Scared 7 Month old Dog?!? (Havanese)?

This sounds like a dog who was never properly socialized by the breeder or she's just plain a dog with a bad temperament. Dogs who are as skittish as this one sounds often turn into fear biters and those are dogs that can never be trusted.

What you need to do if you want to keep this dog is take her to classes (NOT Pet Smart, you need somewhere with highly qualified trainers who understand dogs). It's too hard to tell what's going on with her without seeing her and her interactions, but the fact that she's good with your 2 year old is a good sign. She would not be this bad just because she's new to your house and you have to stop her growling and snapping right now - she will bite if she's not made to realize this is not acceptable.

Your best bet if you want to keep this dog is to get her to classes. What were this breeders other dogs like? I doubt she's the only one with temperament problems.

She need not necessarily have been through anything - her nature is probably not very outgoing (what breed?), and for sure, she's not been socialised - exposed to these noises, up to now. Just treat her as if she was 8 weeks old, not 7 months, and introduce her to normal everyday sights and sounds gradually. She'll probably come round, with your reassurance and if you don't force anything on her. Introduce the collar, and then the lead, but do not drag her. Encourage her forward with treats, and lots of praise. If you can find some puppy socialising classes, explain to the leader that she's very shy and they will probably let you join in with the babies, or at least sit in on the classes. This should help bring her out of herself. Can you find out a bit about her background - often this opens doors that remain shut at this point. Good luck - I'd bet in a week or two, once she's settled in with you, you will see a changed baby.

It could go either way. Going to a new home is stressful on any animal (I just finished moving, and it was stressful on me too!) but it could also be a permanent part of her personality. I have a cat with the same problem; I socialized her as much as I could, but she loves me and hisses and/or scratches anyone else who gets close. My other cat is really laid back and social, so I know it's not anything I did wrong when I was raising them. I figured she would eventually grow out of her attitude problem, but it's almost 3 years later and she's still a little *****. Animals, just like people, are a product of "nature and nurture". It's fortunate that she's friendly with your 2 year old, a lot of skittish dogs don't like kids. I hope everything works out with her. :)

This is a little tricky, but if she is scared still... your husband and you should not encourage it by worrying everytime your going to attempt socializing her with him. Let me explain....because she showed that once, we as humans worry that the next time will be the same, so your cat picks up on that....Instead, have your husband ignore her kinda....sit with her or your husband and if she comes close your husbands continues to only worry about you and you about him....your cat will feel the calm vibes and if she chooses not to go to him, it's okay. Do this frequently and her guard will come down....gradually.... she needs time without you pushing her to do it..... let him gradually do the feedings vs. you.... lay a very very delicious treat by him for her to go to...but later on in the process and if she goes to it...let her enjoy it, don't make a fuss or attempt for him to touch her, because she is building the trust, and pushing her limits won't help..... hope this helps...

just work with her. take one on one time n family time wither. have everyone talk nice and sweet, no loud talking or angry voices at all. sometimes their past is bad, but u can make it a brighter future her. just show her plenty of love and have the whole family pitch in because every bit counts. once she sees the effort being put into it, she'll show great appreciation. all it takes is time. so for her sake, please dont give up.

its normal she is not sure of the things around her she will get used to it but it might take her awhile she also might be just scared young dogs do that its is totally normal .also try to socialize with her more so she can get used to being around alot of people. start letting her know when she is doing something by like lightly taping her in the nouse its will not hurt her it will just let her know not to do it.that is all i can do for you try it ,it might work you never know with puppies.

dont give her away she trust you she loves you and if she is that scared do you really think that giving her away is going to help?spend more time with her have your husband give her a treat maybe she will start to like him better.

she needs time to adjust and reassurance from you that your husband is ok it may help your hubby if he carries treats with him so when he comes around her he can offer a treat and in time she'll feel more comfortable around him.

i would take her to the vet and ask if u should put her on valum because even my cat was crazy and wanted to scratch and attack EVERYTHING we took him to the vet and they put him on valum

maybe she had a bad past or sumthing