pups skiddish behavior

i have a 9mth old female and sometime when she hears loud noises or things to that effect she kinda tucks her ass and runs i was wondering if anyone could help me with someways to help build her confidence thanks

 

repeated exposure to whatever causes that reaction- until she learns there's nothing to fear. Ignore her fearful reaction- don't try to calm her down or tell her it's ok

 

also, it's ok for a dog to get startled, but I feel it shouldn't happen TOO often and when it does they should recover quickly (not continue to be fearful)

 

Shes still a puppy and figuring things out just do like n2 said and just go about your way like nothing happened if she gets startled... she will grow out of it.

 

More socialization is need....did you just acquire her? Many pups raised on chains while growing up on a yard away from the public eye and tucked in the bush or someones backyard behave like this! Lack of socialization with her surroundings and people, is one of the worse things dog owners can do....handwalking does wonders!

YIS

 

Yep, got one this weekend and is just like that. I figure she'll come around. Gotta spend time wit'em, that's all. I got her in my bedroom in the kennel. I gotta carry her around literally or she won't walk, Lol....I guess the flooring freaks her out

 

Is she food or toy driven?

Giving her treats or playing with a toy around something she's afraid of can really help her come around. Just don't baby her, people make the mistake of saying "Aww, it's okay! Good girl!" When a dog is scared of something - like thunder. But that is exactly the same as praising a dog for acting happy and friendly with new people. When you praise and try to sooth a scared dog, all you're doing is saying "Good girl, be scared. You're supposed to be scared of this."

I have to say, that is the reason SO many ankle biters are so freaking skittish and quick to bite. They're treated like kids.

 

the guy that i got her from pretty much keeped tha pups in a welpin box so they really didnt get much socialization she was aslo tha runt of tha litter i dont kno if that has anything to do with it

 

Take it slow and steady. If she's startled by something, DON'T coddle her for it. Let her investigate the item that terrified her. Expose her to the different sounds/smells/etc. of every day life. Introduce her to as many people as possible, but make it a positive experience.

Bribery works WONDERS on a nervous dog/pup to let them know that approaching something scary and not being nervous about it gets them rewarded and makes them WANT to approach.

 

Interact with her,while small distractions are going on.use that as a build up,lots of treats,include her favorite toy.my male was the same way.she'll come around...good luck

 

yep, like others said. lots of desensitization, bring her out around traffic, crowds, cars backfiring, anything and everything. once she gets used to all the new noises and such she will be o.k. socializing a pup is key for their mental health....BTW if she does tuck tail and run just keep walking, make believe like you dont even notice, no eye contact, no "talking" to her and def no touching her, just ignore it and keep walking like its no big deal and soon enough she will think its no big deal.

 

When she acts scared ignore the reaction, don't try to comfort her because she will take that as praise for acting scared, reinforcement to act that way.

Remember she is a puppy, she does need praise and reassurance at the right time. When she acts confident and strong willed praise her, pet her, make a big deal out of her. Reinforce her curiosity and confidence.

 

I tried my ass off with the bitch I had and couldn't get her to come around. So damn people shy, seemed like she was afraid to work. More concerned with the people around than the task at hand. She is no longer with me. Gave her to a female friend that's a rescuer......

 

I agree with flipside abt handwalking and spendingmore time with her remember she's just a pup take her out and fool more with her maybe she'll snap out of it

 

MY girl just asked me if i wrote this topic after she read it?! I also have a near 9 month old puppy that acts just like that.
I am being patient as can be even though i feel its a questionable trait.