Pups Afraid of Dogs

adelcrowsmel

Hi,

I'm just looking for abit of advise about my 2 pups. They are 4mth old king charles boys and I've had them out for a few walks lately but they just don't seem to be coping well with meeting other dogs along the route. Last night a collie was off its lead and came flying over to us and they went absolutely mental - I would expect them to be a little nervous, but they were squealling like pigs for about 10mins after the incident - the poor owner of the collie thought that her dog had attacked them with the reaction but he had only un over to greet them!! I know they haven't been around other dogs much, I've asked friends to bring their dogs to the house to try and get them used to other dogs and they just run and hide but its ten times worse when we are out and about. Any help???!!!! I just don't want them to be this afraid, I felt so sorry for them last night, they really got such a fright!!!

kazza90210

your pups are coming to the end of the main socialisation period for dogs so id advise to either get friends with calm dogs to come over and let them go hide while you guys sit calmly on the floor with the friends dog and let them come out in their own time usually they will want to come over to c whats going on,

or if its getting worse sign up to puppy classes as usually there is some socialisation time in the classes and meeting pups will help build their confidence.

Gone Drinking

Cesar says: Give them time

ISDW

I guess that as they're the same age, that they're litter mates? I think that you need to walk them seperately for a while, and if another dog comes over to you, don't make a big deal of it, definitely don't sympathise with them, otherwise they will think their reaction is the right one.

With two dogs that young together, I would say that they are feeding off each other's anxieties. Walk one, it would be great if you could arrange to meet a friend on a walk with a calm dog, and then just walk together, don't make a fuss. Once the dog sees that you're not worried, they should get the message that they don't need to be worried either. There is a lot of debate about the alpha dog theory, but with two littermates, they won't be seeing you as being in charge, they rely on each other instead of you, thats why you need to take them out and socialise them individually.

I think puppy classes would be great as well, but again, you need to try and seperate them during this.

Lauragoesmad

Hi adelcrowsmel,

First off, have you any pictures of your two pups? I have such a soft spot for king charles. They are like teddy bears. I had one for 14 years.

Did you pull on the leads when the collie came bounding over? Sometimes dogs pick up on an owners fear by tension on the lead. If not it just could have been that the collie was so hyper and big compared to them.

Kazza has hit the nail on the head about training classes. They might be upset for the first class or two but in the long run it will make them much happier dogs. Its very difficult when your dogs are upset but they are so adaptable and will come on leaps and bounds if they are socialised with other dogs from now on.

Good luck with your two new pooches!:)

adelcrowsmel

Hey Guys,

Thanks a mil for the replies!!! Yes they are litermates. I think puppy training might be a good idea - I'll have to have a look and see if they are any classes around Meath somewhere - if anyone can suggest any they've been to fell free!! I probably didn't help the situation either - the dog gave me abit of a fright too so they could have picked up on that alright - maybe I could do with the training too.... Lauragoesmad I've no pics on me at the minute but keep on an eye out for them - I'll put some up later for you.

Thanks again for the advice:)

Rachel 999

adelcrowsmel wrote: »

Hey Guys,

Thanks a mil for the replies!!! Yes they are litermates. I think puppy training might be a good idea - I'll have to have a look and see if they are any classes around Meath somewhere - if anyone can suggest any they've been to fell free!! I probably didn't help the situation either - the dog gave me abit of a fright too so they could have picked up on that alright - maybe I could do with the training too.... Lauragoesmad I've no pics on me at the minute but keep on an eye out for them - I'll put some up later for you.

Thanks again for the advice:)

If it is cavaliers you have and want training and advice in Co. Meath try www.bellewstownkennels.com :):)

adelcrowsmel

As promised - pictures of the two boys in question - Charlie and Archie (Archie is the slightly smaller one).

Thanks Rachel 999 I'll have a look at their site!!

Lauragoesmad

Thanks for showing us the pictures, adelcrowsmel! Your two pups are beauties!! Just a word of warning. You might want to get them used to the hoover soon, as King Charles shed so much hair that I had mine trained to let me hoover her once a day.:D They really are gorgeous. I have to admit, I want them!:)