MJF
31-07-09, 22:44
The dog is young, quite timid/easily startled, but has never been mistreated. The timidness appears to be inherited. The dog is also very stubborn, often refusing to do what she's told even though she has shown many times that she understands the commands.
Any kind of change of voice or noise of disapproval sends her running in panic.
She's 18 months old, spayed, and has never been abused or neglected.
How should training be approached in a dog like this?
I'm asking because firm single commands don't work. What do I do when she doesn't obey? If I use a firm voice she panics and goes crazy, trying to get away from me. How do you discipline a stubborn dog that is terrified of everything??
She is a keeshond.
She's also not very food motivated, ignoring food rewards and not being that interested in toys. She really doesn't even seem to get that much enjoyment out of being petted, preferring to be at a distance from everyone. She is friendly toward visitors for a few minutes, jumping all over them and barking her head off, then slowly withdraws and won't go near them again after a few minutes. She acts excitable one minute then terrified the next. It's getting to the stage where we can't even walk her as she is so afraid of every sound and sight.
Any kind of change of voice or noise of disapproval sends her running in panic.
She's 18 months old, spayed, and has never been abused or neglected.
How should training be approached in a dog like this?
I'm asking because firm single commands don't work. What do I do when she doesn't obey? If I use a firm voice she panics and goes crazy, trying to get away from me. How do you discipline a stubborn dog that is terrified of everything??
She is a keeshond.
She's also not very food motivated, ignoring food rewards and not being that interested in toys. She really doesn't even seem to get that much enjoyment out of being petted, preferring to be at a distance from everyone. She is friendly toward visitors for a few minutes, jumping all over them and barking her head off, then slowly withdraws and won't go near them again after a few minutes. She acts excitable one minute then terrified the next. It's getting to the stage where we can't even walk her as she is so afraid of every sound and sight.