats. Each time we go a little closer. Finally I take him to the trainer for doggie daycare, where all the dogs are screened and she keeps an eye on them. She lets me know when his "friends" will be there and I take him on those days. Some days we joke that we have "little dog day" at daycare. And I find that he does quite well off leash.

It's great that you are taking him to classes, but if he continues to be fearful you might want to take a class with a more qualified trainer (some petsmart trainers are very qualified, some only took the petsmart class, it doesn't hurt to ask and look around) Anyway, don't force him. Just ask like it's no big deal and try to encourage him with treats. Try to keep his attention. Don't let him get too close to any dogs you don't know to be very friendly. And pay attention to your dog. If he gets stiff and backs away, then he is scared. That is OK. Stand between him and the other dog. Don't pick him up unless there is a threat. It's OK to just turn and walk the other way.

I've had to make the tough decision not to take Loki to places like Petsmart. I never know what dog he will be scared of and he will get all nervous and stiff and start freaking out. He will be fine with a chocolate lab but scared of a chi. I end up holding him, which doesn't help the situation. We love going to dog places, so we go to the local doggie "boutique" where he knows to sit by the counter for a treat and doesn't get tense or scared. Usually because there is only 1 or 2 other dogs there and they are smaller dogs and it must not be so overwhelming. The same dog might greet him there, and he will have a friendly greeting where he would be scared in another situation. Listen to what your dog is trying to tell you :animal-pa

I also forgot to say it's important not to tug his leash to get him away from the other dog. That just reinforces to him that the big dog is a scary thing. Better to stand between him and the other dog. It takes some practice and you have to be quick. Good luck!