Timid Pup (Update)

X2 on what ugly dog said

I'd like to add also that I don't think there is a timid dog out there that cannot be "fixed" for lack of a better word. However, what it boils down to is do I have enough patience to work with this dog long enough and will it even be worth it in the end. Most of the time the patience runs out when it is realize the dog is not worth it. So the dog is labled as unfixable.

My black and tan male (Joe) was wild as a coyote when I got him at 10 months. And he had not been handled to speak of his whole life. I was sceptical about making progress with this dog because this line of dogs are shy natured to begin with. When I got him he was at the point that I would not turn him loose outside of a kennel because I pretty much figured I would have to trap him to catch him. He stayed on his lead or in the kennel. The first thing I did when we got home was walk 3 mile and we got to know each other that way no petting, no talking, and no feeling sorry for him. Its tempting to pet a shy dog to reassure them but I really think that is counter productive because if you pet them when they are showing timidness then that is rewarding the timid behavior. The best thing you can do for a shy dog other than taking them on long walks is go sit in thier kennel but ignor the dog. What I did with Joe was sit on my porch with him on the lead and talk on the phone. He did not know what to do but eventually he relaxed and then I would talk to him a little but but stop if he showed timidness from me talking to him. But It does take time and if you are not a patient person then it might be hard.

Waylon