I'm the new kid on the block (new puppy)

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Hi,

I am new, in this forum, and being a dog owner, I'm a cat people.

But my wife and kids wanted a dog, and here we are, we are the owner of a Pumi puppy 4 months + 1 week old named Bacsa (it mean chief shepherd in Hungarian).

He is very cute and intelligent.

But, right now, he is very afraid of everyone and every dog. He is by us now for more than 3 weeks, and apart from my wife, 2 kids (aged 9 and 13) and myself (at least when my wife is not present) he is afraid of all people, dogs and also our cat (2 years female and quiet). When we insist for him to be close to people or dogs during our walking, or in the house, some leaks happen, and he is shaking!

We are really sorry for him and want to help him!



Frederic.

Hi and welcome

I have just had to research what a Pumi is as I'd never heard of the breed. They are gorgeous and have very expressive and unique looking ears.


The first thing I would do is get Bacsa checked out at the vets to make sure that he is fit and healthy.

If all is well I would then gradually and gently start introducing him to other people but in a very controlled way. Possibly get a friend of yours to come to your house where hopefully Bacsa is relaxed and just get your friend to sit with you all in the same room. Don't let your friend get eye contact with him. Gradually as Bacsa relaxes get your friend to throw a little piece of food on the floor in front of him. After a while Bacsa should realise that there is nothing to worry about providing your friend initially completely ignores him.

Regarding him being scared of all dogs, try and find a friend who has a reliably friendly dog who won't attempt to jump all over your little dog and gradually introduce them.

Unfortunately it sounds as though little Bacsa is just frightened of anything different. You need to build his confidence and gradually expose him to lots of new sights etc. This is what 'socialising a puppy' is all about but do remember that all of the new experiences have got to be good ones.

Him urinating will be through being scared and stressed.
Has he had some bad experiences?

Socialising puppies is often asked about on here and there are quite a few links. Click on here for some Having big trouble socialising my puppy with other dogs!

At the bottom of that page you will also see some more links which may help you.

Good luck and keep us informed.