sudden shyness towards men?!?!? and great socializing article....

[Kristine and Charlie]

I thought we had done a lot to socialize Charlie so far but after reading a really good article on socializing/exposing puppies I realized there is a lot we haven't covered or done enough of with him.  I'm now feeling anxious that he is already 7 months old.  See the link below for the article.  I think the section of '12 by 12 weeks old' is so beneficial for all new puppy owners to follow as soon as they bring puppy home.  I haven't seen it put that way (12 by 12) and liked how thorough the list was.  So anyways today we took Charlie to Lowe's to do a little shopping but mainly to meet people and see new things.  I can't believe it was the first time we've taken him there because it's such a good place to meet all kinds of people and to see all kinds of crazy things (large carts, ladders, forklifts etc).  I think we will be visiting there a few times a week now because I noticed he was acting shy towards men.  He wouldn't shrink down or run away from them he just wouldn't approach them.  When we stopped to talk to a friendly (dog liking) man and he tried to pet him Charlie wouldn't come close.  When I gave a few men treats to offer Charlie he had no problem coming closer and eating it but wouldn't warm up and stay close.  Otherwise he was very well behaved walking around with me for 45 minutes and walking past or near men wasn't a problem.  I'm concerned because he loves many men in my life (husband, bro/father-in law, neighbor etc...) and hasn't had any issues before.  He is a pretty confident, calm dog who hasn't been afraid of anything so far.  He has been completed a couple classes and is enrolled in two right now, goes to multiple pet stores often and is around kids all the time.  So my question's are...Is this a stage and if so what is the best way to get him through it?  I'm seriously going to Lowe's a few times a week starting now because it's an obvious manly place ;) but when I'm there what should I do....approach dog friendly men and have them give him treats or just talk to men while he is near me so he knows it's fine or???

 

http://ahimsadogtraining.com/blog/puppy-training/

 

 

[Carol and Banjo]

It sounds like you've done a great  job so far.  If Charlie isn't shrinking away from men and is good with the men in your life then I'd say the behavior he displayed is just his personal preference.   Taking him out to Lowe's more frequently and having different men and others greet him is a great idea and who knows...maybe Charlie will "warm up" to strange men.   Banjo is just the opposite...he seems to stay detached with strange females and is more open and friendly with men.   We noticed this tendency very early on.   It's funny to observe once you've picked up on it.

 

[Jaime and Barley Barker]

This might sound silly, but are these men really tall? Barley isn't afraid of men, but he gets nervous if a really tall person approaches him quickly. Once the person leans down closer to his level, he's fine. Their height might be what's intimidating Charlie. You can socialize as much as you can, but you can't account for every strange situation. I discovered that Barley can't recognize me when I have a winter hat, hood, and gloves on. I came home from work two weeks ago, and Barley was in the yard. (Someone had let him out.) He didn't realize it was me. He peeked around the car, saw me when I stepped out, became terrified, and went running across the yard, howling while he ran. He wouldn't calm down until I took off my winter gear. Then he acted really goofy. I'd say he was embarrassed.

[Bonne Bouche]

The "embarrassment" is so cute!

[Adina P]

Well unless Charlie starts a consistent pattern of shying away from men, I would not make anything of this ONE incident. Perhaps THAT particular man was a bit intimidating to him as a total stranger.  If it continues with new men Charlie meets, then you might want to intervene but otherwise just continuing to take him places probably will take care of it.  Some dogs I think are like some kids...some will jump on anyone ready to kiss them and others are a bit more selective.

[Kristine and Charlie]

If it continues...how would I intervene.  Also, I was thinking about it and he is definately around more women (trainers, local pet store, family/friends, more moms up at school than dads).

[Adina P]

By intervene I just mean putting concerted effort into working him around men and creating more planned situations with men who behave appropriately around dogs.  Nothing 'special' and your taking him out to Lowes and other places is probably just fine.

[Kristine and Charlie]

So I took him to Lowe's again and this time he seemed more at ease with men at first, in fact, the first 2 women we saw he didn't want to approach.  That was new.  Then I noticed he wasn't into ones who were a little more outgoing on talking to him or wanting to pet.  He did want attention and petting from a handul of men and women but most of the time I just walked up and down the aisles and worked on some obedience.  I'm really hoping it's just a fear stage because he used to be a wiggly puppy who wanted to greet everyone.  Or maybe it's just the big-ness and new-ness of Lowe's overall......

[Carol and Banjo]

It sounds like he's just being a little more "selective".   I've always noticed that the people who made a direct and high pitched verbal approach (mostly women) were the ones Banjo kind of "snubbed".   I think you're doing the right thing...bringing him out in different situations..and meeting different people.  It will be interesting for you to observe how he reacts to all of the different personalities he meets.     I still haven't quite figured Banjo out yet...he really goes "ga ga" over some people (mostly men) and can be a real "snob" with others...(mostly high pitched very talkative women).     Is he really demonstrating fearfulness?   Or is he being stand offish.....I think there is a difference for sure.

[Adina P]

I agree with you Carol.  I don't think it's necessarily fear or any kind of fear to worry over.  I do think some dogs like some people more than they like others...for whatever reason.  Unless it interferes with your life or his, I don't think it's a problem to be overly concerned over.

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

Simon is a much more conservative dog than Connor. Simon loves most women, adores kids of all ages, but large, loud, boisterous men can make him hide behind my legs. He loves my husband and he's fine with other men we meet.

Another thing I've noticed is any store with a variety of unfamiliar smells can cause a different reaction in your dog. I see it where I work everyday. Best thing to do is just act like all is good and normal. The dog will pick up on your positive attitude and gain confidence. A few little treats and giving him a chance to sniff around help too. :-) The more you visit the store, the unfamiliar becomes familiar and all is well.

 

[Bonne Bouche]

We are working very hard to make sure Bonne Bouche gets the best socialization he can early on. (Our main reason from getting from a breeder). I read the article before, and feel like we're doing a good job of most of the suggestions. I was wondering what the reasoning behind these two could be?

Eaten from 12 different shaped containers: wobbly bowl, metal, cardboard box, paper, coffee cup, china, pie plate, plastic, frying pan, Kong, Treatball, Bustercube, spoon fed, paper bag, etc……

Eaten in 12 different locations: back yard, front yard, crate, kitchen, basement, laundry room, bathroom, friend’s house, car, school yard, bathtub, up high (on work bench), under umbrella, etc….

The rest of the suggestions make common sense (people/dogs/situations) but why is the food container/location variety important?

[Jenny & Henry]

Thanks for posting that article, it was really helpful!