nycmom
Ratastic
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| 07/07/2007 10:04 AM |
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I'm probably worried over nothing, but Penny is very timid.
She follows my every foot step and climbs on my lap, won't budge. I love the fact that she's a lap-dog, but she has taken no interest in any toys, games and surprisingly, she's not even super excited about chicken chunks as treats.
I'm keeping in mind she's only been home for a day, but I'm wondering if since she's already 5 months old, if I will run into issues trying to train her.
Any thoughts? |
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swatson6
Attention Starved
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| 07/07/2007 10:14 AM |
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| Jack took a few days to open up. He was almost 12weeks when we got him. I would give her a little time first, maybe her true personality will change once she gets comfortable. |
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Sarah
Mom to Jack, Jeter and foster mom to Teagan
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nycmom
Ratastic
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| 07/07/2007 10:51 AM |
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That's what I figured. I'll give her some time  |
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KristenP
Ratastic
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| 07/07/2007 10:56 AM |
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| Topper was over a year when we got him and wouldnt do any doggie things either--wouldnt even play with his ball--didnt know what to do with it! Now he is addicted. Penny will open up to you with time and encouragement and being around other dogs helps too! |
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nycmom
Ratastic
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| 07/07/2007 11:01 AM |
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| What type of training method did you use with Topper? It's awesome that you got him to open up after year. |
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KristenP
Ratastic
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| 07/07/2007 11:38 AM |
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| Umm I guess the total immersion program LOL. I have enrolled him in classes which helped him TONS. I know your Penny is just a babe still. Also i got him around lots of other dogs too and he watched what they were doing and caught on quick. I also spend most of my free time with him in one way or another. Wheather it is walking or wrestling on the bed or playing toss or tug or whatever I try to include him. He even comes out to eat with us at places that have outdoor patio service. He still has some work to do but everyone sees the total change. I guess i will never know if he will get over his fear of kids, so its a good thing we dont have any right now. He was a rescue dog so its hard to know what to do when you dont have a clear picture of the past but we just concentrate on the Future. Is there a dog park in your area?? |
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nycmom
Ratastic
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| 07/07/2007 12:51 PM |
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Kristen, you're awesome. I'm thinking of enrolling Penny and myself in a class. We have other animals in the house (two large dogs and a cat), so Penny is not alone, but I think it might be helpful to get out with her. She's small enough to take just about everywhere, which I've been doing already. We've been to Petco a few time, even ran into a fellow ratty there LOL.
The good thing is she LOVES our son...which is worth any effort I have to put forth. |
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KristenP
Ratastic
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| 07/07/2007 1:56 PM |
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Well thank you!! Trust me the classes will do you wonders as well, start with maybe the puppy one...Topper skipped this one as he was too old, but socialization is TOPS! You gotta start young and keep at it even when they get older.
Actually I have been contemplating a change in career again to something dealing with animals. I love them and they love me (most of the time). Why not do what you love and get paid for it? I wish i could bring Topper with me everywhere. I think he would be a good dog. I am considering getting him registered as a therapy dog too, but dont know what that entails. |
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nycmom
Ratastic
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| 07/07/2007 2:04 PM |
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Posted By KristenP on 07/07/2007 1:56 PM
Well thank you!! Trust me the classes will do you wonders as well, start with maybe the puppy one...Topper skipped this one as he was too old, but socialization is TOPS! You gotta start young and keep at it even when they get older.
Actually I have been contemplating a change in career again to something dealing with animals. I love them and they love me (most of the time). Why not do what you love and get paid for it? I wish i could bring Topper with me everywhere. I think he would be a good dog. I am considering getting him registered as a therapy dog too, but dont know what that entails.
That's one of the reasons why I want to ensure that Penny is trained. I think that ratties are awesome therapy dogs. Also, I want to get my young son involved in voluteer work; teach him to give, and be gracious.
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KristenP
Ratastic
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| 07/07/2007 2:07 PM |
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| Do you know how to get him registered? |
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nycmom
Ratastic
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| 07/07/2007 2:51 PM |
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I was looking at Therapy Dogs International: www.tdi-dog.org/whatdo.html
Do you know of another place?
I'm going to get Penny enrolled in some obedience classes, see how she does and then looking into getting her registered.
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KristenP
Ratastic
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| 07/07/2007 3:13 PM |
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| Well it appears that Topper has more schooling if he wants to be registered with them. You need to pass the Good Citizen Test. |
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nycmom
Ratastic
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| 07/07/2007 3:16 PM |
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| Judging by Topper's pose, I'd say he's a good citizen...I'd given him the seal of approval LOL |
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KristenP
Ratastic
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| 07/07/2007 3:30 PM |
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LoL
It took me and another person to get that pic...always looking around to see what is going on ya know...
I do have to say it is one of my favorites.. |
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nycmom
Ratastic
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| 07/09/2007 6:18 PM |
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| Penny starts class on Thursday! She's going to be in a puppy class with a German Shepard. That should prove to be interesting LOL. |
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Susan
Terrier Terror
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| 07/16/2007 6:22 PM |
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| I have trained timid dogs before and they are usually really easy to train. If she really is timid and not just trying to get used to the change in situation. It take at while before dogs get used to any major change. Puppies adjust faster than older dogs but they too need time. If she truely is timid, training will be the difference in her life. Timid dogs need to know where they stand with their people more than normal dogs. They need to be good doggies and have their people happy with them. Timid dogs too are more likely to be fear biters if they have no training or are insecure in any way. For dogs, TRAINING=SECURITY. |
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ANYTHING WORTH DOING IS WORTH OVERDOING Mom of eight, only three left at home! Pack leader to ten ratties: Maggie, Mysty, Berry, Simon, Ceecee and five puppies, Star,Sari, Bluebelle, Double stuf,and Snortie. As well as Ginger the Border Collie and a herd of turkeys! |
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nycmom
Ratastic
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| 07/16/2007 7:43 PM |
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Posted By Susan on 07/16/2007 6:22 PM
I have trained timid dogs before and they are usually really easy to train. If she really is timid and not just trying to get used to the change in situation. It take at while before dogs get used to any major change. Puppies adjust faster than older dogs but they too need time. If she truely is timid, training will be the difference in her life. Timid dogs need to know where they stand with their people more than normal dogs. They need to be good doggies and have their people happy with them. Timid dogs too are more likely to be fear biters if they have no training or are insecure in any way. For dogs, TRAINING=SECURITY.
Every word made so much sense.
I'm not absolutely sure that she's timid. She's starting to open up, but she's definitely not as outwardly ascertive as we're accustomed to.
We've been showering her with positive attention and plenty of positive rewards; I think it's paying off. She's just starting to play with her toys and she gets very excited now when we call her, or come into a room. I wonder if I might have jumped the gun, in labeling her timid. Regardless, the training is worth it 100%. |
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rattytatty
Newbie
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| 07/16/2007 9:22 PM |
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Just like people, each dog has his/her own personality. Sometimes these differences can be a matter of genetics, sometimes they can be learned through their life experiences. Regardless of whether it's one or the other... or both...there are several things you can do to help your dog become more confident. If your dog is actually timid or shy, you can help her by using some obedience training, socialization, and confidence building exercises. By working on basic commands, you’ll have the opportunity to praise her for learning something new. This can be an excellent confidence builder.
Be sure never to pet your dog while afraid. For example, if you pet your dog while she’s shying away from a visitor, she’ll think you’re praising him for being scared. She will not feel soothed. Instead, gently tell her "No", and help her to behave more naturally by doing some obedience commands, playing ball, or some other common activity. Praise your dog after she’s acting more relaxed, and encourage her to receive a treat or a pat from your friends.
Sounds like you are making progress with your positive reinforcement. Good for you!!!
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