So Disappointed... I just got off the phone with a dog trainer/behaviorist to try to get some advice. I'm trying to see how I can help Chelsea. I thought perhaps I was doing something wrong or I could enroll in a class. She is quite timid and many times seems frightened. Sometimes she even stays away from me:confused: I am so saddened by this b/c i have really done everything I can to make her happy. My heart breaks when she doesn't come running over to me when i call her. Well the trainer suggested that the breeder I got her from was either a backyard breeder or a puppy mill. She said Chelsea's problem was either genetic or poor upbringing from the breeder. I was really devastated. I never thought of it but now that I put all the little pieces of the puzzle together, i think it might be true. I bought 2 puppies from this breeder in Oklahoma (specialyorkies) and honestly she seemed great. She was very pleasant and they seemed to really care about the puppies. She answered all my questions and asked me a ton of questions as well. Once I got the puppies, she wasn't available. I think she might have answered one of my emails. Now she is nowhere to be found. :thumbdown I know it doesn't really make a difference now, but I feel so betrayed and foolish! It might not be true but it's definitely questionable! To think I have referred her to a few of our clients!! |
Awww...how old is Chelsea? Maybe she will come around yet. How does the other puppy act? Are they siblings? Someone on here might have a suggestion for you. Don't give up hope! :) |
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I am so sorry Chelsea is having fear issues. I have two with great fear issues. One is a puppy mill survivor, Cocoa, and the other is from a byb, Rosie, who had her for 1 yr. It has taken Rosie years to come to when I call her. At first she ran and hid when I called. Gradually she would just stand still and wait for me to pick her up. Her next step was to stand very still for a few seconds, staring straight ahead and then walking sideways to me, never looking at me. I have to always bend at the knees to approach her. She still flinches and gets stiff when I pick her up. Just in this last year she comes and begs to be held. I have had her for 10 yrs. It is a long difficult road to travel, but at least you KNOW that Chelsea is at the best place she can be. It just takes lots, and lots of patience. PM me if you need some encouragement in the future. |
Have you been working with her and doing the exercises I suggested? If she is that feaful and timid it can take months or longer for her to gain confidence and be able to live a "normal" life. I really suggest that you keep working with her on meeting new people, going new places, etc. I also suggest that you have her on leash attached to your belt while your home, so you control where she is and what she does at all times. This will help her relax, as she will know you are in charge. If she does show fear,timidedneess, to you or someone else, it's crucial that you do NOT try to soothe her with your voice, petting, or picking her up. This only enforces the fearful behavior, as she gets "rewarded" for it. I really suggest getting family and friends involved in her socialization. Have them come over and ignore her, and while still "ignorin her," have them toss cooked bits of chicken in her area. The important thing is that you don't give up. She will sense this from you and feel defeated herself. Handle the obstacles that she faces with confidence, and don't double think yourself. With Liberty, she didn't even know what the outdoors were...I had to walk like I was on a mission (which I was, to raise her confidence and gain her trust.) What advice did the behaviorist you spoke to on the phone tell you? |
Actually, I have wondered if having Chipper and Snowboy added to our family hasn't forced Rosie to want attention. She is much more likely to sit with us in my dh's office in the evening than what she ever was before. She gets furious at the boys when they tussle but she sticks around. Pleases me when I think about it. |
We have been in your shoes. I know just what you are going though.. My Pixie was just like this. She is now almost 1 1/2 and is doing 90% better. so please just give her lots of love and she come around.:) |
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The behaviorist was very discouraging. She basically said that there wasn't much we could do to change her. That she could do a home visit and show me ways to address it differently and not enable Chelsea. She is great and love every bit of her. I just don't want her to be fearful at all b/c i love her way too :D |
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It makes me sad that the behaviorist sounded so discouraging. I really believe that for "most" shy scared dogs there is hope. Like I said, don't give up. If I would have given up on my Liberty, she wouldn't be where she is today! Looking at my clients' dogs who started out shy/fearful and seeing how well they are doing now makes me feel so proud of them! Keep working...be consistent...you will see improvement! |
Those are wonderful suggestions you received. It is also good to remember that they are like people, too, and they all have different personalities. The socialization is so very, very important. I wish you luck. She sounds like a sweetie and I know she is loved.:) |
I'm just curious, how long have you had Chelsea? I wish you all the luck in the world and hope to hear a great report from you soon :) |
It was covered a bit above, but I wanted to add that when she shows fear of anything to just pat her on the head and tell her it is all right. If you do this consistently, she will very soon realize what you mean and she will understand that her fear is unfounded. |
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Chelsea is such a sweetie and I love her to pieces! Most of the time she is such a little cuddly baby. She makes my day everyday & I just feel guilty that I might have missed something that she needs. |
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