Help! My 4 mo male sheltie is scared of people

[Katagaria]

Caro's got it. My Jet's like this, over time I have begun to notice patterns with what he likes and what he doesn't like. He won't go near anyone who makes a fuss about him, but he gravitates towards people who ignore him completely, no eye/physical contact and nothing said to him. He then checks them out, if they "pass" he's often quite friendly with them if they notice him in future.

Children are one of the things he dislikes most, as they always seem to be zooming around and making noise.

He loves women, particularly older women, why? They're the ones who he's had mostly good experiences with growing up. Treats and love, treats and love.

He's pretty good with men who are slim and not too tall, like my boyfriend. But he does not like tall and large men.

As you may see, he's very picky with his choice of humans. The thing with him though, is he has little to no curiosity about him, he is mostly very reserved when it comes to humans and other dogs. Your little lad will improve with time, from my experience with my two a sheltie changes a lot in their first year with what they can and cannot handle, and I think that largely depends on how much they are exposed to these situations on a regular basis.

 

[sandrasawaya]

Merlin was like this, still can be actually. I go into 'jolly hockey sticks' mode, I'll say hello to the person and smile and walk past quickly so Merlin doesn't have a chance to stop and freak, then tell him what a good boy he is. I also will talk to him and get him to focus on me.

Riley starts to freak out as soon as he sees a person - even if he/she is feet away! It's a struggle walking past other people. Sometimes I put him into a sit and wait until the person passes by us but Riley breaks it immediately and tries to run the other way.. I'm always crouched down next to him with my hand on his backside trying to keep him in a sit and talking to him, etc... but he's frantically looking around (not at me - he ignores me) and trying to run..

 

[sandrasawaya]

This is important don't let strangers pat him. I know it's hard, shelties are cute puppies. You might want to put a bandana or t-shirt on with 'pup in training' or "L" (for learning). Explain to people you are working through his fear issues, but if they see you both around in a month's time come up and see how he's going. Most people understand, and if you think they won't just say "he's got fear issues" as you continue to walk past. If you allow someone to pat him, you crouch down next to him and touch him (maybe put your hand on his back or chest) so he knows you are there are will feel safe. The other person should crouch down to his level too - looming over a pup is very intimidating.

That's a great idea! I've always asked people to pet him but maybe I should just get him used to humans and rewarding any "non freak out" behaviour first. Thanks!

 

[sandrasawaya]

Just to throw this out there.. Have you noticed a pattern as to what type of people he's drawn to? Female? Male? White? Black? Mothers? Dads? Teens? 20s? Couples?

Riley's tends to follow women. He does tend to avoid men I've noticed UNLESS the man has a dog with him... Just yesterday a man with a little chihuahua were out for a walk and of course Riley's tail began wagging as soon as he saw the little guy and he went right up to that dog - completely ignoring the guy! I asked him to try and give Riley a treat and Riley did sniff the treat but would not take it.

 

[Mom2Melli]

When you are out and about -- first try not to YOU be worried about every move. It sort of ruins time out and also they pick it up and it contributes.

Second -- learn the dog's body language really well so you can prevent any unpleasantries calmly.

Third -- go with progressive. Start with letting people talk to you and stand near, perhaps with their down dog, and YOU give a treat. If he seems drawn to someone go with that but watch for any sign of fear or aggresion. Eventually, maybe he will take a treat from someone, perhaps they can give their own dog a treat and then try one for yours. Don't move to another step until the dog is very comfortable at certain level. Go watch kiddie sports games and sit away just watching and not let people pet him. Go sit at a Starbucks and let people walk past. Sit on a bench outside a mall or store entrance. Treat for calm. Discourge any kind of reaction. If people ask, state he is being socialized because he is shy and you are just exposing him to people.

IF he gets to the point he wants to take treats from someone or allow a pet then do that, but you need to feel out when he is ready and not push too far too fast. Timid can be corrected before it gets to fear aggression but if pushed too hard, it turns into fear aggression which is no fun.

 

[Chris]

One more thought: be aware that Riley may not be a "people Sheltie." Beckon (aka Colonel Underpants) was well socialized as a puppy, never had any bad experiences, but just doesn't like people and dogs other than his own family. If we have guests, he'll warm up after a few hours, and sometimes he positively falls in love with someone. But we've told him we love him just the way he is, and have stopped putting him in situations that make him frightened or insecure.