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Help in socializing a shih tzu/poodle mix we just adopted.?
My husband and I just adopted this adorable 18 month old shihtzu/poodle mix. He seems to be afraid of people. He is not mean and does not growl. He is very cute and calm. It is just impossible to get close to him - to pick him up. Once we are able to, he is perfectly content sitting in our laps. But he is so afraid to be approached. The fostering family thinks he may have been mistreated at some point. Does anyone have any tips on how to help him get over this fear of humans? We plan to make it a rewarding experience once we get a hold of him, by petting him and talking nicely, etc. to show him that humans are nice. But we just don't know how to teach him to let us get close to him. Any help?
2 Answers
- 1 decade agoFavorite Answer
Keep in mind that anything with a mouth can bite, particularly scared mouths. Obviously, if he's been mistreated, it'll take some time before he gets used to any people. Just be calm, don't yell or hit, give as much love as you can, and make sure he sees you put down his food dish. Treat him well if he does allow anybody near enough to touch. If he associates people with treats and food and praise, he should come around.
Source(s): One of my Great Danes is a rescue- he was beaten and used as a bait dog for dog fighting. He's still scared of things moving around his head, but he's not nearly as afraid of stuff anymore. - 1 decade ago
Just adopted means you haven't had this dog for long. Time will make a difference, let him learn you. Spend time with him be gentle, don't rush, it'll happen.