Trusting problems: to turst or not to trust?
I noticed that Juno is not trusting at all and it seems to be getting worst..I'm not too sure what's caused it or how I can help. At home when I need to pick up back up to put him in his crate or just to sit with him, his first instinct is to run . Anytime i get close n stop next to him even if I'm just trying to pet him..he...RUNS. So yes, even just trying to pet him, he backs up as you're trying to pet him. He does follow me around and all it's just when I want him, he moves away and it's a chase game from there...i'm not sure if he actually finds it's fun though because he starts growling. This has also become as issue outside of home....and especially in his classes. the trainer asked the class to walk behind one another with our dogs and keep our dogs attention on us...Juno did the WORST...he has always been very bad with attention and doesn't even care if I have food. His nose just stuck to the ground as we walked in a circle...i could NOT get his attention at all...even when we were training he's NOT focused on me & constantly pulling. He's 9.5months soo he's in his teenage time....his trusting issues just seem to worsen as he gets older. I.e I say "let me see" to his toys a lot bcuz i chk it and give it back..recently he decides that everytime i want to check the toy, he's going to grab and run..even though when i get ahold of it, i give it back after i check it. soo i'm not sure what's going on. We def have a relationship bcuz he'll whine when i'm gone even for a sec and follow me everywhere
my questions is has anyone experienced this? How can I build/grain trust with/from him so that when i just simply want to pet him rather than pick up him he wouldn't back off or run? How can I keep his focus on me when we're out and about with a millions things that is more interesting than me?
This is what i've tried & have worked minimal or not at all:
-Feeding him a treat everytime i pick him up w/ or w/o him backing off/running
-trading him toys if when i check his toys & there's a need to take it away due to damage
-petting him when he walks by & not just wheneven I want to
-getting him to sit & refocus on walks before we continue
-rewarding and treating while we walk...even using a high pitch kid voice which he no longer responds to
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Ludi on
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I'll just quote this, a short paragraph on the second fear period in dogs (which you seem to be encountering now in Juno). I believe this will help you better understand what can be going through his head right now. :-) It's nothing personal!
The Second Fear Imprint Period is similar to the one that occurred during the socialization period, but, it is much less defined. It occurs as dogs enter adolescence and seems more common in males. It is often referred to as adolescent shyness. Your dog may suddenly become reluctant to approach something new or suddenly become afraid of something familiar. This behavior can be very frustrating to the owner and difficult to understand because its onset is so sudden and, seemingly, unprovoked. If you notice this behavior, it is important to avoid the two extremes in response: Don't force him to do or approach something frightening to him and don't coddle or baby him. To get through situations that make your dog fearful, be patient, kind, and understanding. Desensitize him to the object or situation by gradually introducing him to it and using food rewards and praise to entice him to confront the fearful object or situation. Do not coddle or reassure him in any way that will encourage his fearful behavior. Do not correct him either. Simply make light of it and encourage him give him food rewards as he begins to deal with his fear better. Make sure you lavishly praise his attempts! This phase will pass.
-- Sue St. Gelais
So basically, you just have to work through it WITH him, and not against him. It is tough, I know. I was there with Ace and it felt like he'd never come round some days. But it is worth it to have a happy, balanced, fearless dog later on in his adult life. :-)
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Permalink Reply by Sam Tsang on
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Hi June, sounds like it's time to invest in some high caliber treats, the most stinking meating treats should get his attention. Continue to take 15 mins out daily and train him, simply call his name, as soon as he look in your direction, reward him immediately, he will always associate his name in positive things. never associate his name with negative things, refrain from using his name during those times. good luck!
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Permalink Reply by Bev Levy on
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I watched a show where a trainer was working with obedience training of a greyhound (a breed notorious for beinng hard to train) and she would spit (I know..sounds disgusting) pieces of hot dog out to the dog as she was working with him. She said it helped the dog to look at her when she spoke. I would guess that with the right use of treats and not being too pushy that your pup will outgrow this.
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