What a difference a week makes

[Dot, Maggie and KoKo]

I wrote earlier in the week that our new six month old  miniGD, Maggie, was afraid of doing stairs.  Well we have overcome that and learned already to ring bells to go out.  She is very timid, afraid of noises and doesn't know how to play which seems so strange to me.  She won't play tug or fetch.  She loves to just lay around or be on your lap.  I know all dogs are different and I'm not complaining about a laid back doodle that hasn't destroyed anything (YET) but is her behavior indicative of something wrong?  When you describe your doodle as being laid back is this the behavior you mean?  Her half sister, Rosie,  (same dad) was a monster at the same age.  Putting the two dogs together has Rosie jumping all around wanting to play with her new friend and poor Maggie just looking at her like she wants to be left alone to veg out. 

[Camilla and Darwin]

I don't think being laid back is a problem at all. We specifically chose Darwin for his laid back nature and love that he's a little more mellow. However, being timid and afraid of noises can be a problem. Working with her on that would be a good idea. If she is food motivated, get very tasty treats and feed them to her around or during things she is afraid of. Over time, she may start to associate a a more positive feeling with those things. I would continue to socialize her thoroughly with people, places, and animals. Even noises. Good luck!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Our puppy was like that the first week. He really seemed a little scared and just wanted to be right next to me, or preferably in my lap. Once he got comfortable with his new home he really "came out of his shell". It may just be that Maggie is anxious right now. I'd expose her to new things at her own pace. In six weeks, you may look back at this and wonder where this quiet, shy little puppy went. LOL

[Debbie and Thomas]

I agree with Jane. Our dood was quite timid for a few weeks,,, kind of afraid of things,especially when in the car. Within a few weeks he came out of his shell and then he had his "wild time" every evening after 5. That is when the vampire started to appear.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I agree with Jane too. Fudge was very timid initially and that is not a word anyone would use to describe her now. She was fearful of the vacuum cleaner, mop, etc. I thought about stopping cleaning, but just worked with treats, etc. and now she could care less. Puppy class helped and settling in at our home. I would give her time to adjust to your home and you will see changes.

[Dot, Maggie and KoKo]

Maggie was with the breeder who is in Virginia. She was transported to Massachusetts to the home of the breeder's son where we picked her up. That long ride and being left in a strange place with people she didn't know probably was traumatic. Then the poor thing came with us, more strangers.

She is getting a whole lot better with people, has become my shadow and best friend. She's a wonderful little doodle. Last Friday she went to the vet for shots and blood work. Today she is being spayed. Another trauma for her but I think this will be the end of all she has to put up with and can now settle into her new life as Princess of our home. She is a love.