My puppy, Dallas, is very shy when it comes to new people.  I’m introducing him to people whenever I get the chance, but he tries his best to hide behind me if he’s on a leash (even on walks).  He is also terrified of other dogs.  When we go for walks, he freezes when another dog comes our way.  The other day one came and started to smell him, once the other dog was being him, he started walking quickly away. 

I am trying to socialize him, but any tips available would mean the world to me!  Thank you ever so much!!!

Your reaction will influence the pup’s reaction, particularly on lead. Your emotions and expectations will travel right down the leash to him. A puppy class can help this.

If there is someone that would meet you (not at home) so you can let them ‘meet and greet’ and then reinforce it (whether with treats or affection) that it will go a long way. If you don’t have any friends that can do this, try a local obedience club.

It must be a well socialized dog so that it can be a positive experience.

Your attitude must be upbeat and you must not reward any behavior other than being social. In other words, do NOT coddle or say it will be okay. I know that is the initial reaction of many of us, but for a dog it sends the message that this is the behavior you expect and want. (Example: telling ahunder phobic dog it will be okay…noooo…that tells them he should be afraid)

Also, go in baby steps. A tiny succes is still a success. Just let another dog pass by and happily stroll past. If he makes it through that reward him…I suggest a pat on the head or maybe a small tidbit…reward him, but don’t make it a huge deal. Work toward a sniff and later some interraction, but do so slowly.

*It must always ends on a positive.

Remember that you need to control the environment…don’t let it control you.

Thanks.  I’m going to put this information to use.  Unfortunately I have been too busy to take him too many places.  I need to start him on some baby steps.

Excellent advice, A6pk! I’d like to add, many people (esp with SMALL dogs) tend to pick them up (raising them above the other dog), which makes matters worse.

Then your dog can mouth off, knowing my mom’s gonna pick me up, so I’ll be higher & safe from you, so I can be nasty ~ Nyah, nyah, nyah, nyaaaah!!!

Great point Tina! As you know I don’t carry my dogs around….LOL!!!

Yeah, I’ve only picked him up once… when I was at the vet and was stuck at the door while he was frozen.  Since then I’ve kept him on his leash and not let him jump on me.  But still…. he usually hides behind me or walks around me to wherever he can get away from the person(s) near us.  I’m afraid of someone getting to close and having him snap at them.

Now, I know there are vast differences between your three month old chihuahua, Dallas, and my three year old rottweiler, but I like to speak from our experiences. Astrid is very territorial when she is on leash. She is friendly, but when the others, especially little dogs, get out of line (according to her) and are underneath and/or behind her where she can’t see them, she will let them know. It’s weird…I don’t know exactly what she does. I don’t hear anything. I don’t feel any low growl coming through the leash, but the other dog will jump and be visibly ‘reprimanded’. I don’t reprimand her, because I understand that this is acceptable behavior in ‘doggiedom’ and she is well within her rights to insist they back off. The other dog parent shouldn’t be giving their dog unrestricted leash priveleges, anyway. I do explain to the other dog parent about Astrid’s sense of ‘space’...and they are (so far!) understanding. Could your little guy already have a sense of ‘space’ around himself?

I’ve been reading this book…On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas. In the book it says that this ‘freezing’ that your dog is doing is a calming signal to other dogs. Maybe Dallas is just speaking canine for ‘take it easy, guys! I’m just getting used to this world!’.

As you said, vast differences between a dog and a pup, Astrid. An adult female correcting a dog that is in her face is one thing, but a young pup is another story entirely. Dallas is also shy with people, so it’s quite clear that he needs socialization as well as confidence boosting. He is in a window of opportunity right now and it’s a perfect time to establish correct doggie behavior that he can carry throughout his life.

Females do tend to be the ‘teachers’ (if you will) and her reprimand can be quite typical, particularly toward younger dogs. Because it is a reprimand, it’s unlikely she will growl, but just give a quick reminder. (This is frequently seen in mother dogs, and is an effective tool for us to use as well because dogs understand it.) I don’t let mine behave that way unless they are off lead, but I know everyone has differing thoughts on that. To my way of thinking, when I have my dog on lead I am in charge, not them. I do agree that the other dogs should not be allowed to have so much freedom in her space though, but it happens.

UPDATE

Dallas is finally getting used to people! We’ve been taking him on daily walks and he is becoming more confident with other people as well as other dogs… he’s getting interested in playing with other (small) dogs and pups. We introduced him to his first baby recently and he did pretty well. Thanks for all the advice!!! You are all great.

AWESOME news!!!! Nothing like a new friend starting out on the right foot!