Scared of other Puppies/dogs

[Tiffany Crawley]

Hi - I have a 14 week old mini goldendoodle who's 9 pounds.  She's scared of all other dogs and puppies, even ones smaller than her.  I have her in puppy class and we live in downtown Chicago in a high-rise so everyday its a struggle because there are so many dogs around.  Since she's been home with us these past 7 weeks she's had no bad experiences with other puppies/dogs.  I'm not sure if this is because we didn't let her go by any other dogs till she was vaccinated besides puppy school.  But even the first day in school she seemed very overwhelmed and not playful. This morning we met an 8 week old labradoodle on a walk who was only 3 pounds and she was scared of him.  She's exactly the opposite with people.  She loves meeting new people and licks them and her tail goes crazy.  

Any advice?  Please HELP!

[LORRY SWETLAND]

She is still checking out her surroundings. I got Turbo at 3 months and 30 lbs and he was cautious about everything around him. Once she gets used to you and if you introduce her slowly to to one thing at a time she will will get better and not so cautious. She's still feeling her way around in this big world.

[Tiffany Crawley]

Thank you, I hope it gets better soon.  She cries and shrieks anytime another dog comes near her :(

 

[Pam Lawrence]

My big Goldendoodle puppy was afraid of other dogs and puppies, too. He would cower and tuck his tail, even though he was always the biggest puppy around. I took him to a puppy play group as soon as he had all of his vaccinations, and he tried to hide in the corner. I was so worried that he would never want to play or interact with other dogs. The good news is that he gradually got more confident and is now the most playful, friendly boy! He loves other dogs and loves to romp. My trainer suggested taking him to a doggie daycare where they slowly introduced him to another very mellow dog. They sat on the ground with him and let the other dog just wander around. He got used to it pretty quickly. I think part of the key to success was that they weren't tense and worried like I was, and that helped him to be calm, too. Give your pup some time, she'll get better!

[Tiffany Crawley]

Thanks Pam! This gives me hope it will get better! 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Pam and Lorry's suggestions and advice is great.  I'd like to add one additional suggestion.  Take her places where you and she can just sit and watch the world without forcing interactions.

[Tiffany Crawley]

Good idea! thank you!