Change in behavior

[Sally Huff]

I've noticed in the past month or so, Gracie who will be 2 1/2 yrs. old in June, has become alittle fearful of people.  Not with our family, but out in public.  Before she was very excited to meet eveyone.  Just before this change she was certified to be a therapy dog.  She has been very well socialize and goes everywhere with me that she can.  She also pooped in the car twice, which she has never done before.  I am with her 24/7, except when I need to leave her home alone.  It's just the two of us now and I'm the only one that walks and tends to her needs.  So my husband gets all the best, kisses, belly rubs and snuggles.  I really don't think she had a bad experiences, she has never been without my care.  She still loves to go to agility classes and is fine with the other dogs and their owners.  Although last week, in class, she had a bad case of the zoomies and wouldn't come to me when I called her.  This is something that we worked on when she was a puppy.  I thought we had licked it.  Could this be another fear phase? I'll talk to our trainer this week but I was hoping for some feed back.  Thanks so much!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Possibly another "Fear Stage"?   Google fear stages in dogs....I tried to copy and paste one here for you, but it was an Adobe link and would copy.

[Sally Huff]

Thanks, I did.  Some said another fear stage was around 18 months to two yrs. old.  Maybe I have a late bloomer.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Glad you were able to find some info on it!  :)

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

How does her fear of people manifest....what is she doing that makes you feel that she is fearful and in what context do you see these behaviors?

[Sally Huff]

Thanks.  When we're walking, Gracie will see people coming at us and gets  excited as usual.  But when they approach her to say hi or reach out to her, she will back away and even dip her head down a little.  At first I thought it was just men but she has done this with women as well.  Then as we walk away she keeps looking back at  them.  Again, just out in public and not with our family.  I try and stay calm and say "silly girl, lets go".I don't make a fuss about it.  She is such a sweet girl and as you know people are drawn to our doodles.  At this point she couldn't do therapy work.  I just want her happy.