How to train a nervous dog?

Question

I have a 3 year old cavalier king charles spaniel who I love to bits. Unfortunately the time I got her I was depressed and anxious and didn't know anybody or even like going out (except walking her when she was old enough of course) so I didn't socialize her very well. 

When she got to a certain age and I started going out more and being around more people, she started to be scared of everybody apart from my mum and sister because we lived with them for a few months when she was a puppy. She also loves my 5 month old niece. 

The trouble is when we're out and about. She is a beautiful dog so we often see people who want to make a fuss of her. Sometimes we walk her into town and when there are a lot of people about she barks at me and jumps up at me until I pick her up. This makes her impossible to walk when there are a number of people about. 

When people try to stroke her she struggles away from them and if I hold her she struggles in my arms. If a dog tries to get anywhere near her she tries to get away from them as far away as possible. My mum has a staffordshire bull terrier who always wants to make a fuss of my dog but she's scared of her. And if I stay at my mum's we can't keep both dogs in the same room which we would love to do. 

I have other family members who we don't see often but when they come to visit us she barks at them and acts the same way as she does with strangers. It's the same with friends who come over. She barks constantly even when we put her in another room. 

Around me and my dad she is a very happy dog with a bubbly personality. We want people to see the dog that we see, not as a nervous dog. 

Is it too late to train her? If not, how can we train her to stop being scared of other people or dogs?

☆ Memphis Belle ☆ · Accepted Answer

Never too late to work on increasing a dog’s confidence and with the right attitude from you, calm, confident and controlled so when she checks back at you, she sees someone unflappable that does not share in her concern and more likely to calm down, tolerance to triggers increase and trust you to look out for and protect her. 

Consider contacting Stan Rawlinson to discuss your dog’s behaviour as he or another good dog trainer experienced in retraining dogs to think that the world is not such a scary place and bolster their confidence, may be able to help you to help her. 

What can be achieved depends on the dog’s basic temperament, but that said, there are few that cannot be improved if you put the work in, and tackle it with patience, determination and appreciation that some days will be better than others and you can cannot change a less confident dog into a naturally bold and self-confident one.

http://www.doglistener.co.uk/fearful_dogs/fearful_dogs.shtml



http://www.doglistener.co.uk/fearful_dogs/fearful_dogs.shtml

? · Answer

I would suggest group training and maybe agility classes or something similar to get her socialised with other dogs and people, while being distracted by the obstacles. My dog is a rescue and was quite similar, but this seems to have given him a lot more confidence. 

Another recommendation I have for anxiety is a product called a Thundershirt (sounds mad, which is what I thought), but my dog suffered from separation anxiety quite majorly, the thundershirt is basically a jacket with velcro, it is meant to put pressure on certain parts of the back which has a relaxing effect (they advertise it as being like a hug). Since my dog has been wearing this when alone his anxiety levels have decreased dramatically, he seems quite happy to be on his own (as long as he has had a walk because he's full of beans). It's worth a go, if you get them on you tube they have some crazy results on there. 

Also they're never too old to be trained, mine was 1 and a half when we got him, and although not perfect, now he is three he is much happier and well rounded!

? · Answer

You have a tough situation. Your dogs not a puppy....and you have know idea what is causing her to be nervious.Trying to correct her may make it worse. I would ask your dad to see a professional trainier. This could become much worse.You can try yourself but you will needc to do allot of research.. By seperating your sog and closing her in another room is NOT good. This is a way to train Security/guard dogs and if done wrong youll have more trouble.
Seriousally, to help you all out and be fair to your awesome dog, ask your vet to refeer you to a dog trainner. It is well worth the money and may be able to see if there are vollenteer trainers. Some schools for vets and vet techs will help.
Its not to late at all. But I think you should get help locally and you all will have a better life.

If your within 3 hours of Pittsburgh PA I can train her....

Brian Griffin · Answer

Picking her up or reassuring her will only reinforce her anxiety. So will locking her in a room, you have removed the problem for your sake but not for hers and she may see this as punishment.
Take her to a public place, don't pick her up, keep her near to you on the lead and if she becomes anxious tell her to 'settle' and make her lay down.
She'll probably try to get on your lap or want you to  pick her up. Don't interact in any other way apart from telling her again to 'settle'. She'll soon get the meaning of this.
Don't allow anyone to approach her just tell them she's in training.
This takes the pressure from the dog and eventually she should realise you are protecting her in a calm and correct way and she doesn't have to deal with any unnecessary situations herself.  This is often why a nervous dog ends up biting (not saying that yours will).
After a while she should be able to sit calmly and watch the world go by.
Once you feel comfortable that she's reached a stage where she can sit without any hassle allow the odd stranger -once in a while - to give her a favourite treat, carry some with you.
This is all positive training and she will need time but its perfectly do-able.
You can take this as far as you wish but give her time and patience.

pierced_chick123 · Answer

It is not too late to train! 

I would recommend finding a trainer that can help you with an exercise called desensitization and counter conditioning. 

I have used it many times with students and have had great success. 

The reason I recommend finding a professional to help you is because they will be able to read your dogs body language and make sure you don't go to far to fast. It is very effective technique but only if used correctly

? · Answer

I would suggest taking her to a training class where she can meet lots of other dogs and people and mix with them, it will take time and patience. She needs to learn that there is nothing to be afraid of, hopefully she will build up confidence. You as an owner must also keep calm and confident as dogs can easily pick up human emotions. At the training class you will also be able to get professional advice, good luck!!

Anonymous · Answer

I would say if you haven't tried it already to try putting her in kennels for bit so she can see other dogs around or if there is a local dog show, you could try taking her there so she can see other people and dogs.

Anonymous · Answer

If your dog has behavioural problems and you want to train him, you can find a lot of good tips here http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=315
It's a very good program and easy to use.
I hope it helps

? · Answer

the trainer has to wear shorts, and chew bubblegum and look hard !

Trending News

How to train a nervous dog?

9 Answers