[gibboneylc]

Ginger is our 8 month old baby. We got her when she was 5 months old and she is extremely shy, almost fearful, around strangers. She doesn't growl or attempt to bite anyone - she just cowers and tries to run away.

We called the breeder to see if any of his other pups or his breeders have ever exhibited shyness and he said no. He told my husband that we just spoil her too much and that is why she is shy.

We have been taking her to our two local dog parks so that she can play with other dogs - she will play a little with others but she stays within eyesight of us. We have also been taking every where we can when we run our errands to try and socialize her with people. We have had some luck with her allowing a couple of folks to touch her but for teh most part she just stays close to us ot tries to flee the scene.

She is a great dog and we love her dearly. We just want her to be more comfortable around strangers that come to visit or try to approach her when we are out and about without being so afraid to do so.

Any advice would be truly appreciated.

 

[SOFTAILJACQUE]

What a cute baby you got there...I live in CT also..and have a Bulldoggee...do you mind me asking what town you bought her in?
I dont think it has to do with you spoiling her....my new pup is also kinda shy our AB but shes getting better we take her everywhere...our male is far from shy and has been treated the same way...but taking her like your doing will help a little and a big thing is going places like mystic in town walkin and where there are greens etc...that helps a lot...

 

[SOFTAILJACQUE]

one other thing I was thinking of ...socialization at a the younger months is major major...and if you got her at 5 months...then who knows what kind of socialization the breeder did with the pup...that could be another part of your dogs fears

 

[gibboneylc]

I truly appreciate everyone's thoughts on Ginger - we love her and want to do what is best for her. After speaking to the breeder we were really concerned that we were spoiling her too much and contributing to her shyness. I had a very loved, and truly spoiled, dobie years ago and could not believe that this would cause Ginger to be shy but you just never know.

We got Ginger from a breeder in Kensington. When we went to look at Ginger, the breeder let us see her and her sister. Believe it or not her sister was more shy than she was.