Timid Dog (non Newf)

[kmann]

This weekend I'll be dog sitting my friend's 11 month old Husky. While she's great with other dogs, she's very timid around people, minus her mommy and daddy. My friend thinks she may have been abused before they got her at 9 months old . I've only been around her twice before and I'm looking for suggestions on how to make her feel more comfotable with me.

 

[blaue_augen]

Is she allowed to have lots of treats from you? I know I like people more when they bring me brownies! Also can you get together with the pup a few times before you become the baby sitter so she can get more used to you?

 

[kmann]

Is she allowed to have lots of treats from you? I know I like people more when they bring me brownies! Also can you get together with the pup a few times before you become the baby sitter so she can get more used to you?

Gosh do I love me some brownies!

They told me she doesn't like treats, but I think she may just not have had any she likes yet. I've got some different kinds on hand for her to try and hoping she associates me with the "cookie lady". Griffin will do ANYTHING for food, so I'm hoping this works with her too.

 

[new_2_newf]

Agreed, roll around in bacon grease.

Husky's can be somewhat standoff-ish (compared to a newf) than other dogs. I used to baby sit a male husky mix for a friend/neighbour. Storm was never afraid of me, but it did take a while for him to warm up to me...food helped until he was comfortable enough to come ask for lovins. Mike says I gave his dog a vagina because he now sleeps in bed and snuggles on the couch like a pro. His favorite is to run into my house, up to my room, and get snuggles in bed. He 'woo woos' and tells me all sorts of stories whilst getting belly rubs.
As long as the dog isn't fearful, I'd say standoffish is quite normal for the bread, and not to take it personally. be that awesome aunt and the dog will come around eventually.

 

[new_2_newf]

storm was also reluctant to take food directly from my hand (and still can be), so I had to toss things like bits of roast beef in his general direction. He'll take it from my hand now (this is like 2 years later), but he still takes it away, puts it down, checks it out and then eats it.

 

[NewfieMama]

Hot dogs and cheese sticks, in little pieces.

 

[mrsnamsherf]

Give her time. Don't look at her, talk to her, or pet her. Just go in, sit down, and read a book or something. Wait for her to come to you. Have treats and set them open next to you so she can smell them. When she comes up, offer her one. Only when she seems completely at ease should you pet her. She will feel more comfortable with you if you do not rush to make her acquaintance. Even if she already knows you, giving her some space and going slowly will help her learn to trust you.

I hope all goes well for you and her this weekend. :nod:

Marie

 

[Popcorn]

I agree with Marie. Let HER go her own pace. Ignore her until she makes the first move.

If she is like an abused rescue I had, she may never come out of her hiding space spontaneously. Then it's how much energy and time you can put into it ... if she's not fear aggressive, you could eventually just sit, facing away from her, next to her. Let her smell you. Then try rubbing her.

I might consider bringing my newfie, if she is not dog shy, to bring her out of her shell.

 

[R Taft]

Give her time. Don't look at her, talk to her, or pet her. Just go in, sit down, and read a book or something. Wait for her to come to you. Have treats and set them open next to you so she can smell them. When she comes up, offer her one. Only when she seems completely at ease should you pet her. She will feel more comfortable with you if you do not rush to make her acquaintance. Even if she already knows you, giving her some space and going slowly will help her learn to trust you.

I hope all goes well for you and her this weekend. :nod:

Marie

Ditto...ignore and just do what you always do ....most dogs find it very difficult when they are ignored.
It is also more relaxing for the dog. People trying to be friendly is often the most stressful thing for dogs..having her own bed/crate also helps and just some other stuff from home. Also keeping the same sort of schedule, for feeding/walking. Relax and enjoy.
And yes Huskies are more independent and often happy to be just left alone initially