Question:I've introduced her to my current dog already and they seem to really like eachother. But i have noticed that new dog is extremely submissive and almost afraid of human contact. I really want to bond with her and help her to trust humans because she is really cute and sweet and I know that allot of people will want to pet her, children especially. So Any ideas on how to help her gain confidence and learn to trust?
Answers:
First, you have to be really, really careful that you don't reinforce her submissive behaviour. If you pet her, cuddle her and tell her "it's ok" when she's afraid of something, you're actually telling her that she's right to be afraid. You have to walk that fine line between reinforcing this behaviour and still be supportive of her.
Socialize her a lot, take her to as many different places as you can. When she gets in a situation where she's unsure, keep her fairly close to your side, but act matter-of-fact about it. If you're walking her and she's afraid of a person approaching, take a pocket full of treats with you that she really likes. As the person gets closer, but before she acts afraid, start giving her treats, talk to her in a very upbeat voice. You have to do this a lot and she'll eventually associate new people with her getting yummy treats.
It might also be a good idea to take her to obedience classes with a qualified instructor who knows how to teach timid dogs.
maybe spend some just her time, take her the park, and when you play sit on the ground, so you on more on her level. your height might intimminate her a little. just give her tons of love, she will warm up! good luck!
just lots of love and cuddles if she,s already fitted in with you,r dog she,ll soon fit in with you also she may have been badly treated and it will take a while for her to realise this has stopped and won,t be happening again
time will teach her, its the only thing...just be yourself, and show her that humans are kind..
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