lacking in confidence

[copperfire78]

I have a 11 month old entire male rotti. He seems to be lacking in confidence. He can be quite shy and sometimes timid, He is great with other dogs , well socialized and never shy or timid then, but around people he can be. I am unsure how to raise his confidence or even if I can. Or is it something that will come with time? as he is still a baby. He is well trained and a great dog but I am worried that this could turn into nervous aggression. Well thanks for your time

[AngelBunny]

From what you say, I conclude you haven't done nearly enough to socialize him with all sorts of people. That's why he's "lacking in confidence," "quite shy and sometimes timid."

And, no, confidence isn't something he'll gain with time or age, if he isn't confident about the world and people in it now.

[copperfire78]

I take my dog with me everywhere I can and he is always in the house with visitors and the like. He also spends weekends at my adjistment centre where there are people all the time. We are still attending dog training where there are 12 other dogs and owners. So......how much more do you recommend ?

[Anne]

Some dogs are shy of people irrespective of how much socialisation they had as pups. Dogs are individuals as are humans. Not all shy dogs are fear aggressive and not all shy dogs are under socialised.

I have a dog who is timid around people she doesn't know. She is not timid if the unfamiliar people have a dog with them and will happily approach them.

She is 5 years old now and has never shown any sign of aggression and has never ever growled at anyone. If she doesn't want a pat from an unfamiliar person she simply stands behind me. She doesn't panic but moves quietly out of their reach.

She has been through some painful experiences with 2 x TPLO surgeries behind her and rather than snap or growl she will quietly whimper if vet examination causes her pain. She is testament that not all timid dogs are fear aggressive.

She is a well trained and obedient girl but I don't push her to accept pats from people she doesn't know. She is also excellent with other dogs and has never had an altercation. She reads their body language and if she feels in doubt she again comes and stands behind me.

My shy dog has never been a problem. It's her nature to be shy and it didn't have a thing to do with nurture as she was well socialised as a pup and is well cared for as an adult dog.

[gus gus]

Has your dog ever had a bad interaction with a human? If not I would agree with Anne your dog has a personality and it shows. Not all dogs are comfortable with new situations. Do you feel comfortable when your out socializing your dog? Your dog could be sensing how you feel and thus reacting to that. Anyway just my 2 cents.

[copperfire78]

thanks everyone for your replies you have all givin me something to think about, maybe if i just let Zues approach people in his own time and be more aware of of how he reacts in certain situations i can let him decide who he wants attension from and who he would rather avoid. He is a delightful dog and all i want it that he is healthy and happy.

[Anne]

I agree copperfire (I note you are a fellow Aussie). I allow my dog to either approach or not as she chooses. It really has been no big deal for me that my girl is shy. She is not plagued by demons and is a happy, healthy and playful dog.

She is a popular dog around this area because she is gentle and sweet natured. People around her know her name but they don't know mine.