Scaredy-Doodle

[Rita and Fazzy]

Hi there....we have a 15 week old Labradoodle, we have had him almost 4 weeks now.  He just had his 2nd set of vaccines a few days ago, so we were able to take him to a puppy romp today at the Humane Society (just part of their training programs).  He seems to want to play with our other two small dogs sooo bad, but they don't want much to do with him.  We expected that he'd jump right in and start playing, but were totally surprised when he hung back, afraid....and barking at the other puppies that came running up.  We took him to the "shy puppy" side, but he still wasn't much for "mingling". 

 

Since he was late in starting vaccines, then had the 2nd set put off a week due to diahrrea (he had giardia - thankfully we were able to clear it up), we couldn't really get him out and about to socialize.  All our friends have small dogs who are less than interested in him.

 

Has anyone else had this happen with their doddle, and did it get better the more he/she was exposed to other pups/dogs?  Also, I did notice that he was getting a treat from a gal there, and her pup was standing right there too and he snarked at the other pup - and I'm sure that it was over the treat.  I don't want that kind of behaviour going on, but not sure how to curb it.  I will talk to the trainer at puppy class, but if anyone has any ideas, please feel free to share.

 

I love reading about everyone's doodles.... :-)

 

Rita

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Hi Rita!  When we first started socialization classes with our labradoodle she would actually hide from all the other dogs while running loose in the class. She would hide behind the chairs, jump up on our laps, cry and just not want to be with any of them.  After about the fourth week she very slowly started to go up to a dog and sniff and visit and by the sixth week she was running with the best of them and having a great time.  Our trainer said some are just take a longer time to socialize.  Now she loves everyone, every dog and even cats.  She is very friendly and loving to all.  So hang in there he will be fine.

[Rita and Fazzy]

Thanks for sharing the story...gives me hope.  Guess I was wanting too much all at once  :-)  We have a very shy/timid Cavapoo when it comes to dogs she doesn't know and I really hope that he's more outgoing.  I'm sure we'll get there.....patience, patience, patience!!  :-)

[Linda And Loo]

Hi! Loo is cautious when she meets new dogs or is in a new setting! If RB, our Cavanese, who is extremely outgoing, joins in, Loo joins in right away. When she is by herself she checks things out before joining a new group. Loo was very, very, shy at first and it has gotten better as she has gotten older. Personally I prefer Loo's approach to meeting new dogs than I do RB's. I sometimes worry that new dogs will mistake RB's enthusiasm with aggression!

[Rita and Fazzy]

Hi Linda....thanks for the response...I'm hoping that with increased exposure, we'll draw him out of his shell.  He hasn't had his 3rd round of shots yet...a couple more weeks...but, I'm trying to get him out where I can and know it's safe.  We have a Cavapoo who is very shy, although she loooooves all people, as does Fazz.....but, it's the other doggies that kinda scare him and her.

Love the name of Loo!!!

[Bev and Tess]

What a cutie you have! We also have a chocolate and just love them! We have gone to a Doodle romp that is held once a month in Portland . It's amazing the differances in their socializing. Tess really thinks they should all be friends, and loves the running and wrestling the best!!! Some of the others just do the sniffing thing the whole time, while others really don't want to be there at all. Since yours is so young I think he will be just fine, as long as you keep going often. Good luck!

[Rita and Fazzy]

Thanks Bev.....I imagine that since that was all a new situation for him, that may have been a good part of his fear/shyness.  We'll keep going as long as Oregon Humane keeps having puppy romps (until he's 5 months)...and I'm looking forward to bringing him to Fido's for the doodle romp as well.  We are going to start to introduce daycare as well, and hopefully with increased exposure to other dogs/puppies, he'll slowly come out of his shell!!   Hopefully we'll meet you at Fido's sometime soon!!!  Tess is a sweeeetie!!

[Bev and Tess]

Thanks! Dogs do much better if they get socialized young, then if you try and do it when you realize later there is a problem. That goes for adults and small children, as well as dogs. Sounds like you are going to do that, so it should be fine. Tess really got a lot of each, so she is fine with all, but then she doesn't understand when they aren't interested in her:) That's hard to teach, so we end up using the leave it comand. The romps should start up again when the weather gets bad. If you join the Portland group here on Doodlekisses you will get an email for the next one. Hope to see you there!

[Hazel & Chester Wayte]

It was amazing to see the transformation in Chester at the Puppy Socialization classes we went to. During the Off leash play- first class Chester hid behind our chairs. 2nd and 3rd.. he would play with a smaller puppy who wasn't very aggressive. However when a more aggresive player came along he ran ran away. By the 6th week- Chester was wanting to play with all of them. although he was very cautious around one of the older more 'aggressive players'..

We weren't allowed to interject at that time- It sure was hard. I guess I have come a long way too.

When we first introduced him to dog parks- at 8 months He hung back around us. Then would check out some dogs- and eventually would play with some similar ages and personalities. Now at 1 months.. He plays with most dogs- but prefers one on one. and he has some dogs he avoids.

[Jennett Pulley]

I know this is off topic, but I thought the pup had to have all his/her shots before it is able to go out with other dogs?  We've been penned up FOREVER, it seems.  :)

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

I'd be sure to expose Lolli to new dogs, lots of different people (ages, sizes, races, genders), and as many new experiences as possible before she is fully vaccinated.  Obviously, you'll want to be sure that you know the dogs and that she doesn't go to places where other animals have eliminated.  Socializing her at a young age is so important.  I wouldn't wait!