Timid dog

There are some really good posts here. I have had some of my very best mtn curs to be somewhat shy. These dogs don't hunt well around hog hunters that lose it when a hog is caught and don't like a lot of screaming and hollering. These dogs might be very good bay dogs but hold back some in a baying contest because of the loud crowds. The very best are worth babying some but then I have had some with almost the exact same breeding that weren't bothered with loud noises etc. etc. that were just as good but I didn't have to worry about giving them special treatment because of shyness because they were not shy.

Some of the shyness comes from genetics and some of these pups will be ok but they will need extra amounts of socialization. These type of dogs will always need to be handled carefully. Most of these types do not need much correction.

There is a window for socializing all pups to different situations and environments. This window of oppurtunity starts around 4 weeks to about 14 weeks. I think 6 to 8 weeks is a critical period and if the pup is taken away from the litter too young like 4 weeks of age and is not socialized around other dogs then it will have trouble getting along with other dogs when grown.

I start blowing into their noses and talking to them when they are several days old and bang pots and pans and handle them starting at birth, and lots of petting, also shoot a cap gun to announce feeding time. I don't allow the pups to act hyper around me unless it is play time.

The pups need to be around strange dogs and strange people. To me it is very important to work with the pups and make sure they are getting the attention they need.

It is important that the pups trust me and want to be around me but I also want them to range out and explore.

This shy pup that you have I would probably not keep it unless it is a top hunting dog that gets gone and finds and bays hog. If the pup is of this caliber I would take the time and work with him.

I try to breed dogs that are naturals and those that require very little taining and socializing. Just remember that a dog that takes a lot of training or socializing is a dog that more than likely will pass those traits to it's offspring.