TERRIFIED of everything! help! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Parker's Mum · 10-21-2006, 03:50 PM

I'm at a total loss of what to do for my poor Parker. He is soooo skittish of everything. It has gotten worse istead of better. Problem is it's just him and me at home. I live alone so he's either at home with me, or at home alone while I work (either 3 or 4 days a week). Whenever we go to a new place he shakes uncontrollably. We went to my Aunt's new house the other day, and she thought he was going to have a heart attack he was so scared and shaking so badly. He's scared of other dogs, bigger or smaller than him. I try to get him out with other dogs, but unfortunately not alot of my friends have dogs and the ones that do, Parker's too scared to play with them anyway, he runs away. If it's a hyper new dog, it'll usually scare the pee or poop right outta him, literally. It's just awful, I don't know what to do!

I was thinking of putting him into an obedience class just to get him out around more dogs, but after seeing him terrified of a 4 pound puppy this week, I don't know if the classes would help or make him worse, if the puppy scared him then 12 other dogs at the same time might be worse.

I was also thinking of getting another puppy to keep him company when I am at work, but like I said this other puppy scared the bejeezus outta him, so I don't know if bringing one home would completely traumatize him.

It's so pitiful, I feel so bad for him, I've never seen a dog like this, I'm sure people probably think I beat him, people try to pet him and he cowers and hides behind my legs. I just don't know what to do for him! And now winter's coming, he'll be a basket case by spring! He's fine at home, playful and has a back-bone, but it's when we go anywhere. Any thoughts or suggestions? please

red98vett · 10-21-2006, 04:06 PM

Awwwww...poor baby....I don't have any help but give him a little kiss from me -

that's sad he gets so scared and maybe another dog would help....I know you must feel so bad and wish he'd relax and have some fun....My girls are shy around new people too when we're out but they don't shake - they just stay Super-glued to me

I've never taken a class but you may be on the right track with trying it - I think it's a good way to get them used to other dogs - but make sure it's a SMALL breed class lol - poor little guy

Dartprincess · 10-21-2006, 04:06 PM

I'm so sorry I don't have an answer for you but sure someone will be able to help I hope.

TootiesMom · 10-21-2006, 05:39 PM

my Hopey was like that at first, but she is getting a little better. I just keep her very close, hold her and calmly tell her it is ok, she eventually calms down now but at first.. WOW, she was a scairdy cat....

SnowWa · 10-21-2006, 06:05 PM

You have what is called a "fearful" dog. And - I think it is a trait or temperment that they are born with. My Bichon exhibited a lot of these traits, but has improved a lot and is a lot more outgoing now than he used to be. And - from your description - your little guy is a lot more fearful than my dog was.

I think he will probably always be fearful of other animals and people that he meets for the first time or isn't around very much. And, I doubt you can ever totally change this.

BUT - I do think he will overcome this fear if he is around any other pet or person a lot of the time --- almost daily.

So - for this reason - I do think that another pet would be good for him. But be careful when you choose any pet to be his companion - All animals seem to do well with babies (puppies). I'm not sure that another dog needs to be as small or smaller than him - but it might not hurt to go in this direction.

And - if I did get another pet - I would still expect your dog to be shy and fearful for a while. I think only time and constant exposure to any new pet or person will help him overcome this.

***** I can tell you that after I got my little Yorkie pup -- my 5-year-old Bichon's personality just blossomed. He became much more friendly and outgoing and affectionate..... I mean this to the extent that everyone noticed it and has mentioned it.....all my relatives and all my neighbors. And -the two dogs play their hearts out together. It took my Bichon a week or two to get used to the new little pup - but after that there was no stopping him.

Whatever you decide to do - I wish you a lot of luck. I do think it would be nice for your pup to have a friend that he's not afraid of and can play with and enjoy.

Carol Jean

sweetr72 · 10-21-2006, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnowWa

You have what is called a "fearful" dog. And - I think it is a trait or temperment that they are born with. My Bichon exhibited a lot of these traits, but has improved a lot and is a lot more outgoing now than he used to be. And - from your description - your little guy is a lot more fearful than my dog was.

I think he will probably always be fearful of other animals and people that he meets for the first time or isn't around very much. And, I doubt you can ever totally change this.

BUT - I do think he will overcome this fear if he is around any other pet or person a lot of the time --- almost daily.

So - for this reason - I do think that another pet would be good for him. But be careful when you choose any pet to be his companion - All animals seem to do well with babies (puppies). I'm not sure that another dog needs to be as small or smaller than him - but it might not hurt to go in this direction.

And - if I did get another pet - I would still expect your dog to be shy and fearful for a while. I think only time and constant exposure to any new pet or person will help him overcome this.

***** I can tell you that after I got my little Yorkie pup -- my 5-year-old Bichon's personality just blossomed. He became much more friendly and outgoing and affectionate..... I mean this to the extent that everyone noticed it and has mentioned it.....all my relatives and all my neighbors. And -the two dogs play their hearts out together. It took my Bichon a week or two to get used to the new little pup - but after that there was no stopping him.

Whatever you decide to do - I wish you a lot of luck. I do think it would be nice for your pup to have a friend that he's not afraid of and can play with and enjoy.

Carol Jean

Great advise Carol!!

Dawn

SnowWa · 10-21-2006, 06:18 PM

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

SnowWa · 10-21-2006, 06:37 PM

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

Parker's Mum · 10-22-2006, 05:48 PM

thanks so much for all the advice!

I have also heard that when introducing a new pet to the home, it'll take a few weeks but they will eventually be best buddies, I hope that will happen for ParkerPoo. He needs a friend

And no baby talk, but its sooo hard not to when he looks so pitiful, but I do try to talk to him normally for the most part, just when he really gets shaking bad, I just want to cuddle him up and tell him its okay.
...sooo I guess its time to start puppy-looking...and apartment hunting...lol, I really need a bigger place if I'm going to have 2 running around lol

10-21-2006, 03:50 PM	#1
Parker's Mum Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada Posts: 86	TERRIFIED of everything! help! I'm at a total loss of what to do for my poor Parker. He is soooo skittish of everything. It has gotten worse istead of better. Problem is it's just him and me at home. I live alone so he's either at home with me, or at home alone while I work (either 3 or 4 days a week). Whenever we go to a new place he shakes uncontrollably. We went to my Aunt's new house the other day, and she thought he was going to have a heart attack he was so scared and shaking so badly. He's scared of other dogs, bigger or smaller than him. I try to get him out with other dogs, but unfortunately not alot of my friends have dogs and the ones that do, Parker's too scared to play with them anyway, he runs away. If it's a hyper new dog, it'll usually scare the pee or poop right outta him, literally. It's just awful, I don't know what to do! I was thinking of putting him into an obedience class just to get him out around more dogs, but after seeing him terrified of a 4 pound puppy this week, I don't know if the classes would help or make him worse, if the puppy scared him then 12 other dogs at the same time might be worse. I was also thinking of getting another puppy to keep him company when I am at work, but like I said this other puppy scared the bejeezus outta him, so I don't know if bringing one home would completely traumatize him. It's so pitiful, I feel so bad for him, I've never seen a dog like this, I'm sure people probably think I beat him, people try to pet him and he cowers and hides behind my legs. I just don't know what to do for him! And now winter's coming, he'll be a basket case by spring! He's fine at home, playful and has a back-bone, but it's when we go anywhere. Any thoughts or suggestions? please

10-21-2006, 04:06 PM	#2
red98vett Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston TX Posts: 33,590 Blog Entries: 1	Awwwww...poor baby....I don't have any help but give him a little kiss from me - that's sad he gets so scared and maybe another dog would help....I know you must feel so bad and wish he'd relax and have some fun....My girls are shy around new people too when we're out but they don't shake - they just stay Super-glued to me I've never taken a class but you may be on the right track with trying it - I think it's a good way to get them used to other dogs - but make sure it's a SMALL breed class lol - poor little guy __________________ Villette, Chanel & Cheri www.DesignsByVillette.net Custom Address Labels and Note Cards using YOUR Photos! Just Click HERE!

10-21-2006, 04:06 PM	#3
Dartprincess Minnie's Mommy Donating YT Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: WA State Posts: 916	I'm so sorry I don't have an answer for you but sure someone will be able to help I hope. __________________ Carol Minnie

10-21-2006, 05:39 PM	#4
TootiesMom and Hopeys Mom Too Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Louisiana Posts: 4,109	my Hopey was like that at first, but she is getting a little better. I just keep her very close, hold her and calmly tell her it is ok, she eventually calms down now but at first.. WOW, she was a scairdy cat.... __________________ Donna's little herd.... Tooties Dogster http://www.dogster.com/?271687 Hopeys Dogster http://www.dogster.com/?448723 and Tinker, TBone(RIP) Laci .. OH, and Me-Kitty(RIP)

10-21-2006, 06:05 PM	#5
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	You have what is called a "fearful" dog. And - I think it is a trait or temperment that they are born with. My Bichon exhibited a lot of these traits, but has improved a lot and is a lot more outgoing now than he used to be. And - from your description - your little guy is a lot more fearful than my dog was. I think he will probably always be fearful of other animals and people that he meets for the first time or isn't around very much. And, I doubt you can ever totally change this. BUT - I do think he will overcome this fear if he is around any other pet or person a lot of the time --- almost daily. So - for this reason - I do think that another pet would be good for him. But be careful when you choose any pet to be his companion - All animals seem to do well with babies (puppies). I'm not sure that another dog needs to be as small or smaller than him - but it might not hurt to go in this direction. And - if I did get another pet - I would still expect your dog to be shy and fearful for a while. I think only time and constant exposure to any new pet or person will help him overcome this. ***** I can tell you that after I got my little Yorkie pup -- my 5-year-old Bichon's personality just blossomed. He became much more friendly and outgoing and affectionate..... I mean this to the extent that everyone noticed it and has mentioned it.....all my relatives and all my neighbors. And -the two dogs play their hearts out together. It took my Bichon a week or two to get used to the new little pup - but after that there was no stopping him. Whatever you decide to do - I wish you a lot of luck. I do think it would be nice for your pup to have a friend that he's not afraid of and can play with and enjoy. Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.

10-21-2006, 06:18 PM	#7
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	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 __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.

10-21-2006, 06:37 PM	#8
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	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 __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.

10-22-2006, 05:48 PM	#9
Parker's Mum Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada Posts: 86	thanks so much for all the advice! I have also heard that when introducing a new pet to the home, it'll take a few weeks but they will eventually be best buddies, I hope that will happen for ParkerPoo. He needs a friend And no baby talk, but its sooo hard not to when he looks so pitiful, but I do try to talk to him normally for the most part, just when he really gets shaking bad, I just want to cuddle him up and tell him its okay. ...sooo I guess its time to start puppy-looking...and apartment hunting...lol, I really need a bigger place if I'm going to have 2 running around lol