[Snoopy]

And really, she has had no socialization. The only time she's out in public is at the vet's office. I'm always reading in here that they don't NEED socialization, they only need you. I don't know... I just feel like such a huge failure.

I am of the belief that a STRONG dog does not need alot of socialiaztion.....their genetics is all they need in order to be a tempermentally superior animal.

I am of the belief that through much conditioning and exposure i.e. "socialization" a dog mediocre in temperament, can be made stronger.

I am of the belief that a weak dog, no matter how much help (conditioning, exposure, socialiation) will never be a strong dog...perhaps with ALOT of work, mediocre at best, but even that is a stretch...you can only do what is within the paramaters of the dogs genetics.

One thing I would not do is force Nala to greet strangers. That could actually make her worse. If you are determined to try and help her you could try motivational style obeidence (hand feeding their meals during ob sessions works great). You can do this while in the presence of people but do not force her to meet them.

I agree with this one - a strong dog is a strong dog and a timid dog, usually stays a timid dog - even with alot of work.

What you need to do is give your pup enough confidence to avoid any potential problems, which is very do-able. Although, you must recognise that chances are that your dog will probably always be timid.

You mention that you do not allow her around your son, is there any particular reason for this? I disagree with the people who say socialising won't do anything. I believe that considering your dog hasn't been around the people she will have to deal with every day - she is in dire need of more socialisation that she's getting.

Also if it's possible, try spending 20 minutes a day away from your other dogs - just with her. Spend the time training her. Put her ona lead for 10 mintues ina controlled area. You'll find if you stick with this she'll end up getting it!

With a timid dog, really concentrate on rewarding her big time for doing things right. There's no beating the fact that your going to have to put more time and effort into her than your other dogs.

Like msvette2u said - always get down low and be soft with her when calling her. You'll find over time that she will stop peeing.

 

[Snoopy]

agree with this one - a strong dog is a strong dog and a timid dog, usually stays a timid dog - even with alot of work.

You mention that you do not allow her around your son, is there any particular reason for this? I disagree with the people who say socialising won't do anything. I believe that considering your dog hasn't been around the people she will have to deal with every day - she is in dire need of more socialisation that she's getting.

Hmmm..I don't understand. Maybe I am missing something but it seems like this is a bit of a contradiction.

:?

I do not blame the owner of this dog for keeping it away from her son. Even if the dog hasn't actually been aggressive it is showing alot of FEAR (backing up and submissive urinating). Fearful dogs are always the most likely to bite. Why take the chance?

How is this a contradiction? Do you just go around trying to upset people?

I won't even bother replying to your question - although you obviously are missing something.

 

[Snoopy]

I think only you can answer that.

For some, like me, it would be very little. For you, you will go far. I admire your tenacity.

My granddaddy said, " make sure all that love you give that dog is worth it."

Is it worth it?

You know, when she looks at me with those huge hazel eyes, and reaches up to kiss my face... I say yes, she is definitely worth it. But as Paula pointed out, we're not dealing with a shepard, she's a pit bull who will probably grow up to be quite powerful, and potentially dangerous. Can I put down the sweet little puppy who was just kissing my face? I can't, I just can't. I am not that strong. But I will try my best to see if she can improve to the point of being stable. When I have exhausted every effort to improve her confidence, I will have no choice. I can't pass along her problems to someone else. And I hope the day never comes that I have to make that decision. I just want to make it all better. :sad7:

There is no way "I" would give up on a 6 month old dog that you want to put alot of effort into.

It sheds alot of light that she has been saved from a bad situation. A dog can be changed when it is a pup, and obviously whatever was done to this pup or the way she was treated, changed her for the worse.

You are going to obviously spend heaps and heaps of time on her, basically alowwing her to trust again.

I would never suggest to leave any children alone with any dog - but I think you'll need to start getting her used to other people and animals, because the longer you leave this and think about it, the harder it will be to build her up again.

I really wish you all the best with her, because you obviously love her and want to do the right thing.

 

[Snoopy]

Great post!!!!

 

[Snoopy]

agree with this one - a strong dog is a strong dog and a timid dog, usually stays a timid dog - even with alot of work.

You mention that you do not allow her around your son, is there any particular reason for this? I disagree with the people who say socialising won't do anything. I believe that considering your dog hasn't been around the people she will have to deal with every day - she is in dire need of more socialisation that she's getting.

Hmmm..I don't understand. Maybe I am missing something but it seems like this is a bit of a contradiction.

:?

I do not blame the owner of this dog for keeping it away from her son. Even if the dog hasn't actually been aggressive it is showing alot of FEAR (backing up and submissive urinating). Fearful dogs are always the most likely to bite. Why take the chance?

How is this a contradiction? Do you just go around trying to upset people?

I won't even bother replying to your question - although you obviously are missing something.

You are right, I am obivously missing something if I do not understand. Why can you not explain to me?

You say in one paragraph that even with alot of work, that a timid dog will stay timid.....

In another paragraph you say she is in dire need of socializaing. So, if you believe if a timid dog will stay timid no matter what is done, how do you feel socializing will help? How do you feel that is "upseting people"? All I asked was for an explanation to your reasoning.

Well I never knew things were so black and white!!!

What I am saying is that timid dog will 9 times out of 10 always show some timid tendancies. This is not to say that they will do anything such as biting or urinating - but they will usually always show that lack of confidence that you will not find in other dogs.

Instead of just saying "get rid of the mutt" like most of the posts say to alot of questions posted on here, I am saying that socialisation is going to help this dog and hopefully if done in the right way, create a dog that can be a wonderful dog to be around.

I've had alot of experience with both timid dogs and the complete opposite - Alpha dogs, I've never had to get rid of any of them, as I believe you can mould a dog into what you want if you understand them well enough (see ULTIMATEK9 post).

Therefore there is absolutely no contradiction here, as there are obviously different degree's of confidence in animals.

Get it this time??

 

[Snoopy]

If you're saying I only need 15 min/day to cure Nala's WEAK NERVES, Hallelujah! I am ALL EARS. I would love to fix her that easily, and if you think it can be done with such little effort,

You will not be able to fix her weak nerves, EVER! It just won't happen. She will always be an unstable dog. You can train her to hide it a little bit, which will only take a few minutes a day. Dogs are smart, and have short attention spans, you dont' need an hour a day to work with them.

[/quote]

You won't completely fix a dogs nerves - BUT I disagree that this means she will always be an unstable dog.

If you get some expert help, preferably with someone who knows the breed - then I have seen timid pups become beautiful, predictable, stable dogs - please note, this does take alot of work and expertise. Don't think it will be 15 minutes, forget the word EASY or LITTLE EFFORT.

To all those who say a timid dog is dangerous and shouldn't be worked on - you obviously don't have the patience or the know -how. This is like saying that confidence can never be built in a human being. Ridiculous. I imagine most people saying this have read it and/or haven't worked with dogs of this type - or have failed with their efforts.

Pitbull's are a strong breed deep down, there is a confidence that can definately be tapped into.

My only worry in this case, knowing the work that is involved - I honestly don't think you have the time. This is not a bash, just my opion from what I've read.