Loving people....?!

[Michelle Williams]

Hi all!  Our Marley has been with us for almost 2 weeks and she is now 18 weeks old.  She loves other dogs but has only "taken" to two of my neighbors (they both have dogs).  When around anyone other than them (except my husband and my son), she will hide behind me or if she does attempt to approach them, will only go so far and will turn away.  I was just given a comment that has me really nervous and that is....that doodles tend not to like people and can be "skiddish".  I never ran across this in my research - actually very to the contrary - and I need to prepare myself if this is what I can expect.  Can anyone shed some light on this?  Am I expecting too much too soon?  I will add that this was the case when my parents came to my place....so its not just "outside".  Thank you so much!

[Jodi Riseberg]

Our puppy was the same way and now (almost 10 months) he is GREAT!  You need to just keep holding him, hugging him, and reassuring him that it's ok...He will be fine!  Promise- it just takes some time...Ozzy probably still prefers playing with other dogs to people, but we give him no choice always smothering him! Ha

[Michelle Williams]

Thank you so much for the reassurance, Jodi!!

[Erin & Maizey]

I've never heard that doodles tend not to like people and can be skittish.  I have found exactly the opposite.  

18 weeks seems really young to me, considering that that she's only been with you guys for 2 weeks.  I would give her more time.  She is probably still getting used to everything.  I would also consider signing up for a puppy manners type class where she will be introduced to puppies and people and the trainer can definitely work with you to help introduce her slowly to new environments.  There was a really shy puppy who was about 5 months old in our class and by the end of the 6 weeks, the dog had really blossomed.  Marley may just be a shy dog.  There are all sorts of tips too floating around on the internet and books about helping shy dogs come out of their shell.  I am at work otherwise I'd try to find them, but definitely consider a puppy class.  

[Michelle Williams]

Thank you so much, Erin & Maizy!  Marley starts puppy kindergarten on Sunday so I will remain optimistic!

[Lynn Weaver]

Hi Michelle. Chloe was 4 months old when I got her. She was shy around people she didn't know and would hide behind me. No amount of coaxing would change it, so I never forced the issue, but was always open to people talking to her, and giving her a chance to come around. She is now 10 months old. I take her to the park regularly. If I would let her, she would go up to every single person in the park to introduce herself. She is absolutely wonderful with everyone, regardless of age. I love watching people look at her. She's so striking in appearance. She has such great confidence and poise. I agree with Erin. Get Marley in a puppy class. I feel sure she will grow put of it quickly.

[Michelle Williams]

Thank you so much, Lynn!  I am hearing everything I was hoping for!!  I need to give her time...

[Tammy and Violet]

When Violet and I go to puppy play time at Petco ... she hangs with the people rather than play with the other dogs... I think some are just like that... too many dogs for her at one time seems overwhelming ...

[Michelle Williams]

Thank you, Tammy & Violet!  I think I will try some of the play time sessions as well.  Every bit of socializing helps, I'm sure!

[Kelly & Zoe]

We got Zoe at 9 1/2 weeks.  In general, she loves people - she doesn't necessarily run right up to them (although often on walks she will), and some people can frighten her initially, but she almost always warms up to them and allows anyone to pet her :-).  We did our best to socialize her as soon as possible to people of all types - men, women, young, old, wearing different things (glasses, hats, etc).  I have never heard that doodles were 'skittish' to people.  It doesn't make sense to me given that  Poodles are very people centric an Goldens and Labs cannot get enough attention (usually) from petting/fetching etc. 

Curious, where was Marley up until 16 weeks?  Do you know how much she was socialized up until that point?

A couple of things I could suggest: Never force Marley to interact with people if she doesn't want to (I know that's probably a no-brainer :-).  When meeting new people, ask Marley to sit, then ask the person to crouch down to her level and let her come to them (if it's someone you interact with a lot, have them give her a treat).  Also, maybe take her to a pet friendly store like PetCo or PetSmart (if she has her shots) and give her a chance to check people out.  If she's really skittish, put her in the cart and just let her observe. 

It's likely just an initial fear thing she'll get over, if you continue to gently introduce her to more people.  Good luck!!

[Kathryn digregorio]

Hi,  Generally Doods are over friendly, but he is young and new.  Breezy went through a stage of fear at about that age or a little younger. She refused to leave the front yard on her leash.  So i put a chair out in the front and just sat with her in the front for several days and she was ok.  Just take it slow.  They are such great pups and all different.  Good luck, hope this helps. Kate and Breezy

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Never, EVER heard   Doodles described has having skittish tendencies or not liking people.  Quite the opposite.

  That being said, they are all different.  I'm guessing with time, patience and lots of socialization, your pup will be just fine.

When out in public, never let kids( or people for that matter) rush at him.  Hold him and comfort him, speaking soothly to him.  Make meeting new people fun and enjoyable for him.  You may even want to bring some treats and let strangers feed him. 

Same within the house.  He needs to feel safe and comfortable in his surroundings.  Hold him while your parents, friends, etc. pet him .comforting him the whole time.

It sort of sounds like he wasn't well socialized while at the breeders....but you can catch him up with no problem.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

I agree with others, just give her time. Maybe she wasn't socialized that much yet.

I think the doodles are the friendliest dog I've ever known.