Socialising

Talk me through this socialising things then.

Out on our walk earlier we came across ALOT of things that seemed to really scare Woody and I want to be sure I'm dealing with it in the right way.

He's scared of cars, people, leaves blowing, lorries (he's petrified of these and stood still and peed earlier when one went past). I tend to just ignore him, keep walking (where possible) and then praise him when it's over?

I took him to meet a lady with a buggy and some workmen earlier. He went low, but tail was wagging and eventually he approached them (I told them to ignore him and let him come to them) and let them pet him.

Is this OK? Any tips?

Ignoring fearful behaviour is good, but be careful you're not praising him when he's still in his fearful mode.

Also, tail wagging isn't always a sign of friendliness. I think if his body is held low to the ground with his tail wagging then he might be still a bit scared?

But sounds ok to me, just keep taking him out and letting him experience loads of things. Stay relaxed yourself - that's the most important thing I've learned.

HTH x

Pidge

You are doing really well, don't keep doubting yourself. The more stuff you introduce him to in a calm, matter of fact way, the better for him. Your confidence will travel straight down the lead into his brain!

When Ollie was little I used to take to places where there would be loads of other dogs so he could meet them. He got told off quite regularly by other dogs for being rude, and has now learnt some beautiful manners towards other dogs. He has learnt that small yappy dogs are best avoided, and Rotties need maximum respect, from a distance if necessary. Other dogs are fine provided you don't charge at them. Older, pottery dogs won't want to play, so don't waste your time. Staffies are usually a hoot and love a game, if you are polite in the first instance....

Easy, peasy, you and Woody will have a faulous time!

Maxine

Thanks mum

Just keep doing what you are doing, taking him to meet every situation you will no doubt come across when he is older. Like Sarah said, don't praise him when he is still fearful as he will think you are praising him for that state of mind and will always pull it back up to get your praise in the future. We took Wembley to the Rememberance Day Parade a few weeks ago and we sat outside a coffee shop with him. The band went past and he shot under a chair, people all around us going 'aaaaah, he's scared' and H and I just sat there drinking our coffee. He came out whilst it was still going past and stood on the edge of the pavement trying to sniff them when he realised they weren't coming for him

It's OK to be scared, when you first encounter a situation... The second time you're not quite as scared and the third time even less... Especially if your carer is not scared at all and ignore your feelings...

Rewarding the behaviour can be positive or negative... Make sure that doesn't happen... So... no reaction either way...

ETA... You're doing great! Believe in YOU!

Thanks guys!

I did notice he was much better on his walk yesterday. He now seems unfazed by cars (unless they're really noisy) and We stood across the road from some noisy builders and watched so he could be sure that they're not going to hurt him. I was worried the builders might think I was perving!