how to help my pet?

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ok so about a year ago my bf and i adopted a puppy from a shelter and she seems to have some serious issues and idk why ….my bf and i show her attention but we are the only people she is ever around because our families live out of state and we dont really get visiters …she is VERY anti social we try taking her to the dog park and she just finds a way to hide and doesnt attempt to play with the other dogs…she doesnt come to her name even though we have had her for a year and she has bit me a couple times …i dont understand whats going on with her and i want to help her as much as i can…ive tried looking for a trainer but =p the places around here are very pricey…..idk what to do for her and its making me really sad

asked May 4, 2014

2 Answers

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She could just have been under socialized as a puppy. Since you got her from a shelter, her previous home could have provided some negative experiences for her, or she didn't have a good experience at the shelter. Being around a lot of other (loud) dogs as a puppy, could have made her afraid of other dogs. Her behavior isn't quite normal, so I would see your vet just to be safe.
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Sounds like under-socialization and maybe some anxiety/confidence problems :/ I would check out Victoria Stilwell's training methods! A lot of people like Cesar Milan but he's very physical with dogs and with a puppy like yours that is very shy and has bitten before (which it sounds to me is a fear behaviour), physical is not what you want - if you push her around she's only going to flinch away more and it will probably just make her scared/prone to shutting down. Positive training and positive reinforcement will help boost her confidence. Some dogs get a confidence boost from doing things like agility too, which help to bond you with your dog as well!! Victoria Stilwell has a website with all kinds of advice. She's put out a couple of books on positive reinforcement training and has a TV series as well as many other resources. You're going to have to be very very patient and upbeat with her - do not push her around or punish her for this behaviour, since it's more likely to make her more afraid.