cowering/fear of some people and crate training

[Elise & Margo]

Hey fellow Doodle lovers!

 

I just recently adopted an 11 month old Labradoodle. For some reason she cowers and gets nervous around certain males. She never has a problem with women and it's not all men that she gets nervous around. I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to calm her fears and reduce this problem?

 

Also, she hates her crate. I've been able to train her enough that I can get her to go into it by putting treats or toys in there but she hates being in there. I know that dogs that are crate trained usually love their crates and view it as a place of security. She definitely does not. She will bark, whine, and cry as well as pawing at the crate door. I'm wondering if something happened to her in the past that has given her a negative view towards the crate? Suggestions?

 

Elise

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Elise, First of all, thank you for adopting your Labradoodle. I had an old Lab that hated her crate. We adopted her when she was very old (10) and she had separation anxiety. Can you leave your dog in another smaller confined area...kitchen, etc.? I also did doggie daycare. We worked with a trainer for our old lab and she advised us to not make a big deal about coming or going. They go in the crate and you leave. She also had us do desensitizing training things with Honey. Act like you are getting ready to leave, crate her, walk out the door and return immediately. Do this at different times, changing up how long you leave...maybe 5 minutes and come back, walk to the door and don't leave at all, leave for 30 minutes. We always left the TV and a fan on to mute noises and a kong filled with peanut butter or some other high value treat that they only get when the go in the crate. Our Fudge walks right in her crate when I get the jar of PB out. Good luck!

As far as the man thing, maybe you could work with a trainer that could help you with this issue. Our Vern is scared of a lot. Our trainer has us go to Lowes or Home Depot and walk up and down the aisles with Vern in a heel. If anyone approaches him, I have Vern sit and I have that person offer him a treat. He does pretty good with this now. I know other members say their dogs feel more comfortable in certain situations in a heeling position. Training classes build confidence too. I hope others weigh in to help. Good luck again.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think the idea of taking her to places like Lowe's where she can be around men that she doesn't know is a great idea...eventually she should see that nothing bad happens to her.  I would definitely reward/treat for every time she even looks at a strange man without showing fear.  That should give her the idea....men means "goodies".

 

[Ginny Nightingale]

Laurie's advice is right on the money--these things take time, too, so don't expect a lot of change in a short time. When I got my second doodle she was 8 months old and afraid of just about all males including my DH. It took some time, but with gentleness and patience, she warmed up to just about everyone. She is no longer afraid of most males, but those who talk gruffly to her scare her to this day. 

As for the crate, it doesn't always work for all dogs--I have a puppy who I raised from birth (the son of the dog I mentioned already) and he is totally used to his crate as he has been in it a lot--but he never goes in on his own and will paw at the door to get out if I have just arrived at home or in the morning when I am getting him up, etc. That is a pretty normal reaction--I am sure your pup will get more used to the crate if you work on it. However, as Laurie said, the crate is not the only way to confine the dog if they really hate it. My first doodle (if you are counting, I have THREE!) hated the crate and was such a good pup and so trustworthy that we put it away. She hasn't been in a crate since. 

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

can't add anything to these great suggestions.  keep us posted on her progress. hugs

[Mimi Linna, Lilly and Lolly]

to funny how we want our puppies to not be afraid of strangers and put the fear in our kids of strangers.

[Elise & Margo]

Thank you so much for all your great suggestions! I have been keeping Margo in my kitchen and hallway area with her toys and a rawhide and just make sure there is nothing she can get into and the trashcan is in a different room. She does great in there! She had some separation anxiety when I first adopted her about 3 months ago but I did exactly what you said, Laurie. I would put my shoes on and stay in the house. I would grab my keys and stay in the house. I would put her in the kitchen but then come back in, etc. It REALLY helped her! Her separation anxiety has gotten a lot better. She usually is fine when I leave her but occasionally my upstairs neighbors say she will whine for 10 minutes or so. I think I will continue working with her on the crate to see if she will get better with it but she does great with the kitchen so I will continue to do that.

 

As with the men situation, I think the Lowes and Home Depot ideas are great! I didn't know they would allow dogs in those stores. I need to train her to heel. I think that would definitely help. What is the best way to train your dog to heel?

 

THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE! Stay safe during hurricane Irene if it is coming your way! Margo and I are hunkered down and staying safe :)