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Subject: Help for an extremely shy GSP

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everbell

Kanata, ON

MH
Posts:2737

03/04/2010 7:14 AM
My friends have an 8 year old GSP who is extremely shy. She is now an only dog as her sister passed away in February. She was clingy before (especially to my girlfriend) and has been attacked a couple times at dog parks because her big sister isn't there to protect her anymore. Does anyone have any experience in improving this kind of behaviour? I'm worried she will get hurt or exhibit progressively more reclusive behaviour. Thanks!

Joce and Rich Bogart and Shiraz (GSPs) Roxane (RIP: 1995-2009) and Tiger Lily (Cats) The Everbell Adventures

jlp8cornell User is Offline

Ithaca NY

MH
Posts:461

03/04/2010 7:44 AM
Yikes- if she has been attacked at the dog park, why would they go back??? My advice is to find someone to talk walks with that has a friendly dog so the GSP can build some confidence. Subjecting her to a dog park at this stage is just cruel.

Jen http://www.perfectpedigrees.com/4genview.php?id=2440

Texas Belle User is Offline

Austin, TX

MH
Posts:6748

03/04/2010 8:07 AM
Even if she doesn't need it, I think I would enroll in an obedience class just to get her around other people, dogs and in a different but safe environment to help her build confidence. Actually an agility class might be better still. There is one older dog in my agility class that was a really shy rescue and they have successfully used agility class to help her. The person does not have to be planning to compete to take class.

Bev Quarles, the Pointer Sisters (Belle and Halo), the Outlaw GSP (Johnny Ringo) and the little Princess (Fauna) Yellow Rose GSPs "A dog has the soul of a philosopher." - Plato