Timid Basset

MissChloe · 11-20-2011, 08:04 PM

I have a question....I am a first time Basset owner and I have had her since she was 3 months old. She is now 7 months old and is very afraid of new people she meets. She runs away from them and tries to hide.....the hair stands up on her neck and rump. I am at a loss as to why she is doing this. We don't have the opportunity to have her around alot of different people so this worries me. We have a 4 yr old Black Lab and he is the most bubbly fella and loves everyone so this is new to us. She isn't yelled at or abused....it is just the opposite, she is kind of babied. We just love this little girl and want to help her out with this.

Mikey T · 11-20-2011, 08:33 PM

Quote:

We don't have the opportunity to have her around alot of different people so this worries me.

That is the cause unfortunately this is not something easily fixed at this stage see
Puppy Socialisation and Habituation (Part 1) Why is it Necessary?

Position Statement on Socialization American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior

Countdown to a Crackerjack Canine Companion

unfortunately the window to socialize the dog has passed so it is going to take a lot more work to help her and then it is not likely to be perefect but you can make it better but it will take planning and a lot of work
I would suggest the following booklet as a good place to start.
CAUTIOUS CANINE

bubbad · 11-21-2011, 12:11 PM

I find if babied the they become more so,I'm not saying don't comfort her but you shouldn't coddle her either.Take her out more with the Lab around people she wioll learn he isn't afraid so she doesn't have to be either .Was she like this at three months ? Did she shy away from you whereever you got her from? Don't force her to allow people to pet her she could fear bite.Maybe have more friends or relitives come to your house and play with her.Not to many as to overwhelm her just one or two till she reacts better.

MissChloe · 11-21-2011, 09:58 PM

Thanks for the advice.....I will try this. When we got her she was not skittish at all. She was a very mellow girl but that has changed...she loves to rough house with our lab. We had some family over yesterday and she tried to hide at first but eventually warmed up some and when she was ready to have them pet her she slowly approached them and rolled over to have her belly rubbed. It is a small start but it is something. I won't give up!!!

Wworm · 11-21-2011, 11:35 PM

yay Ms. Chloe! and we love your pics

11-20-2011, 08:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
MissChloe Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 51	Timid Basset I have a question....I am a first time Basset owner and I have had her since she was 3 months old. She is now 7 months old and is very afraid of new people she meets. She runs away from them and tries to hide.....the hair stands up on her neck and rump. I am at a loss as to why she is doing this. We don't have the opportunity to have her around alot of different people so this worries me. We have a 4 yr old Black Lab and he is the most bubbly fella and loves everyone so this is new to us. She isn't yelled at or abused....it is just the opposite, she is kind of babied. We just love this little girl and want to help her out with this.

11-21-2011, 11:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
Wworm Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Left Coast Posts: 1,972	yay Ms. Chloe! and we love your pics __________________ see what the Worm is up to: http://bassetworm.blogspot.com/

11-21-2011, 12:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
bubbad Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Boiling Springs,Pa Posts: 1,347	I find if babied the they become more so,I'm not saying don't comfort her but you shouldn't coddle her either.Take her out more with the Lab around people she wioll learn he isn't afraid so she doesn't have to be either .Was she like this at three months ? Did she shy away from you whereever you got her from? Don't force her to allow people to pet her she could fear bite.Maybe have more friends or relitives come to your house and play with her.Not to many as to overwhelm her just one or two till she reacts better.

11-21-2011, 09:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
MissChloe Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 51	Thanks for the advice.....I will try this. When we got her she was not skittish at all. She was a very mellow girl but that has changed...she loves to rough house with our lab. We had some family over yesterday and she tried to hide at first but eventually warmed up some and when she was ready to have them pet her she slowly approached them and rolled over to have her belly rubbed. It is a small start but it is something. I won't give up!!!

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