| Hand Shyness
My thirteen week old Jessy has become extremely "hand shy" meaning that when anyone goes to pet her, she quickly moves away from them.
She has been a cautious (but curious) pup from the beginning but thought that it was due to her plane ride from Seattle down to So. Cal. and getting settled in to her new home. We had an issue with carsickness but have diligently worked that issue out. When I take her for short walks in the neighborhood she is very interested in everything that moves but when the people move towards her, she runs behind my legs peering out around them. I have been taking her out every day to areas where there are people, letting her watch for a little bit and then moving to where they are coming and going and she gets comfortable with that. After a short while she will pull on the leash to smell the people walking by but again reverts to the shyness when someone attempts to pet her. I have had her for a month now and am becoming concerned at this behavior.
We have started our obedience classes (which she is doing absolutely great at!) although she is very shy around the other dogs (barking and growling while bouncing around with the other pups her size) but when they get too close she runs away.
I have no other dogs in the household and will not take her to dog parks so her exposure to dogs is limited to who we encounter on our short walks and training classes (part of the problem right?). She has not had any "bad" experiences" which would account for her shyness. Jessy is a very well-adjusted & affectionate pup in her own surroundings.
I know that socialization is extremely important to ensure a well-rounded and confident dog but should I be concerned that this behavior seems to not be going away at this age? This is only my second Rottie and the first one to have a "shyness" problem. I will continue to expose her to new situations and perhaps with time she will get comfortable with people and dogs.
Any helpful hints/suggestions? Will greatly appreciate any comments......  |